What is the most common type of rock found in the Earth’s crust?
A Basalt
B Granite
C Limestone
D Shale
Basalt is the most common type of rock found in the Earth’s crust, primarily forming the oceanic crust. It is an igneous rock that is rich in iron and magnesium. Granite, limestone, and shale are also common rocks but are found in other locations and types of crusts. Granite is commonly found in continental crust, while limestone and shale are sedimentary rocks.
What is the process called when rocks are broken down by weathering agents?
A Erosion
B Lithification
C Weathering
D Deposition
Weathering is the natural process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces due to exposure to environmental factors such as temperature changes, wind, water, and biological activity. Erosion refers to the removal of these weathered particles, lithification is the process of turning sediment into rock, and deposition is the settling of materials.
What type of soil has the smallest particle size?
A Sand
B Silt
C Gravel
D Clay
Clay has the smallest particle size compared to sand, silt, and gravel. Its particles are very fine, making it more prone to compaction and poor drainage. Clay soils have high plasticity, meaning they can be molded when wet. In contrast, sand and gravel have larger particles, while silt falls between clay and sand in size.
What type of geological map shows the distribution of rocks at the surface?
A Geologic map
B Geological hazard map
C Topographic map
D Structural map
A geologic map shows the distribution, nature, and age of rock formations at the Earth’s surface. It provides information about the types of rocks, fault lines, and other geological features. Topographic maps show elevation, structural maps indicate the orientations of rocks, and hazard maps highlight areas prone to geological hazards.
What is the main cause of landslides?
A Earthquakes
B Soil erosion
C Heavy rainfall
D Volcanic activity
Heavy rainfall is the main cause of landslides because it saturates the soil, making it heavier and more likely to slide down slopes. While earthquakes, soil erosion, and volcanic activity can also trigger landslides, rainfall is the most common contributing factor, especially in areas with steep terrain.
What is the term for the study of Earth’s internal structure?
A Stratigraphy
B Geophysics
C Seismology
D Geomorphology
Seismology is the study of seismic waves that travel through the Earth. These waves provide information about the internal structure, including the mantle, core, and crust. Stratigraphy focuses on layers of rock, geomorphology studies landforms, and geophysics involves the physical properties of the Earth.
Which mineral is the hardest on the Mohs scale of hardness?
A Diamond
B Quartz
C Talc
D Calcite
Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale of hardness, scoring a 10. This scale measures a mineral’s ability to scratch others, with diamond being the hardest, followed by corundum (ruby and sapphire), and then quartz, talc, and calcite, which have much lower hardness values.
What is the primary function of geotechnical investigation in civil engineering?
A To locate minerals
B To analyze groundwater flow
C To assess soil strength and stability
D To identify fault lines
The primary function of geotechnical investigation is to assess the soil’s strength, stability, and other engineering properties. It involves determining the suitability of the ground for supporting construction projects like buildings, roads, and dams. This investigation includes soil sampling, analysis of bearing capacity, and other parameters to ensure structural safety.
What is a characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
A They form under high pressure and temperature
B They are often layered
C They contain no fossils
D They are formed from volcanic activity
Sedimentary rocks are typically layered and form from the accumulation of sediments such as sand, clay, and minerals. These rocks often contain fossils and can form under low pressure and temperature compared to metamorphic and igneous rocks. They are not formed by volcanic activity, which is characteristic of igneous rocks.
What is the term for the study of Earth’s surface features and landforms?
A Petrology
B Seismology
C Geophysics
D Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the study of the Earth’s surface features and landforms, such as mountains, valleys, and riverbeds. It analyzes how these landforms are formed and changed by natural processes like erosion, sedimentation, and tectonic activity. Petrology studies rocks, geophysics focuses on Earth’s physical properties, and seismology focuses on seismic waves.
What is the purpose of core sampling in geotechnical investigations?
A To measure groundwater levels
B To predict weather patterns
C To obtain a sample of the soil or rock for analysis
D To determine fault lines
Core sampling is used to obtain a sample of soil or rock from deep below the surface for laboratory analysis. This allows engineers to evaluate the material’s properties, such as strength, density, and composition, which is crucial for designing safe and stable structures. It does not directly measure groundwater or predict weather.
Which type of rock is formed from cooling and solidification of magma?
A Igneous
B Sedimentary
C Metamorphic
D Volcanic
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Depending on where they form, they are categorized as intrusive (formed inside the Earth) or extrusive (formed on the surface). Sedimentary rocks form from sediments, and metamorphic rocks are formed by the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure.
What type of geological hazard is associated with earthquakes?
A Tsunamis
B Landslides
C Soil liquefaction
D All of the above
Earthquakes can lead to various geological hazards, including tsunamis, landslides, and soil liquefaction. Tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, landslides can be triggered by shaking, and soil liquefaction occurs when saturated soil temporarily loses its strength during shaking, causing it to behave like a liquid.
What is the process by which rocks change due to temperature, pressure, or chemical reactions?
A Sedimentation
B Metamorphism
C Weathering
D Erosion
Metamorphism is the process by which existing rocks undergo changes in texture, structure, or composition due to heat, pressure, or chemical reactions. This process can lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks such as marble or slate. Sedimentation forms sedimentary rocks, weathering breaks down rocks, and erosion removes material.
What is an aquifer?
A A type of rock
B A groundwater reservoir
C A type of soil
D A weathering process
An aquifer is a layer of rock or sediment that can store and transmit groundwater. Aquifers are important sources of freshwater for wells and springs. They are found in porous rock formations and can vary in size and depth. Aquifers are not rocks themselves, nor are they related to weathering or soil.