Which type of rock forms from the cooling and solidification of magma?
A Sedimentary
B Metamorphic
C Igneous
D Organic
Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten material (magma or lava). These rocks can form both beneath the Earth’s surface (intrusive) and on the surface (extrusive). Common examples include basalt and granite. Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are formed through different processes.
What is the process by which soil particles are carried away by wind or water?
A Erosion
B Weathering
C Lithification
D Deposition
Erosion is the process of carrying away soil particles through agents like wind, water, or ice. It occurs when materials are loosened by weathering and transported to new locations. Lithification refers to the conversion of sediments into rock, and deposition involves the settling of eroded materials.
What type of soil is best for supporting large structures?
A Clay
B Silt
C Gravel
D Sand
Gravel is ideal for supporting large structures because it has high compaction and drainage properties, providing a stable foundation. It allows for proper load-bearing capacity. Clay, sand, and silt are less stable and can cause shifting or settling under large loads.
Which of the following is a mineral found in granite?
A Gypsum
B Halite
C Talc
D Quartz
Quartz is a major mineral found in granite. Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Gypsum, halite, and talc are found in other types of rocks, but not in granite. Quartz is highly durable and contributes to the hardness of granite.
What is the term for the study of Earth’s layers?
A Seismology
B Stratigraphy
C Petrology
D Geomorphology
Stratigraphy is the study of layers of rock (strata) and their arrangement in the Earth’s crust. It helps to understand the chronological order of Earth’s history, including the processes that led to the formation of these layers. Petrology studies rocks, geomorphology studies landforms, and seismology studies seismic waves.
What is the main characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
A Formed under high heat and pressure
B Formed from cooled magma
C Contain fossils
D Very hard and dense
Sedimentary rocks are often formed from compacted layers of sediments and contain fossils due to the accumulation of organic material. They typically form in water bodies like rivers and oceans. Unlike igneous rocks, they are not formed from cooling magma and are generally less dense.
Which of the following is an example of a metamorphic rock?
A Basalt
B Sandstone
C Limestone
D Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone undergoes high pressure and temperature. This process, called metamorphism, alters the mineral composition and texture of the original rock. Sandstone, basalt, and limestone are sedimentary and igneous rocks, respectively.
What is the primary purpose of a dam?
A All of the above
B To generate electricity
C To provide water for irrigation
D To prevent floods
A dam serves multiple purposes, including generating electricity (hydroelectric power), providing water for irrigation, and flood control by regulating river flow. Dams can also be used for recreational activities and to store water for drinking.
What is the key factor affecting the stability of a slope?
A Soil texture
B Slope angle
C Temperature
D Air pressure
Slope angle is one of the most significant factors influencing slope stability. Steeper slopes are more prone to landslides and erosion. Soil texture, temperature, and air pressure can also affect stability, but the angle of the slope is the primary determinant.
What is the main characteristic of igneous rocks?
A Formed from sediments
B Contains fossils
C Formed by cooling of molten rock
D Formed from heat and pressure
Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies. The cooling process can occur either underground (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive). These rocks do not contain fossils and are not formed from heat and pressure.
What is the effect of erosion on landscapes?
A It creates new landforms
B It flattens the surface
C It decreases soil fertility
D It carries away rock particles
Erosion involves the transportation of rock particles by natural forces like wind, water, and ice. It shapes the landscape by removing material from one place and depositing it in another. Over time, erosion can create valleys, canyons, and coastal features.
What type of soil is most prone to compaction?
A Sand
B Clay
C Silt
D Gravel
Clay is most prone to compaction because its particles are very small and can easily pack together under pressure. This can reduce its permeability and affect its ability to support structures. Sand and gravel are less prone to compaction, while silt can also compact but not as much as clay.
What is the function of a borehole in geotechnical investigation?
A To collect rock samples
B To measure seismic waves
C To collect water samples
D To measure temperature
A borehole is drilled into the ground to collect rock and soil samples for analysis. These samples are tested to determine material properties such as density, strength, and composition. Boreholes are critical for assessing ground suitability for construction. They do not measure seismic waves or temperature.
What is the main cause of plate tectonics?
A Heat from the Earth’s core
B Earth’s rotation
C Gravitational pull
D Wind currents
Plate tectonics is driven by the heat from the Earth’s core, which causes the mantle to flow and move tectonic plates. This movement is responsible for earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. Earth’s rotation and gravitational pull have indirect effects, while wind currents do not influence plate tectonics.
What type of rock is formed from the remains of living organisms?
A Sedimentary
B Igneous
C Volcanic
D Metamorphic
Sedimentary rocks form from the compaction of sediments, which often include remains of plants and animals. These rocks, such as limestone, often contain fossils. Igneous rocks form from cooling magma, while metamorphic rocks result from heat and pressure.