1.
Which north direction is the geographic meridian plane?
Correct Answer
D. True North
Explanation
True North refers to the direction towards the North Pole, which is the geographic north. It is the reference point used in navigation and mapping, and it is determined by the Earth's axis of rotation. Unlike Magnetic North, which is the direction indicated by a compass needle, True North does not change and remains constant. Therefore, True North is the correct answer as it represents the geographic meridian plane.
2.
Which object is a remnant of a lightning bolt striking a sandy beach?
Correct Answer
A. Fulgurite
Explanation
Fulgurite is the correct answer because it is a type of glassy rock that is formed when lightning strikes sandy soil or beach sand. The intense heat of the lightning bolt fuses the sand particles together, creating a hollow tube-like structure. Fulgurite is often found underground or partially buried in the sand, and its unique formation makes it a remnant or evidence of a lightning strike on a sandy beach.
3.
Hanging valleys may occur in all of the following ways except?
Correct Answer
A. Volcanic
Explanation
Hanging valleys occur as a result of glacial action, river action, and faulting, but not volcanic activity. Volcanic activity typically creates steep-sided valleys and canyons, but it does not create hanging valleys. Hanging valleys are formed when smaller glaciers or rivers flow into a larger main glacier or river, resulting in a difference in elevation between the main valley and the smaller tributary valley. This creates a distinct, elevated "hanging" appearance for the smaller valley.
4.
Which is another name for a pudding stone?
Correct Answer
D. Conglomerate
Explanation
Conglomerate is another name for a pudding stone because it is a sedimentary rock composed of rounded pebbles and larger particles cemented together. This rock type is often found in riverbeds or areas where sediment has been deposited and compacted over time. The term "pudding stone" is commonly used to describe rocks with a similar composition and appearance to a conglomerate, hence making it the correct answer.
5.
Which of the following does not form mineral crystals?
Correct Answer
A. Fission
Explanation
Fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei. It is a nuclear reaction that does not involve the formation of mineral crystals. Mineral crystals are formed through the solidification of minerals from a solution or through the cooling and solidification of molten rock. Fission is a different process that occurs at the atomic level and does not involve the formation of minerals or crystals.
6.
One needs to travel to which state in New England to see the highest tides?
Correct Answer
D. Maine
Explanation
Maine is the correct answer because it is the state in New England where one can witness the highest tides. This is due to the state's geographical location along the Atlantic Ocean and its proximity to the Bay of Fundy, which experiences some of the highest tides in the world. The gravitational pull of the moon and sun, combined with the shape of the bay, creates a phenomenon known as tidal resonance, resulting in extreme tidal fluctuations in Maine.
7.
Where are the Horse Latitudes located?
Correct Answer
A. Between 30 And 35 Degrees N & S
Explanation
The Horse Latitudes are located between 30 and 35 degrees North and South. These are regions of high atmospheric pressure and calm winds, which historically caused difficulties for sailing ships. The name "Horse Latitudes" originated from the practice of throwing horses overboard to conserve water when ships were becalmed in these areas.
8.
What igneous formation is usually seen in the core of folded mountains?
Correct Answer
A. Batholith
Explanation
A batholith is a large mass of igneous rock that forms deep beneath the Earth's surface and is usually exposed after millions of years of erosion. Batholiths are commonly found in the core of folded mountains because they are formed by the intrusion of magma into the crust, which then cools and solidifies underground. Over time, the overlying rocks are uplifted and eroded, exposing the batholith at the surface. This process is often associated with the formation of folded mountains, making batholiths a common feature in their core.
9.
Which of the following must be true in order for air pressure to measure altitude?
Correct Answer
D. Air Pressure At Zero Altitude Equals 29.92 Of Mercury
Explanation
Air pressure is directly related to altitude. As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. Therefore, in order to measure altitude using air pressure, the air pressure at zero altitude must be known. The given answer states that the air pressure at zero altitude equals 29.92 of mercury, which means that this must be true for air pressure to measure altitude.
10.
Which is not a source of aluminum ore?
Correct Answer
C. Chrysoberyl
Explanation
Chrysoberyl is not a source of aluminum ore. Bauxite, Emery, and Alunite are all known sources of aluminum ore. Chrysoberyl is a gemstone that is typically composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen, but it is not considered an aluminum ore.
11.
What is a Herkimer diamond?
Correct Answer
C. Quartz Crystal
Explanation
A Herkimer diamond is a type of quartz crystal that is found in Herkimer County, New York. It is known for its exceptional clarity and double-terminated shape, resembling a diamond. Herkimer diamonds are highly sought after by collectors and are often used in jewelry. They are formed in small cavities within sedimentary rocks and have a unique crystal structure that sets them apart from other quartz crystals.
12.
Where is the type location for the Permian Period?
Correct Answer
D. Russia
Explanation
During the Permian Period, Russia was located in the region known as the Ural Mountains. This area is considered the type location for the Permian Period because it contains a rich and well-preserved fossil record from this time period. The Ural Mountains have provided scientists with valuable insights into the geological and biological changes that occurred during the Permian Period, making Russia the correct answer.
13.
What is another name for an estuary?
Correct Answer
D. Drowned River Valley
Explanation
An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. It is characterized by brackish water, which is a mixture of freshwater and saltwater. The term "Drowned River Valley" accurately describes an estuary because it refers to a river valley that has been flooded by rising sea levels, resulting in the formation of an estuary. This option is the most appropriate name for an estuary among the given choices.
14.
Which of these is not a type of a major oil trap?
Correct Answer
C. Seismic
Explanation
Seismic is not a type of a major oil trap. Seismic refers to the study and interpretation of seismic waves to determine the subsurface structure and potential oil and gas reservoirs. It is a method used to locate oil traps, but it is not a specific type of oil trap itself. Major oil traps include anticline, fault, and stratigraphic traps, which are geological formations that can trap and hold significant amounts of oil and gas.
15.
What type of boundary is displayed at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
Correct Answer
C. Divergent
Explanation
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent boundary. Divergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating a gap. In the case of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, it is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and separates the Eurasian and North American plates. As the plates move apart, magma rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process results in the formation of new oceanic crust and contributes to the widening of the Atlantic Ocean.