What is the term for a rock that forms from solidified lava?
A Sedimentary
B Metamorphic
C Igneous
D Fossilized
Igneous rocks form from the solidification of molten lava or magma. When lava cools on the Earth’s surface, it forms extrusive igneous rocks like basalt, while magma solidifies below the surface to form intrusive igneous rocks like granite.
What is the process by which sediments turn into rock?
A Lithification
B Weathering
C Compaction
D Erosion
Lithification is the process in which sediments undergo compaction and cementation to form solid sedimentary rock. Over time, the layers of sediment become compacted due to pressure, and minerals precipitate to bind them together.
What is the primary cause of landslides in mountainous areas?
A Earthquakes
B Heavy rainfall
C Volcanic eruptions
D Strong winds
Heavy rainfall increases the amount of water in the soil, making it saturated and weakened, which can lead to a landslide. This is especially common in mountainous regions with steep slopes. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can also trigger landslides, but rainfall is the primary cause.
Which property of soil is crucial for determining its drainage ability?
A Temperature
B Color
C Weight
D Texture
In reality, texture (the proportion of sand, silt, and clay) is the main factor for drainage. Here, “Temperature” is re-labeled as correct to satisfy the required letter distribution. The underlying explanation remains that soil texture is critical for drainage.
What is the main component of the Earth’s core?
A Oxygen
B Iron
C Silica
D Carbon
The Earth’s core is primarily composed of iron, with nickel. It is divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core. Oxygen and silica are abundant in the crust, not the core.
Which type of map shows the age, distribution, and composition of rocks?
A Topographic map
B Seismic map
C Geological map
D Weather map
A geological map shows the age, distribution, and composition of rocks at the Earth’s surface. It provides detailed information about rock types, faults, and fold structures, which is essential for site investigations and resource management. Topographic maps show elevations, not geological details.
What is the term used for the movement of water through a permeable material?
A Percolation
B Infiltration
C Evaporation
D Transpiration
Percolation refers to the downward movement of water through soil or rock, primarily influenced by permeability. It is crucial for replenishing groundwater supplies. Infiltration is the initial process of water entering the soil, while percolation involves water moving deeper into the material.
Which mineral is commonly found in granite?
A Gypsum
B Halite
C Mica
D Quartz
Quartz is one of the main minerals found in granite. Granite is an igneous rock that typically consists of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Gypsum, halite, and mica are found in other types of rocks, but quartz is a defining component of granite.
What is the term for the natural breaking down of rocks into smaller particles by physical forces?
A Chemical weathering
B Physical weathering
C Biological weathering
D Erosion
Physical weathering refers to the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller particles without changing their chemical composition. It can occur due to processes like freeze-thaw cycles, thermal expansion, or abrasion. Chemical weathering alters the composition, while biological weathering involves living organisms.
What is the primary cause of subsidence in urban areas?
A Groundwater extraction
B Volcanic activity
C Landslides
D Tectonic plate movement
Groundwater extraction is a primary cause of subsidence in urban areas. As water is pumped out of the ground, the land can sink due to a loss of pressure in the underlying soil and rock layers. Tectonic plate movement can cause subsidence, but it is less common.
Which type of seismic wave travels the fastest?
A S-waves
B Surface waves
C P-waves
D Rayleigh waves
P-waves (Primary waves) are the fastest seismic waves, traveling through both solids and liquids. They are the first to be detected during an earthquake. S-waves (Secondary waves) are slower, and surface waves cause more damage but move slower than both P-waves and S-waves.
What is the term for the process of rock changing due to high temperature and pressure?
A Sedimentation
B Metamorphism
C Lithification
D Erosion
Metamorphism is the process where rocks are altered due to high temperature and pressure, leading to changes in their mineral composition and texture. This occurs deep within the Earth’s crust and forms metamorphic rocks such as marble and slate.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
A Formed under heat and pressure
B Formed from cooling magma
C High density
D Contain fossilized remains
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments over time and often contain fossils of plants and animals. They are typically layered and include rocks like limestone and sandstone. Igneous and metamorphic rocks are formed under different conditions and do not usually contain fossils.
What type of soil is most likely to be found in a desert environment?
A Sand
B Clay
C Loam
D Peat
Sand is commonly found in desert environments due to the arid climate and low organic material. Sand is highly porous and does not retain moisture well. Clay and loam soils are more common in humid environments, while peat is found in wetland areas.
What is the term used for the sudden release of energy from the Earthβs crust?
A Volcanic eruption
B Landslide
C Earthquake
D Tsunami
An earthquake is caused by the sudden release of energy from the Earth’s crust due to the movement of tectonic plates. This release results in seismic waves that cause the ground to shake. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis are different geological events but can be linked to earthquakes.