What type of rock is formed from the compression and cementation of sediments?
A Sedimentary
B Igneous
C Metamorphic
D Volcanic
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compression and cementation of sediments over time. These sediments can include fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic material. Examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale. They often contain fossils and layers.
Which geological process leads to the formation of mountains?
A Sedimentation
B Erosion
C Weathering
D Tectonic forces
Tectonic forces cause the Earth’s plates to move, leading to the formation of mountains. When two plates collide, their edges fold, uplift, or fracture, forming mountain ranges. Erosion and weathering then shape these mountains over time.
What is the main mineral in limestone?
A Quartz
B Calcite
C Feldspar
D Mica
Calcite is the main mineral found in limestone. It is a form of calcium carbonate and is the primary component of many sedimentary rocks. Limestone is commonly used in construction and as a raw material in various industries.
Which of the following is the primary agent of erosion in desert regions?
A Water
B Ice
C Wind
D Human activity
Wind is the primary agent of erosion in desert regions. It moves loose particles of sand and dust, creating features like dunes and eroded rock formations. Water and ice are more dominant in other climates.
What is the purpose of conducting a site investigation in civil engineering?
A To analyze soil properties
B To check air quality
C To measure temperature
D To predict weather patterns
A site investigation is conducted to analyze the soil and rock properties at a construction site. This helps engineers assess factors like soil strength, moisture content, and bearing capacity, which are essential for designing safe and stable structures.
Which type of soil is known for its high water retention ability?
A Gravel
B Loam
C Clay
D Sand
Clay soil has small particles that retain water effectively. It has low permeability, which makes it prone to waterlogging. In contrast, sand and gravel drain quickly, while loam has a balanced ability to retain and drain water.
What is the primary characteristic of metamorphic rocks?
A Formed by cooling lava
B Formed under heat and pressure
C Contain fossils
D Composed of layers
Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks undergo heat and pressure over time, leading to changes in their mineral composition and structure. Common examples include marble (from limestone) and slate (from shale). They do not contain fossils or form from cooling lava.
What is the term for the study of Earth’s physical features and processes?
A Stratigraphy
B Petrology
C Seismology
D Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the study of Earth’s physical features and the processes that shape them. This includes analyzing landforms like mountains, valleys, and rivers, and understanding how processes like erosion and tectonics shape the Earth’s surface.
What is the primary method for determining the age of rocks?
A Seismology
B Fossil analysis
C Radiometric dating
D Stratigraphy
Radiometric dating is the most accurate method for determining the age of rocks. It involves measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes in minerals to estimate the time that has passed since the rock formed. Fossil analysis and stratigraphy are used for dating sedimentary rocks.
What is the effect of weathering on rocks?
A Creates rock layers
B Breaks them into smaller pieces
C Forms new minerals
D Increases their strength
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles due to physical, chemical, and biological processes. This process can lead to the formation of sediments, which may later become new rock formations. Weathering does not directly increase rock strength or create new minerals.
What is the main function of an aquifer in geology?
A Store and transmit water
B Contain oil and gas
C Form mineral deposits
D Filter contaminants
An aquifer is a layer of rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater. It acts as a natural reservoir for fresh water that can be accessed through wells. Aquifers do not contain oil or gas, although they can be used to filter some contaminants.
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.