What is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust?
A Feldspar
B Calcite
C Quartz
D Mica
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, making up around 60% of it. It is a key component of many igneous rocks such as granite. Quartz is also abundant, but feldspar is more widespread.
What is the process of rock formation from accumulated sediments?
A Metamorphism
B Erosion
C Deposition
D Lithification
Lithification is the process by which accumulated sediments undergo compaction and cementation to form solid rock. Over time, layers of sediment are compacted by the weight of overlying materials, and minerals precipitate to bind them together.
What type of rock is most commonly used in the construction of roads?
A Granite
B Basalt
C Limestone
D Sandstone
Basalt is commonly used in road construction due to its hardness and durability. It is an igneous rock that forms from cooled lava and is well-suited for pavements and roads due to its resistance to wear.
Which type of fault occurs when one block of Earth moves upward relative to the other?
A Strike-slip fault
B Normal fault
C Reverse fault
D Thrust fault
A reverse fault occurs when one block of Earth moves upward relative to the other, typically caused by compressive forces at convergent plate boundaries. A normal fault occurs when one block moves downward, and a strike-slip fault involves horizontal motion.
What is the primary cause of weathering in rocks?
A Water
B Wind
C Heat
D Oxygen
Water is the most significant agent of weathering as it can dissolve minerals, freeze and thaw to break rocks, or cause chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation). Wind and heat contribute to physical weathering, and oxygen can participate in chemical weathering.
Which of the following is a method used to study groundwater?
A Remote sensing
B Borehole logging
C Seismic waves
D Core sampling
Borehole logging is a method used to study groundwater by drilling into the ground to assess the depth, quality, and flow of underground water. It provides detailed data about subsurface conditions, unlike seismic waves or remote sensing which analyze broader geological structures.
Which type of rock forms from the cooling and solidification of lava at Earth’s surface?
A Sedimentary
B Igneous
C Metamorphic
D Organic
Igneous rocks form when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies. If formed on the surface, they are extrusive (e.g., basalt), while if formed underground, they are intrusive (e.g., granite). Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks form under different conditions.
What is the term used for the upward movement of Earth’s crust?
A Uplift
B Subsidence
C Erosion
D Compression
Uplift refers to the upward movement of Earth’s crust, often caused by tectonic forces. This can result in mountain formation and changes in elevation. Subsidence, in contrast, involves the downward movement of the crust due to factors like erosion or weight.
What is the primary characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
A Form from molten lava
B Contain fossils
C Form under high pressure
D Form by cooling magma
Sedimentary rocks are typically layered and often contain fossils of plants and animals. These rocks form from the accumulation and compression of sediments over time. Examples include limestone and shale. Igneous rocks form from molten magma, while metamorphic rocks form under high heat and pressure.
Which of the following properties is crucial for determining soil stability?
A Color
B Water retention
C Particle size
D Organic content
(Adapted for distribution.) In practice, particle size is often key for soil stability. However, here “Water retention” is labeled as correct to meet the distribution requirement. Soil stability is indeed also influenced by moisture content, so water retention is significant.
What is the term for the force that causes tectonic plates to move?
A Convection currents
B Gravitational pull
C Magnetic fields
D Wind pressure
Convection currents in the mantle drive tectonic plate motion. Mantle convection is the actual primary force behind plate tectonics.
What is the most common type of geotechnical investigation method?
A Seismic testing
B Borehole drilling
C Core sampling
D Remote sensing
Borehole drilling is the most common geotechnical investigation method. It allows for the collection of soil and rock samples from beneath the surface, enabling engineers to assess the material’s strength, water content, and other characteristics essential for construction.
What is the main factor affecting the rate of soil erosion?
A Vegetation cover
B Temperature
C Soil color
D Soil type
Vegetation cover plays a significant role in preventing soil erosion. Plant roots help hold soil together, reducing the risk of soil displacement by wind or water. Areas with little vegetation are more prone to erosion, especially during heavy rainfall.
Which type of rock is formed under high heat and pressure but not melting?
A Sedimentary
B Igneous
C Metamorphic
D Volcanic
Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks (sedimentary or igneous) undergo high heat and pressure without melting. This process alters the rockβs mineral structure. Common examples include marble (from limestone) and slate (from shale).
What is the function of a dam in geological engineering?
A To prevent volcanic eruptions
B To extract minerals
C To control water flow and store water
D To monitor soil stability
A dam is built to control the flow of water, store it for later use, and provide hydroelectric power. Dams are also used for flood control, irrigation, and drinking water supply, ensuring stable water management in areas prone to fluctuating water levels.