Can You Pass The Geology Practice Exam?

Rocks are composed of minerals, which are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and are formed through geological processes over millions of years. They can be identified by their physical and chemical properties, such as hardness, color, and luster. While crystals are a type of mineral, sand and glass are not minerals but rather products of weathering and human activity, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is minerals.

During an earthquake, shaking can trigger landslides as the ground becomes unstable and loose soil or rocks can slide down slopes. The shaking can also generate a tsunami if the earthquake occurs under the ocean, causing the water above to be displaced and creating powerful waves. Additionally, the intense shaking can cause rigid buildings to collapse as the structural integrity is compromised, leading to devastating damage and potential loss of life. Therefore, all of the above options are possible consequences of shaking during an earthquake.

As the gas pressure builds in a magma, it creates a higher level of energy and force within the volcano. This increased pressure can result in a more explosive eruption. The gas bubbles within the magma expand rapidly, causing the magma to fragment and explode violently from the volcano. This can lead to the ejection of ash, rocks, and pyroclastic material into the atmosphere, creating a highly destructive eruption. Therefore, the higher the gas pressure, the more likely it is to produce a more explosive eruption.

All of the given statements are true about rocks and minerals. Rocks can indeed contain more than one mineral, as they are composed of various minerals that are naturally occurring solid substances. Minerals, on the other hand, are indeed composed of chemical elements. Lastly, it is also true that a single rock can include more than one mineral, as rocks are often made up of a mixture of different minerals.

All of these factors strongly influence the size, shape, and sorting of sedimentary clasts. The agents of transport, such as wind, water, or ice, determine how the sediments are moved and deposited, affecting their size and shape. The strength of the current determines the energy of the transport, which can impact the sorting of the sediments. Sediment supply plays a crucial role in determining the quantity and type of sediments available for deposition. Lastly, the steepness of the slope affects the speed and force of the transport, influencing the size and sorting of the clasts.

The three main types of stress are compression, tension, and shear. Compression occurs when forces push or squeeze an object together, causing it to become shorter and denser. Tension is the opposite of compression, where forces stretch or pull an object apart, causing it to become longer and thinner. Shear stress occurs when forces act parallel to each other but in opposite directions, causing the object to deform or slide. These three types of stress play a significant role in various geological processes and can lead to the formation of mountains, faults, and earthquakes.

Geology can help us learn about Earth's past by studying various aspects. By examining all the above options, geologists can understand why continents and oceans are different, how landscapes have formed over time, and how life in the past differed from the present. Geology provides insights into the Earth's history and helps us understand the processes that have shaped our planet.

When tributaries join the main river, several changes occur. Firstly, the channel size increases as more water is added to the main river. Secondly, the water velocity increases due to the increased volume of water flowing through the channel. Thirdly, the amount of discharge, which refers to the volume of water passing through a cross-section of the river per unit of time, increases. Lastly, the total sediment load, which includes the amount of sediment carried by the river, also increases. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

The distribution of natural resources is influenced by all of the factors mentioned above. Types of rocks play a role as different types of rocks contain different minerals and resources. The age of rocks is important because older rocks have had more time for the accumulation of resources. Additionally, the ways that rocks are formed, such as through volcanic activity or sedimentation, can affect the concentration and availability of natural resources. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the distribution of natural resources.

Tectonic plates move at a very slow pace, measured in centimeters per year. This movement is due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle. The plates can either move apart, collide, or slide past each other at plate boundaries. This slow movement over millions of years leads to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

Shield volcanoes have low slopes primarily because the low viscosity of basaltic magma allows it to flow downhill for long distances. Basaltic magma has a lower silica content, which gives it a lower viscosity compared to other types of magma. This low viscosity allows the magma to flow more easily, resulting in gentle slopes as it spreads out over larger areas. As a result, shield volcanoes have a characteristic broad and shallow shape, with gently sloping sides.

As the velocity of a stream increases, the erosive power also increases. This is because higher velocity allows the stream to carry larger and heavier sediment particles, increasing the force with which they can erode the streambed and banks. Additionally, higher velocity increases the kinetic energy of the water, enabling it to break down and dissolve rocks and minerals more effectively. Therefore, the correct answer is that erosion increases as velocity increases.

Subduction is the correct answer because it refers to the process of one tectonic plate sliding beneath another plate. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates are moving towards each other. As one plate sinks into the mantle, it is subducted beneath the other plate. This process is responsible for the formation of trenches, volcanic arcs, and mountain ranges. Transformation refers to the process of one type of rock changing into another, convergence refers to plates coming together, and divergence refers to plates moving apart.

The given correct answer states that all of the options provided are common triggers for slope failure. This implies that each option listed (volcanic eruption, adding water to slope, shaking during an earthquake) can potentially cause a slope failure. Therefore, there is no single option that is NOT a common trigger for slope failure.

The oceanic crust is the thinnest layer among the given options. It is the outermost layer of the Earth's lithosphere and is found beneath the oceans. It is composed mainly of basaltic rocks and has an average thickness of around 5-10 kilometers. In contrast, the other layers mentioned, such as the upper and lower mantle, outer core, and inner core, are much thicker and located deeper within the Earth.

Compression is the type of stress that is the cause of most folding. When rocks are subjected to compressive forces, they are squeezed or pushed together, causing them to fold and buckle. This type of stress is commonly found in convergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates collide. The compression forces act perpendicular to the direction of the fold, leading to the formation of folds in the rock layers.

Fluvial refers to the processes and sediment of streams and rivers. This term encompasses the various activities and materials associated with the flow of water in these natural watercourses. It includes erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment, as well as the formation of landforms such as meanders and floodplains. Fluvial processes are crucial for shaping the landscape, influencing the distribution of water resources, and supporting diverse ecosystems that depend on these water bodies.

An aquifer is a large body of permeable, saturated material that allows groundwater to flow easily and provides enough water to wells and springs. This means that the aquifer has the ability to hold and transmit water, making it a reliable source of water for human use. It is different from an aquitard, which is a less permeable layer that restricts the flow of groundwater. A groundwater divide refers to a boundary between different drainage basins, while a hydraulic gradient is the slope of the water table.

The hypothesis of continental drift was developed using all of the mentioned data. The distribution of glacial deposits and directions of glacial scratch marks provided evidence of past glaciations that could only be explained by the movement of continents. The distribution of fossils also played a crucial role in supporting the hypothesis, as similar fossils were found on different continents that were once connected. Additionally, the shape of the continents, particularly the way they fit together like puzzle pieces, further supported the idea of continental drift.

Relative age refers to the age of a fossil, organism, rock, geologic feature, or event in relation to other geologic features or events. It is determined by comparing the position of the fossil or rock layer in the geologic record and using principles such as superposition and cross-cutting relationships. This method does not provide an exact age but rather establishes a sequence of events or a relative timeline.

A shield volcano is a type of volcano that is characterized by its broad and low shape, as well as its composition of basaltic lava flows. This type of volcano is formed by the eruption of fluid lava that spreads out in all directions, creating a gently sloping cone. Shield volcanoes are typically not very explosive and have a relatively calm eruption style. They are commonly found in areas with hotspots, such as the Hawaiian Islands.

All of the activities listed - measuring tilting on the flanks of a volcano, measuring changes in heat flow from satellites, measuring seismic activity with seismic instruments, and measuring sulfur dioxide gas emissions - are used to monitor volcanoes.

A delta forms when a river slows down and deposits sediment as it enters a lake or sea. As the river reaches its destination, the velocity of the water decreases, causing it to lose its ability to transport sediment. The sediment carried by the river begins to settle and accumulate, forming a delta. Over time, the deposited sediment builds up and creates a landform that extends into the body of water. Deltas are often characterized by their triangular shape and are important ecosystems that provide habitats for various species of plants and animals.

A quartz-rich rock would resist weathering because quartz is a very hard and durable mineral. It is resistant to chemical weathering and erosion, making it a good choice for a rock that needs to withstand the effects of weathering.

If a mineral lacks planes along which it may cleave, it means that it does not have any specific weak points or directions along which it can easily break. As a result, when external forces are applied to the mineral, it will not break along any specific planes but instead fracture in an irregular pattern. This means that the mineral will break into random and unpredictable shapes and sizes, rather than breaking along clean, straight lines.

Porphyritic is the correct answer because it refers to a rock that has both coarse and fine-grained textures. This means that the rock contains larger crystals (coarse-grained) embedded in a matrix of smaller crystals (fine-grained). This texture is typically formed when the rock undergoes two stages of cooling, with the initial slow cooling allowing for the growth of larger crystals, followed by rapid cooling that forms smaller crystals. Porphyritic rocks are commonly found in volcanic environments.

The correct answer is physical and chemical weathering. This is because physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces through processes like freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion, while chemical weathering involves the alteration of rock composition through chemical reactions. Both of these processes contribute to the production of sediment by breaking down larger rocks into smaller particles that can be transported and deposited elsewhere.

The Tibetan Plateau has a high elevation due to continental collision. This occurs when two continental plates collide and push against each other, causing the crust to buckle and uplift. In the case of the Tibetan Plateau, the Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, resulting in the uplift and formation of the plateau. The collision between these two plates has been ongoing for millions of years, gradually pushing up the crust and creating the high elevation seen in the region.

Shield volcanoes are composed primarily of basalt lava flows. Basalt is a type of igneous rock that is formed from the solidification of lava. It is characterized by its low viscosity, which allows it to flow easily and cover large areas. Shield volcanoes are typically formed by the accumulation of multiple layers of basaltic lava flows that spread out in a broad, flat shape resembling a shield. This type of lava has a low silica content, which contributes to its fluidity and ability to travel long distances before solidifying.

The nature of the water table is described by all of the statements provided. It is indeed the boundary between the saturated zone (where all pore spaces are filled with water) and the unsaturated zone (where some pore spaces are filled with air). Below the water table, water fills the pore spaces and can flow, indicating the presence of groundwater. Additionally, infiltrating water generally passes through the water table to become groundwater. Therefore, all of the statements are true about the nature of the water table.

A porphyric igneous texture indicates that the rock cooled slowly and then quickly. This is because porphyritic texture is characterized by large crystals (phenocrysts) surrounded by a fine-grained matrix (groundmass). The large crystals form when the magma cools slowly deep within the Earth's crust, allowing enough time for the crystals to grow. However, the magma is then rapidly brought to the surface, where it cools quickly, resulting in the formation of the fine-grained matrix. This dual cooling process gives rise to the porphyritic texture.

The main reason why the oceans are salty is because weathering of rocks releases chemical elements that make the oceans salty. As rocks on land are exposed to weathering processes such as erosion, they release minerals and ions into rivers and streams, which eventually flow into the oceans. Over time, these dissolved minerals and ions accumulate in the oceans, resulting in their saltiness. This process has been ongoing for millions of years and is the primary source of salt in the oceans.

Permafrost refers to the upper part of the ground that remains frozen throughout the year. It is a layer of soil, rock, or sediment that remains at or below 0 degrees Celsius for at least two consecutive years. This frozen layer can be found in cold regions, such as polar regions and high mountain areas. Permafrost plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, supporting vegetation, and preserving archaeological and paleontological remains.

All of the above factors can cause a stream to begin carving into the landscape and deepening the river channel. If the base level is lowered, such as a drop in sea level, the stream will have more erosive power and can cut deeper into the land. If the land is uplifted relative to the sea, it increases the stream's gradient, making it flow faster and erode more. A change in climate can also weather and weaken the rocks, making them more susceptible to erosion by the stream. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the stream carving into the landscape and deepening the river channel.

Most of Earth's freshwater is found in ice caps, glaciers, and groundwater. Ice caps and glaciers store a significant amount of freshwater in the form of ice. Groundwater, which is water stored beneath the Earth's surface, also holds a large portion of freshwater. These sources are crucial for maintaining the Earth's water cycle and providing freshwater for various ecosystems and human consumption.

The correct answer is that the cube-shaped crystals of halite are a result of the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice. The atoms in the crystal lattice are arranged in a way that allows the mineral to form cubic shapes. This arrangement of atoms determines the crystal structure and shape of the mineral.

The Red Sea formed through continental rifting followed by seafloor spreading. Continental rifting occurs when tectonic plates move apart, creating a gap. In this case, the Arabian and African plates moved apart, creating a rift. Seafloor spreading then took place, where magma rises to the surface and creates new oceanic crust. This process led to the formation of the Red Sea as a result of the separation of the Arabian and African plates.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that all the given statements are indicators that the Himalaya has been uplifted. The first statement mentions that deep rocks are exposed at the surface and yield young isotopic ages, which suggests that there has been significant uplift. The second statement states that uplift can be measured with a GPS, indicating that there is evidence of vertical movement in the region. Finally, the third statement highlights that the top of Mount Everest contains a limestone with marine fossils, indicating that the area was once underwater and has been uplifted to its current height.

Lithification refers to the process by which loose sediment, such as sand or mud, becomes compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rock. This process involves the removal of water from the sediment, as well as the deposition of minerals that act as a binding agent. Over time, the pressure from overlying layers and the chemical reactions between the minerals cause the sediment to harden and solidify into rock.

Calderas are huge circular depressions from which volcanoes erupt. They are formed when a volcano collapses after a large eruption, creating a large crater-like feature. Calderas can be several kilometers in diameter and are often filled with water or lava. They are distinct from fissures, which are long cracks in the Earth's surface from which lava can erupt, and from cones and domes, which are different types of volcanic landforms.

The correct answer is the thickness of continental crust. Regional elevations on land are primarily controlled by the thickness of the continental crust. The thicker the crust, the higher the elevation. This is because the crust acts as a buoyant layer on top of the denser mantle. Areas with thicker continental crust, such as mountain ranges, tend to have higher elevations, while areas with thinner continental crust, such as basins, tend to have lower elevations. The temperature of the crust, whether the area is over a hot spot, and whether the crust is old or formed more recently may have some influence on regional elevations, but they are not the primary controlling factors.

The correct answer is "Sediment and sedimentary rocks." Sediment refers to particles of rock and organic material that are transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice. Over time, these sediments accumulate and become compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth's exposed surface because they are formed through the processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification, which are common and ongoing geological processes.

A point bar is a sandbar that forms along the inside of a stream meander. As the stream flows around a bend, the velocity of the water decreases on the inside of the curve, causing sediment to be deposited. Over time, this deposition builds up and forms a point bar. Point bars are typically crescent-shaped and can be found on the inside of many meandering streams.

Mid-ocean ridges form where two ocean plates diverge. Divergence occurs when the plates move away from each other, creating a gap in the ocean floor. As the plates separate, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. Over time, this process builds up a ridge of volcanic activity along the divergent boundary. This is why mid-ocean ridges are often associated with volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust.

A floodplain is a broad strip of land that is formed by the accumulation of sediment on both sides of a stream channel. During a flood, this area becomes covered with water.

The amplitude of a seismic wave on a seismograph is used to calculate the magnitude of an earthquake. The magnitude is a measure of the energy released by the earthquake, and it helps in understanding the severity and impact of the earthquake. By measuring the amplitude of the seismic wave, scientists can determine the magnitude on various scales such as the Richter scale. The depth of the focus and the amount of shaking are not directly calculated from the amplitude of the seismic wave.

The US has varying risks of seismic activity due to a combination of factors. Volcanic activity is one reason for seismic risk in certain areas, as volcanic eruptions can trigger earthquakes. Additionally, some regions in the continental interior have active fault systems, which increase the likelihood of seismic events. Furthermore, the proximity to plate boundaries also plays a role, as areas near these boundaries are more prone to seismic activity compared to those further away.

Continents and oceans differ in various aspects, including elevation, density, thickness, and composition of the crust. However, the presence or absence of being part of the lithosphere is not a significant difference between continents and oceans. This is because both continents and oceans are part of the lithosphere, which is the rigid outer layer of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. Therefore, the correct answer is "whether it is part of the lithosphere."