Which type of rock is formed by the cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface?
A Sedimentary
B Igneous
C Metamorphic
D Volcanic
Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. These rocks are typically coarse-grained due to slower cooling. Examples include granite and diorite. Sedimentary rocks form from deposited materials, while metamorphic rocks result from heat and pressure.
What is the primary cause of rock weathering?
A Tectonic movement
B Metamorphism
C Chemical reactions
D Water infiltration
Chemical weathering occurs when chemical reactions break down rocks. This can involve water, oxygen, and acids, which alter the mineral composition of rocks. While water infiltration can contribute to physical weathering, chemical processes like oxidation and hydrolysis are key drivers.
What is a characteristic of sedimentary rocks?
A They are formed from cooled magma
B They are formed by heat and pressure
C They often contain fossils
D They are very hard and dense
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and cementation of sediments and are often layered. These rocks can contain fossils as they trap organic material during deposition. They are typically not as dense or hard as igneous or metamorphic rocks.
Which of the following is the most common cause of soil erosion?
A Plant growth
B Water
C Wind
D Pressure
Water is the most common cause of soil erosion, especially in the form of rainfall and surface runoff. Water removes topsoil, which can degrade land and damage ecosystems. Wind also causes erosion, but water has a more significant impact.
What is the purpose of a geophysical survey?
A To analyze subsurface features
B To measure rock hardness
C To map surface contours
D To detect mineral deposits
A geophysical survey is used to explore subsurface features such as rock formations, groundwater, and mineral deposits. It uses techniques like seismic waves, resistivity, and magnetometry to gather data, which is essential for site investigations and resource exploration.
Which of the following minerals is most abundant in the Earth’s crust?
A Quartz
B Iron
C Feldspar
D Talc
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, making up approximately 60% of it. It is a key component of igneous rocks like granite and basalt. Quartz is also common, but feldspar dominates in abundance.
What is the primary characteristic of a fault?
A It is a type of rock
B It is an igneous rock
C It is a crack in the Earth’s crust
D It is a type of mineral
A fault is a fracture or crack in the Earth’s crust along which movement has occurred due to tectonic forces. These movements can cause earthquakes. Faults can range from small fractures to large, tectonically significant features.
Which of the following is used to measure the density of soil?
A Proctor test
B Sieve analysis
C Soil compaction test
D Pycnometer test
The pycnometer test is used to measure the density of soil by determining its mass and volume. The Proctor test assesses compaction, sieve analysis measures particle size distribution, and the soil compaction test is a general method for determining the compaction characteristics of soil.
What does the term “borehole” refer to in site investigation?
A A hole drilled into the ground to collect soil or rock samples
B A method of measuring water flow
C A tool for measuring temperature
D A type of seismic wave
A borehole is a hole drilled into the ground to obtain soil or rock samples for analysis. This allows engineers and geologists to assess the ground conditions, such as soil strength and composition, which is essential for designing foundations and other structures.
What type of rock is formed by the alteration of existing rocks due to heat and pressure?
A Sedimentary
B Fossilized
C Metamorphic
D Igneous
Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks (either igneous or sedimentary) are subjected to heat and pressure, causing changes in their mineral composition and structure. Common examples include marble (from limestone) and slate (from shale). These rocks do not form from cooling magma.
Which of the following is a major factor in determining the type of soil?
A Rock type
B Climate
C Vegetation
D Temperature
Climate plays a significant role in determining soil type because it influences weathering processes and the rate of organic decomposition. Warm, wet climates tend to produce deep, fertile soils, while cold or dry climates produce less developed soils. Rock type also contributes, but climate is more influential.
What is the most common method for measuring groundwater levels?
A Borehole analysis
B Seismic waves
C Piezoelectric sensors
D Water table observation
Water table observation is the most common method to measure groundwater levels. This involves monitoring the level of water in wells or boreholes to understand the depth and fluctuations of the water table. Borehole analysis may also be used for more detailed investigations.
What is the primary effect of erosion on landforms?
A Degradation and loss of soil
B Creation of mountains
C Formation of fossils
D Expansion of glaciers
Erosion leads to the degradation and loss of soil, which can result in the formation of valleys, canyons, and other features as material is carried away. While erosion can shape landforms, it primarily removes soil, affecting agriculture and land stability.
What type of soil is known for being easily eroded?
A Clay
B Loam
C Sand
D Gravel
Sand is known for being easily eroded because it has large particles and does not compact well. This makes it less cohesive and more susceptible to wind and water erosion. Loam and clay soils are more stable and resistant to erosion.
What is the primary function of structural geology in civil engineering?
A To understand the deformation of rocks
B To analyze soil properties
C To study the movement of tectonic plates
D To design building foundations
Structural geology focuses on studying the deformation of rocks due to tectonic forces. It helps engineers understand how rocks bend, fold, or fracture, which is crucial in designing structures in areas with significant geological activity, such as earthquake-prone regions.