Final questions
Which of these features signify a groundwater discharge area? CHOOSE FOUR Gaining Stream Losing Stream Flowing Well Spring Playa
Gaining Stream Flowing Well Spring Playa
What materials were used to determine the age of the Earth? Meteorites Gneisses from the continental shields Zircons from Australia Rock samples from the outer core Samples of the oceanic crust from the Northwest Pacific sea floor
Meteorites
Which of the following are ways of correlating rocks? SELECT THREE THAT APPLY Type of formation Topographic expression Elevation Magmatic characteristic Rock type Fossils Time (age)
Rock type Fossils Time (age)
Which best describes half life? Half time between a decay Half of the time between a decay Time for half of a single radioactive atom to decay Time for half of a radioactive sample to decay Half time from the end of a radioactive sample being destroyed
Time for half of a radioactive sample to decay
If you find a rock with distinct foliation, how was this rock metamorphosed? directed stress non-directed stress heat from pluton hydrothermal fluids confining pressure
directed stress
What is the protolith of marble? Quartzite Sandstone Shale Limestone Mudstone
Limestone
Which of these is likely to increase erosion of sediment in the headwaters of a stream? SELECT THREE Lowering of base level Smaller drainage area An increase in velocity Raising of base level Lowering of discharge Steeper gradient due to uplift
Lowering of base level An increase in velocity Steeper gradient due to uplift
What is correlation? Matching up rocks of similar properties in different regions Matching up continental coasts based on matching shapes Dividing up rock layers into new ones based on mineral content Putting events in order from first to last Putting events in order from last to first
Matching up rocks of similar properties in different regions
What is correlation? Matching up rocks of similar properties in different regions Dividing up rock layers into new ones based on mineral content Putting events in order from first to last Matching up continental coasts based on matching shapes Putting events in order from last to first
Matching up rocks of similar properties in different regions
What materials were used to determine the age of the Earth? Gneisses from the continental shields Rock samples from the outer core Samples of the oceanic crust from the Northwest Pacific sea floor Zircons from Australia Meteorites
Meteorites
Which of these formulas correctly shows the water budget of the Great Basin? (P=precipitation, R=runoff, E=evapotranspiration, G=groundwater storage) E+G=P/R P=R+E+G G=P+E-R E=R-P+G R+P=G+E
P=R+E+G
When mineral "X" originally formed in a granite, there is 100% of the unstable radiometric parent material and 0% of the stable daughter material. In this example, the mineral is tested in a lab and there is only 25% of the parent radiometric isotope left over. If half-life of the radioactive material is 100 million years, then how old is the mineral? 25 million years 200 million years 400 million years 50 million years 100 million years
200 million years
When mineral "X" originally formed in a granite, there is 100% of the unstable radiometric parent material and 0% of the stable daughter material. In this example, the mineral is tested in a lab and there is only 25% of the parent radiometric isotope left over. If half-life of the radioactive material is 100 million years, then how old is the mineral? 200 million years 25 million years 100 million years 400 million years 50 million years
200 million years
The Precambrian represents what fraction of earth history? 50% 99% 12% 1% 88%
88%
The Precambrian represents what fraction of earth history? 88% 99% 50% 12% 1%
88%
What is the "Law of the River"? A federal law regulating the use of water from the Colorado River A natural law that states how water is gathered in the Colorado River Basin into the Colorado River A complex of agreements among Colorado Basin states and between The United States and Mexico regarding allocation of Colorado River water. Just another name for the 1922 Colorado River Compact
A complex of agreements among Colorado Basin states and between The United States and Mexico regarding allocation of Colorado River water.
Which of these streams has the highest discharge? A stream that is 20 feet across, 3 feet deep, and moving at 10 feet per second A stream that is 5 feet across, 10 feet deep, and moving at 10 feet per second A stream that is 10 feet across, 1 foot deep, and moving at 50 feet per second A stream that is 10 feet across, 2 foot deep, and moving at 30 feet per second A stream that is 5 feet across, 5 feet deep, and moving at 5 feet per second
A stream that is 20 feet across, 3 feet deep, and moving at 10 feet per second
A rock stratum is tilted noticeably from horizontal. What is the most reasonable conclusion you can draw? A volcano punched through the region deforming the stratum The stratum was deposited on the angle of the continental slope The layers have slowly rotated as the ground around them has been compressed with lithification A bolide (meteorite) struck that region and the stratum is bowed up near the margin of the crater A tectonic event has occurred in the area since deposition of the stratum
A tectonic event has occurred in the area since deposition of the stratum
A rock stratum is tilted noticeably from horizontal. What is the most reasonable conclusion you can draw? A tectonic event has occurred in the area since deposition of the stratum The layers have slowly rotated as the ground around them has been compressed with lithification A volcano punched through the region deforming the stratum A bolide (meteorite) struck that region and the stratum is bowed up near the margin of the crater The stratum was deposited on the angle of the continental slope
A tectonic event has occurred in the area since deposition of the stratum
What percentage of water is fresh surface water? About 1.2% About 50% Less than 0.12% About 10.2% About 3.5%
About 1.2%
What percentage of freshwater is groundwater? About 3.5% About 60.5% About 0.002% About 1.2% About 30.1%
About 30.1%
The shape of the water molecule is unique with two hydrogen ions bonded to the side of the oxygen ion. This give water several unique properties. Select four of them. Drinkable Adhesion Cohesion Polarity Transparent Colorless High specific heat
Adhesion Cohesion Polarity High specific heat
Which type of unconformity is usually easy to spot, since multiple sedimentary layers lie at different tilts? Angular unconformity Nonconformity Non-depositional unconformity Disconformity Paraconformity
Angular unconformity
Which type of unconformity is usually easy to spot, since multiple sedimentary layers lie at different tilts? Paraconformity Angular unconformity Non-depositional unconformity Nonconformity Disconformity
Angular unconformity
What is required for an artesian system to work? SELECT ATWO Aquicludes confining an aquifer Jointed granite in the recharge area A recharge area uphill from artesian wells consistently high levels of precipitation
Aquicludes confining an aquifer A recharge area uphill from artesian wells
In a desert region, what is the absolute limit to the water budget? Average precipitation Permeability of surface rocks Presence of springs Nature and abundance of vegetation Human population growth
Average precipitation
Which three of the following are examples of trace fossils? SELECT THREE Bone Shell mold Burrow mold Footprint Shell cast Fossil poop (coprolites)
Burrow mold Footprint Fossil poop (coprolites)
Carbonic acid is present in all precipitation. It forms there because: CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in water droplets in clouds from which precipitation falls. a reaction occurs with sulfuric acid dissolves in clouds producing acid rain. there are many sources of carbon, from all sorts of industrial operations that cause pollution car exhaust interacts with atmospheric moisture to produce it.
CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in water droplets in clouds from which precipitation falls.
Why does travertine form on cave walls? The water carrying the calcite stops in the cave and calcite precipitates there. Changes in gas or temperature lead to the precipitation of calcite. The empty space in the chamber gives the calcite a place to grow. The lack of light allows calcite reactions to precipitate extra minerals
Changes in gas or temperature lead to the precipitation of calcite.
What stratigraphic principle is most directly used to determine relative age among different kinds of geologic events of different ages? Superposition Cross cutting relationships Original horizontality Fossil succession Lateral continuity
Cross cutting relationships
What stratigraphic principle is most directly used to determine relative age among different kinds of geologic events of different ages? Lateral continuity Fossil succession Superposition Original horizontality Cross cutting relationships
Cross cutting relationships
Which kind of unconformity is probably the hardest to recognize among layered rocks because the angle of rocks above and below the erosional surface is the same? Angular unconformity Paraconformity Non-depositional unconformity Disconformity Non-conformity
Disconformity
Which kind of unconformity is probably the hardest to recognize among layered rocks because the angle of rocks above and below the erosional surface is the same? Disconformity Angular unconformity Paraconformity Non-conformity Non-depositional unconformity
Disconformity
The areas from which streams collect water are separated into ______________, the borders of which are defined by local topographic highs. Discharge segments Tributary streams Stream mouths Dry washes Drainage basins
Drainage basins
The areas from which streams collect water are separated into _______________, the borders of which are defined by local topographic highs. Discharge segments Stream mouth Drainage basins Tributary streams Dry wash
Drainage basins
Which of these are the longest period of time? Period Eon Era Epoch Age
Eon
Which of these are the longest period of time? Eon Epoch Age Period Era
Eon
Where the stream velocity increases along a cut bank, what also increases? Erosion Deposition Gradient Discharge Base level
Erosion
Which three of the following are examples of trace fossils? SELECT THREE Bone Footprint Burrow mold Shell mold Shell cast Fossil poop (coprolites)
Footprint Burrow mold Fossil poop (coprolites)
Which three of the following are examples of trace fossils? SELECT THREE Footprint Shell cast Fossil poop (coprolites) Burrow mold Bone Shell mold
Footprint Fossil poop (coprolites) Burrow mold
Based on the water cycle, all water available to land dwelling organisms including humankind, ultimately comes from where? Pumping of groundwater Lakes and rivers From the sky as precipitation Plants and animals Melting glaciers
From the sky as precipitation
Why are fossils so uncommon in older rocks? Hard parts had not developed yet Organisms look like minerals More old rocks available Organisms too small to find Life did not exist until recently
Hard parts had not developed yet
Why are fossils so uncommon in older rocks? Hard parts had not developed yet Organisms look like minerals More old rocks available Organisms too small to find Life did not exist until recently
Hard parts had not developed yet
What is the difference between heat and temperature? Heat is produced by solar energy; temperature is produced by radioactivity Heat is a constant quantity; temperature depends on the age of the rock Heat is measured by a thermometer; temperature is measured by a heat meter Heat is thermal energy; temperature is vibrational (kinetic) energy of atoms Heat is produced by radioactivity; temperature is produced by solar energy
Heat is thermal energy; temperature is vibrational (kinetic) energy of atoms
What is an important result of the molecular process by which water freezes in contrast with most other substances? The polarity of water creates polarized ice crystals. The cohesion of water molecules causes freezing. Frozen water expels dissolved substances. Ice floats on water.
Ice floats on water.
Which of these would likely produce the most reliable absolute age of formation from radiometric dating techniques? Low-grade metamorphic Sediments Igneous rock Sedimentary rock High-grade metamorphic
Igneous rock
Which of these would likely produce the most reliable absolute age of formation from radiometric dating techniques? Sedimentary rock Sediments High-grade metamorphic Low-grade metamorphic Igneous rock
Igneous rock
What happens to water after falling to Earth as precipitation? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY It becomes lithified It infiltrates It sinks It evaporates It runs off
It infiltrates It evaporates It runs off
Why is the mineral zircon good for absolute dating? SELECT THREE It is durable It is chemically inert It contains uranium It contains potassium It reacts easily It forms in all igneous rocks
It is durable It is chemically inert It contains uranium
Why is the mineral zircon good for absolute dating? SELECT THREE It contains potassium It is durable It forms in all igneous rocks It reacts easily It is chemically inert It contains uranium
It is durable It is chemically inert It contains uranium
How does the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) application for Snake Valley water affect Utah? It would override the Colorado River Compact It would lower the level of the Great Salt Lake It would attract Utah gamblers to Las Vegas It would divert excess water from Nevada into Utah It would take Utah irrigation water
It would take Utah irrigation water
What is the amphoteric property of water? It readily fills empty spaces. It boils at high temperatures. It adheres to itself. Its ability to ionize into ions of both acid and base. It adheres to other things.
Its ability to ionize into ions of both acid and base.
What is polymorphism among minerals? Minerals that have the same chemical formula but different crystal structures. Minerals that have the same crystal structure but different chemical formulas. When the same mineral appears in different metamorphic grades. When the same mineral appears in different metamorphic facies The few minerals that can have multiple different crystal habits depending on formation.
Minerals that have the same chemical formula but different crystal structures.
Index minerals are ______. Minerals that form at high pressure. Minerals that help organize metamorphic rocks. Minerals that grow in magma and therefore will be found in foliated rocks. Any minerals that grow in metamorphic rocks. Minerals that only form at certain temperatures/pressures.
Minerals that only form at certain temperatures/pressures.
Which of these are causes of salt contamination of groundwater? CHOOSE THREE Roof runoff in industrial parks Natural evaporite deposits Overpumping in beach communities Street snow and ice melting compounds Car exhaust in the winter Underground fuel tanks
Natural evaporite deposits Overpumping in beach communities Street snow and ice melting compounds
Darwin's explanation of Evolution as the origin of species proposed what as a mechanism? DNA Sexual reproduction Natural selection Mendelian heredity Acquired characteristics
Natural selection
Darwin's explanation of Evolution as the origin of species proposed what as a mechanism? Sexual reproduction Acquired characteristics DNA Natural selection Mendelian heredity
Natural selection
Which state is the driest? Utah California Colorado Nevada Arizona
Nevada
Which of these contaminants plays the biggest role in the growth of blue-green algae? Acid drainage Chloride Nutrients Arsenic Surfactants
Nutrients
Which stratigraphic principle states that sedimentary rocks are deposited in layers perpendicular to the direction of gravity? Lateral continuity Faunal succession Cross-cutting relations Superposition Original horizontality
Original horizontality
Which stratigraphic principle states that sedimentary rocks are deposited in layers perpendicular to the direction of gravity? Original horizontality Superposition Cross-cutting relations Faunal succession Lateral continuity
Original horizontality
What does a phase diagram show? The progression of phases from low grade to high grade metamorphism Tectonic settings for different mineral phases Pressure and temperature ranges at which mineral phases are stable Various minerals that are grouped in different metamorphic facies Depositional environments for different mineral phases
Pressure and temperature ranges at which mineral phases are stable
What is metamorphism? Mineral grains are cemented into solid rock Layering of mineral grains Changing from a larva to a full-grown adult Previously existing rock changes in composition and texture Dissolution or melting of low temperature minerals
Previously existing rock changes in composition and texture
How can you distinguish between quartzite and sandstone? Quartzite is always much darker in color than sandstone Quartzite is foliated while sandstone is nonfoliated Quartzite is very hard (greater than 7) while sandstone is quite soft (less than three) Quarftzite fizzes with acid while sandstone does not Quartzite breaks across the grains while sandstone breaks around the grains
Quartzite breaks across the grains while sandstone breaks around the grains
How can the metamorphic rock quartzite be distinguished from its protolith sandstone? Quartzite is darker in color Quartzite is more foliated Quartzite fizzes when in contact with acid Quartzite breaks across the sand grains Quartzite is always softer
Quartzite breaks across the sand grains
Which of the following are ways of correlating rocks? SELECT THREE THAT APPLY Type of formation Magmatic characteristic Rock type Fossils Time (age) Topographic expression Elevation
Rock type Fossils Time (age)
Which of these fit polymorphism? Same formula, different minerals Same color, different type of formation Same color, different minerals Same mineral, different colors Same mineral, different crystal structures
Same formula, different minerals
Which of these would likely produce the LEAST reliable absolute age of a rock from radiometric dating techniques? Sedimentary rock Extrusive igneous rock Intrusive igneous rock High-grade metamorphic rocks Low-grade metamorphic rocks
Sedimentary rock
Which of these would likely produce the LEAST reliable absolute age of a rock from radiometric dating techniques? High-grade metamorphic rocks Intrusive igneous rock Extrusive igneous rock Sedimentary rock Low-grade metamorphic rocks
Sedimentary rock
How does burial metamorphism occur? Ocean crust minerals change when slabs are deeply buried in subduction zones. Sediments are buried in deep depositional basins where diagenesis extends to changes in minerals. Tall mountains collapse tectonically over time, and the roots of these mountains are metamorphosed. Continental collisions cause crunching and burial of rocks that were formerly near the surface. Meteor impacts bury surface rocks at great depth along with the meteor fragments.
Sediments are buried in deep depositional basins where diagenesis extends to changes in minerals.
What features are associated with karst regions? SELECT FOUR Sinking creeks Sinkholes Braided streams Rock towers Meandering floodplains Caverns
Sinking creeks Sinkholes Rock towers Caverns
How does stress differ from strain? Stress is applied force; strain is the resulting change. Stress is compression of minerals and rocks; strain is when minerals melt Stress is a lesser force; strain is a very large force Stress causes minerals to dissolve or recrystallize; strain causes minerals to grow Stress is a very large force; strain is a lesser force
Stress is applied force; strain is the resulting change.
What drives the water cycle? Sun Tides Plate tectonics Pressure Gravitational energy
Sun
Which stratigraphic principle states that the sedimentary layer that is on the bottom should be the oldest? Faunal succession Lateral continuity Original horizontality Cross-cutting relationships Superposition
Superposition
Which stratigraphic principle states that the sedimentary layer that is on the bottom should be the oldest? Lateral continuity Superposition Faunal succession Original horizontality Cross-cutting relationships
Superposition
Why is the Colorado River Compact (as conceived and amended) likely to cause problems in the future? Sea level rise is choking the Colorado River Delta in Mexico The Compact must be ratified by Congress The Compact was made in a year of high flow and based allocations on specific volumes and did not consider growth/drought The Compact is subject to votes by the people in the various states and entities
The Compact was made in a year of high flow and based allocations on specific volumes and did not consider growth/drought
Which of these are considered to be the porosity of a material? CHOOSE FOUR The salt-rich portion of a rock that might dissolve away The spaces between the sand grains in a pile of sand The open spaces between clay particles in a very impermeable rock A cave in a limestone Fractures in a granite that happened after the granite cooled
The spaces between the sand grains in a pile of sand The open spaces between clay particles in a very impermeable rock A cave in a limestone Fractures in a granite that happened after the granite cooled
When a stream enters a lake or ocean, the stream velocity slows. What would you expect to happen to the bedload and suspended load? What landform would this create? The stream would gain energy to form an alluvial fan. The stream would dry up and form a playa. The stream would lose energy and drop its sediments forming a delta. The stream would gain energy and actively erode as a cut bank. The stream would lose energy and actively erode as a delta.
The stream would lose energy and drop its sediments forming a delta.
Which best describes half life? Time for half of a radioactive sample to decay Time for half of a single radioactive atom to decay Half time between a decay Half time from the end of a radioactive sample being destroyed Half of the time between a decay
Time for half of a radioactive sample to decay
Where would you expect to find a dendritic drainage pattern? Underlying sedimentary rocks are mostly uniform and flat lying. Underlying rocks are granitic or folded sediments Terrains of highly metamorphosed rocks Low lying areas of jointed and faulted rocks
Underlying sedimentary rocks are mostly uniform and flat lying.
What materials can be used to give an accurate and absolute age date to the deposition of sedimentary rock sequences? SELECT FOUR Volcanic tuffs and other pyroclastic material Lava flows Quartz grains in sandstone Dikes and sills Some evaporite minerals Contained fossils
Volcanic tuffs and other pyroclastic material Lava flows Dikes and sills Some evaporite minerals
What materials can be used to give an accurate and absolute age date to the deposition of sedimentary rock sequences? SELECT FOUR Volcanic tuffs and other pyroclastic material Some evaporite minerals Contained fossils Lava flows Quartz grains in sandstone Dikes and sills
Volcanic tuffs and other pyroclastic material Some evaporite minerals Lava flows Dikes and sills
This unique property of water keeps the oceans from freezing from the bottom up. Water molecules cannot freeze at high pressures High specific heat means sea water absorbs too much heat to freeze Cohesion between water molecules creates surface tension which prevents cold water from sinking Salt dissolved in water prevents it from freezing Water is most dense 4 degrees above its freezing point
Water is most dense 4 degrees above its freezing point
When does groundwater mining occur? When the rate of recharge exceeds that of groundwater discharge. When the rate of discharge exceeds that of groundwater recharge. When precious minerals are discovered within a groundwater aquifer. When springs decrease in flow and plants cease to use groundwater. When wells pump from an aquifer at a continuous rate.
When the rate of discharge exceeds that of groundwater recharge.
What are the characteristics of an index fossil? Widespread geographically and chronologically The most famous fossils in an area Localized geographically and chronologically Widespread geographically, chronologically limited The largest fossils in an area Localized geographically, chronologically widespread
Widespread geographically, chronologically limited
What are the characteristics of an index fossil? Widespread geographically and chronologically The largest fossils in an area Localized geographically and chronologically Widespread geographically, chronologically limited Localized geographically, chronologically widespread The most famous fossils in an area
Widespread geographically, chronologically limited
Which mineral listed is the most commonly used for dating very old rocks? Quartz Diamond Amphibole Olivine Zircon
Zircon
Which mineral listed is the most commonly used for dating very old rocks? Quartz Diamond Olivine Amphibole Zircon
Zircon
Samarium-147 decays to neodymium-143 in one step. Which decay process does this? beta electron capture gamma neutron capture alpha
alpha
Samarium-147 decays to neodymium-143 in one step. Which decay process does this? electron capture gamma neutron capture beta alpha
alpha
What is The Rincon at Lake Powell in Utah? a collapsed cavern system A meterorite impact crater an entrenched abandoned meander an abandoned side canyon from before Lake Powell filled
an entrenched abandoned meander
What does a groundwater budget do? calculates the value of a groundwater resource balances precipitation against evaporation and discharge subtracts irrigation water from culinary water used to calculate the consumer water bill compares fresh and polluted water
balances precipitation against evaporation and discharge
Metamorphic facies are characterized by assemblages (groups) of index minerals. Which metamorphic facies is associated with subduction zones? greenschist blueschist granulite epidote-eclogite redschist
blueschist
The result of differential stress (pressure) on rocks can: cause the rocks to partially erode. cause mineral crystals to align parallel to each other. cause mineral crystals to dissolve perpendicular to the stress. cause new minerals to grow randomly in the protolith. make the rock become unrecognizable.
cause mineral crystals to align parallel to each other.
When magma intrudes pre-existing country rock, the rock will be cooked by the magma. This metamorphic process is called _____. regional metamorphism fault metamorphism burial metamorphism contact metamorphism shock metamorphism
contact metamorphism
An aquifer should have which of the following qualities: CHOOSE THREE has a confining layer contains drinkable water high porosity high permeability
contains drinkable water high porosity high permeability
Streams in the Great Basin of Western United States are rare among world streams because they _________________? carry especially salty water end in closed (endorheic) basins freeze during the wintertime do not form deltas are dry much of the year
end in closed (endorheic) basins
Which metamorphic texture describes minerals oriented flat and parallel to each other so as to make sheets or planes in the rock? lineated foliated nonfoliated lamination stratification
foliated
What is a tektite? Obsidian shattered by tectonic violence Rounded quartz grains glass ejected during an impact event Glass shards in tephra Melted rock from the action of faulting
glass ejected during an impact event
Distinct banding of light and dark minerals is described as a ______ texture. marbled gneissic schistose phyllitic slatey cleavage
gneissic
The core of a mountain range that formed during regional metamorphism would contain a _____ metamorphic facies. zeolite high-grade moderate-grade low-grade blueschist
high-grade
Heat promotes recrystallization by __________. causing minerals to melt stripping away valence electrons adding catalysts to reactions separating ultramafic elements from mafic ones increasing atomic vibration
increasing atomic vibration
Chemically reactive fluids react with __________to grow new minerals. minerals in the protolith the high temperatures groundwater magmatic water ocean water
minerals in the protolith
Which of these is a source of nonpoint pollution? CHOOSE TWO residential areas sewage treatment plants fields of an agricultural area gas station chemical spill site
residential areas fields of an agricultural area
Which of these has the largest mica grains? phyllite shale slate marble schist
schist
Based on Utah water rights law, the _________ water rights holder has priority use of water. youngest richest senior downstream upstream
senior
The protolith of slate is ______. shale sandstone gneiss limestone granite
shale
Which sequence list shows metamorphic rocks in order from from low-grade to high-grade? schist→slate→gneiss→phyllite phyllite→slate→schist→gneiss slate→phyllite→gneiss→schist gneiss→schist→phyllite→slate slate→phyllite→schist→gneiss
slate→phyllite→schist→gneiss
What are the three agents of metamorphism? differential pressure, deep-sea smokers, and hydrothermal vents differential pressure, heat, and temperature temperature, pressure, and chemically reactive fluids differential pressure, confining pressure, and lithostatic pressure temperature, magma, and sediments
temperature, pressure, and chemically reactive fluids
Metamorphic index minerals are an indicator of _____. the specific pressures and temperatures experienced by the rock the age of the metamorphism the specific depth inside the earth. how long the rocks have been exposed on the surface the amount of time that the rock has been metamorphosed
the specific pressures and temperatures experienced by the rock
How does an oxbow lake form? when a point bar has depressions when a river confluence is left behind when a river floods and water ponds in a floodplain depression when a meander is cut off and abandoned when a river entrenches its floodplain
when a meander is cut off and abandoned
