lecture FINAL Flashcards by Caylie Porter

igneous rock that has rapid cooling

basalt

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Nonsilicate mineral

sulphur

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Mafic silicate mineral

pyroxene

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The most dominant rock associated with our continents

granite

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Mineral that will form clay minerals as it weathers

potassium feldspar

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Extrusive igneous feature associated with felsic, gaseous, material

composite volcano

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intrusive igneous feature that crosscuts through country rock

dike

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Extrusive igneous feature not particularly dangerous or explosive

shield volcano

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Intrusive igneous feature that arches sedimentary rock

laccolith

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First mineral to crystallize, according to Bowen’s Reaction Series

olivine

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Vesicular igneous rock formed from felsic magma

pumice

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Nonsilicate mineral in the carbonate group

dolomite

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Mineral with sheet silicate structure

muscovite

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Nonsilicate mineral in the native element group

graphite

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Forms chain structures in cooling felsic magma

silica

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discordant tabular intrusive igneous feature

dike

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the most dominant rock associated with oceanic crust

basalt

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Extrusive igneous feature associated with violent eruptions

composite volcano

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First mineral to crystallize, according to Bowen’s Reaction Series

olivine

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First mineral to crystallize, according to Bowen’s Reaction Series

olivine

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The doctrine of ______ held that the major features of the surface of the earth were created by sudden, short-lived, violent events that no longer occur.

a. the big bang theory
b. plate tectonics
c. uniformitarianism
d. catastrophism

catastrophism

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Which type of volcanic hazard consists of saturated volcanic material moving rapidly down a slope?

a. Volcanic ash
b. Lahar
c. Pyroclastic flow
d. Lava flow

lahar

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The Earth’s internal heat engine causes hot rocks in the mantle to _____________, whereas colder rocks tend to _____________.

a. contract and rise; expand and sink
b. expand and rise; contract and sink
c. expand and sink; contract and rise
d. move laterally; stay stationary

expand and rise; contract and sink

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Which of the following is not a force which drives plate motion?

a. Slab pull
b. Gravitational forces from the sun
c. Ridge push
d. Convective flow

gravitational forces from the sun

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How long has the continental crust been evolving?

a. over the last 1 million years
b. over the last 2 billion years
c. over the last 4000 years
d. over the last 4 billion years

over the last 4 billion years

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Where are the majority of transform faults located?

a. Southern California
b. On the ocean floor offsetting segments of oceanic ridge
c. Radiating from convergent boundaries as stress fractures

on the ocean floor offsetting segments of oceanic ridge

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Which of the following is not a geologic hazard?

a. Poor construction materials cause a cracked foundation
b. Volcanic eruptions sending lava flows toward a city
c. Deforestation on a floodplain increasing the severity of river floods causing flooding of towns
d. An earthquake destroying a bridge

poor construction materials cause a cracked foundation

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The ______ is characterized by physical properties and comprises the crust and uppermost mantle.

a. asthenosphere
b. lithosphere
c. outer core
d. inner core

lithosphere

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What property of the crust allowed it to form as the exterior of Earth?

a. Magma at the surface cooled and crystallized before anything in the interior
b. Materials that make up the crust are less dense and rose to the top
c. Churning and upheaval in the interior thrust crustal rocks toward the surface
d. Meteorites impacting Earth deposited this material at the surface

materials that make up the crust are less dense and rose to the top

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Which of the following elements is not abundant in the Earth’s crust?

a. oxygen
b. silicon
c. aluminum
d. uranium

uranium

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The three major classes of rock are known as:

a. crustal, subcrustal, and transitional
b. sedimentary, igneous, and
metamorphic
c. volcanic, plutonic, and transitional
d. weathered, eroded, and cemented

sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic

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Sedimentary rocks are formed from igneous rocks beginning with the process of _____.

a. erosion
b. crystallization
c. weathering
d. transportation

weathering

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Which of the following is a type of lava flow that has a ropey, smooth surface?

a. Block lava flow
b. Pahoehoe flow
c. Pillow lava
d. Aa flow

pahoehoe flow

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Which of the following textures would be the most common texture found in pillow lava?

a. Aphanitic
b. Pyroclastic
c. Porphyritic
d. Phaneritic

aphanitic

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Which type of convergence will create a volcanic island arc?

a. Oceanic-Continental
b. Oceanic-Oceanic
c. Continental-Continental
d. Hydrosphere-Atmosphere

oceanic-oceanic

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Which of the following would decrease the viscosity of magma?

a. An increase in the slope of the volcanic
flank
b. A decrease in silica content
c. A decrease in temperature
d. An increase in dissolved gasses

a decrease in silica content

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________ is when iron particles in lavas align their magnetic fields with magnetic north, preserving a record of that pole’s location at that moment in time.

a. Mantle Plume
b. Paleomagnetism
c. Magnetic Reversal
d. Seafloor Spreading

paleomagnetism

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. A ________ is a solid, naturally occurring, cohesive substance composed of minerals or mineral-like materials.

a. Tetrahedron
b. Mineral
c. Rock
d. Mixture

rock

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_____ is a chemical weathering process which is accelerated by _____.

a. Oxidation; the presence of water
b. Oxidation; cool temperatures
c. Sheeting; ice
d. Frost wedging; cold temperatures

oxidation; the presence of water

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What role does water have in the origin of magma within the earth?

a. Water reduces friction between atoms
b. Water reduces pressure on rock
c. Water reduces the melting point of rock
d. Water does not exist in rocks at depth within the earth

water reduces pressure on rock

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Which mineral class makes up most igneous rocks?

a. Carbonates
b. Sulfides
c. Silicates
d. Halides

silicates

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What is the charge of a single proton?

a. +1
b. -1
c. +2
d. -3

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Diamond and graphite are ______.

a. polymorphs
b. both composed of carbon atoms and the same hardness
c. polymorphs and the same hardness
d. polymorphs and both composed of carbon atoms

polymorphs and both composed of carbon atoms

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A(n) ___ is a tentative explanation, whereas a(n) ____ has survived extensive scrutiny over many years and is in all likelihood true.

a. theory; observation
b. hypothesis; theory
c. theory; hypothesis
d. observation; hypothesis

hypothesis; theory

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The Dust Bowl had profound ________.

a. psychological effects on people living in
the areas affected
b. wind erosion
c. economic impacts
d. all of the above

all of the above

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Volcanic ash from an eruption settles on the ground and forms the volcanic rock _____.

a. pegmatite
b. tuff
c. volcanic breccias
d. basalt

tuff

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Volcanic ash from an eruption settles on the ground and forms the volcanic rock _____.

a. pegmatite
b. tuff
c. volcanic breccias
d. basalt

tuff

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true or false

Crystal settling can change the composition of a magma body

true

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true or false

Parent material is the primary factor that causes differences among soils

false

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true of false

a convergent plate boundary will always remain an area of plate convergence throughout geologic time

false

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true or false

Wegener’s proposal that gravitational forces from the Sun and Moon could move continents was widely accepted by the scientific community

false

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true or false

Mineral color is less reliable than streak color for mineral identification

true

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true or false

Marble, which is composed of the mineral calcite, is easily dissolved by acid rain.

true

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true or false

O, A, and C horizons make up the solum (true soil)

false

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true or false

A mineral is solid, naturally occurring, and organic, with an unorderly crystalline structure, and definite chemical
composition.

false

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true or false

Frost wedging and salt crystal growth are mechanical weathering agents which enlarge cracks in rock

true

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true or false

The atmosphere is affected by volcanic eruptions

true

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Which of the following textures would be the most common texture found in a batholith?

a. Aphanitic
b. Pyroclastic
c. Porphyritic
d. Phaneritic

phaneritic

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James Hutton was a scientist who developed the idea of _______ to explain the slow, steady changes responsible for shaping the Earth.

a. Uniformity
b. The Big Bang Theory
c. Plate Tectonics
d. Uniformitarianism

uniformitarianism

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Which type of volcanic hazard can decrease global temperatures?

a. Volcanic ash
b. Lahar
c. Pyroclastic flow
d. Lava flow

volcanic ash

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A typical rate of seafloor spreading in the Atlantic Ocean is ________.

a. 2 meters per year
b. 20 feet per year
c. 2 centimeters per year
d. 5 miles per year

two centimeters per year

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Earth is unique among terrestrial planets in that it________.

a. has liquid water at its surface
b. has an active system of (plate)
tectonics
c. supports a biosphere
d. all of these are unique attributes of
Earth

all of these are unique attributes of Earth

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_____ are the two primary factors that affect the rate of weathering.

a. Climate and rock location
b. Water and rock type
c. Climate and rock type
d. Altitude and rock location

climate and rock type

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The Earth’s lithosphere is comprised of the:

a. crust and uppermost mantle
b. core and mantle
c. asthenosphere
d. uppermost mantle

crust and uppermost mantle

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_____ is a chemical weathering process which releases iron for oxidation.

a. Oxidation
b. Frost wedging
c. Biological activity
d. Hydrolysis

hydrolosis

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Which type of convergence will result in a continental volcanic arc?

a. Oceanic-Continental
b. Oceanic-Oceanic
c. Continental-Continental
d. Hydrosphere-Atmosphere

oceanic continental

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________ is a material’s resistance to flowing.

a. Viscosity
b. Volatiles
c. Composition
d. Quiescent

viscosity

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________ bonding links silicon to oxygen atoms in a silica-oxygen tetrahedron.

a. Metallic
b. Ionic
c. Hybrid
d. Covalent

covalent

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Select the choice below that best describes the role of volatiles in an ascending magma.

a. Volatiles will reduce the pressure
b. Volatiles will force the magma to contract as it rises
c. Volatiles will shatter surrounding rocks, making it easier for the magma to rise
d. Volatiles will expand with decreasing pressure, carrying the melt upward

will expand with decreasing pressure, carrying the melt upward

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Steno’s Law refers to _____.

a. the way a mineral cleaves
b. the fact that angles between crystal faces are consistent for a specific mineral
c. the way a mineral fractures
d. the presence of water reducing the melting point of a rock

the fact that angles between crystal faces are consistent for a specific mineral

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What is the source of Earth’s internal heat?

a. The sun
b. Radioactive breakdown
c. Leftover heat from Earth’s formation
d. b and c

b and c

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Igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks derived from igneous “parents” make up what percentage of the
Earth’s crust?

a. 50%
b. 95%
c. 82%
d. 75%

95%

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true or false

Magma is composed of mobile ions of elements, crystals of silicates, and volatiles

true

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true or false

The jigsaw fit of the continents was used by Wegener to support the continental drift hypothesis

true

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true or false

Dissolution is a physical weathering process

false

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true or false

Sheet silicate structure will affect the cleavage properties of a mineral

true

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true or false

Soil taxonomy is the process by which soil is eroded.

false

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true or false

The four spheres on Earth operate independently from each other

false

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Metamorphic rock with non-foliated texture

hornfels

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Type of metamorphism involving continental collision

regional

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Dating method used by archeologists

carbon 14

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Earthquake hazard

landslides

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Sedimentary rock composed of angular detrital fragments

breccia

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Foliated metamorphic rock formed from mid-grade metamorphism

schist

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Layer known as the “graveyard” of subducted oceanic lithosphere

D”

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Sedimentary rock that exhibits fissility

shale

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Flat topped seamount

guyot

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Area where submarine canyons are found

continental slope

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Which of the following is the term for the processes which collectively form a mountain belt?

a. diagenesis
b. thrust faulting
c. orogenesis
d. folding

orogenesis

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Why is shale, the most abundant sedimentary rock, often overlooked in the landscape?

a. Soil doesn’t form well from shale
b. Shale is darker in color and blends in
c. Shale is less resistant to weathering and forms gentle slopes
d. Shale looks like limestone and sandstone

shale is less resistant to weathering and forms gentle slopes

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________ is a high grade foliated metamorphic rock while _______ is the highest grade of metamorphic rock.

a. Slate; gneiss
b. Gneiss; migmatite
c. Shale; gneiss
d. Gneiss; phyllite

gneiss, migmatite

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Which of the following agents of metamorphism would create a foliated metamorphic rock?

a. Differential stress
b. Confining pressure
c. Chemically active fluids
d. Heat

differential stress

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A Benioff earthquake zone is significant in plate tectonics theory because it:

a. locates rift valleys on continents
b. traces the descent of subducting sea-floor lithospheric slabs
c. indicates the location of magma chambers
d. coincides with mid-oceanic ridges

traces the descent of sea-floor lithospheric slabs

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If increasing heat and pressure change bituminous coal into anthracite, the rock has changed from a(n) __________ rock into a(n) _________ rock.

a. black; purple
b. sedimentary; metamorphic
c. igneous, metamorphic
d. sedimentary; igneous

sedimentary; metamorphic

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Forms when a subducting oceanic plate is very cold, old, and dense.

a. accretionary wedge
b. deep ocean trench
c. passive margin
d. shallow ocean trench

deep ocean trench

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In what kind of environment would a conglomerate form?

a. Beach
b. Stream valley
c. Alluvial fan
d. All of the above

all of the above

Which of the following geologic formations is the oldest?

a. K
b. F
c. C
d. L

Which of the following geologic events is the youngest?

a. Deposition of H
b. Faulting at J
c. Deposition of B
d. Erosion between formations F and E

faulting at J

The fault labeled J in the cross section is what kind of fault?

a. Dip-slip Normal
b. Dip-slip Reverse
c. Strike-slip Normal
d. Strike-slip Reverse

dip-slip reverse

The unconformity in the areas above formation E is an example of what type of unconformity?

a. Angular unconformity
b. Nonconformity
c. Disconformity
d. Inconformity

disconformity

You know that dike M must be younger than pluton K because of which geologic principle?

a. Superposition
b. Original Horizontality
c. Inclusions
d. Cross cutting relationships

cross cutting relationships

Which of the following is not a method by which heat flows or is generated within the Earth?

a. Convection
b. Conduction
c. Radioactive decay
d. Radiation

radiation

What is the primary difficulty in assigning NUMERICAL dates to the geologic time scale?

a. Not all rocks can be relatively age dated
b. Not all rocks have fossils
c. Not all rocks can be dated by numerical methods
d. Not all rocks are subject to the rule of superposition

not all rocks can be dated by numerical methods

Earth’s magnetic field is generated by which of the following?

a. Convection cells within the mantle
b. Subducting oceanic crust
c. Spiraling flow in the liquid outer core
d. The Earth doesn’t have a magnetic field

spiraling flow in the liquid outer core

Which of the following could make up the material that forms a chemical sedimentary rock?

a. Gravel and sand
b. Interbedded rock gypsum and rock salt
c. Shell fragments
d. Bituminous coal

interbedded rock gypsum and rock salt

Which factor contributes to ductile deformation?

a. High confining pressure
b. Low confining pressure
c. Low temperature
d. Rapid application of differential stress

high confining pressure

What type of structure is shown in the geologic block diagram to the
right?
a. Anticline
b. Syncline
c. Dome
d. Monocline

monocline

________ accounts for greater ocean depths moving away from the oceanic ridge toward the deep ocean basin.

a. Thermal expansion
b. Thermal contraction
c. Convection
d. Conduction

thermal contraction

In a ________ fault, the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall because of _______ stress.

a. reverse; compressional
b. normal; compressional
c. reverse; tensional
d. normal; tensional

normal; tensional

If each formation on the map is a different Period, what is the MOST likely age of the rocks in the center of the structure (darkest color on the map)?

a. Cambrian
b. Permian
c. Tertiary
d. Pennsylvanian

permian

What type of geologic structure is shown in the geologic map?

a. Plunging Anticline
b. Plunging Syncline
c. Normal Fault
d. Reverse Fault

plunging anticline

Which of the following best describes the general relationship between the velocity of seismic waves and depth in Earth?

a. The velocity of seismic waves is the same until they reach the outer core, when they speed up.
b. The velocity of seismic waves decreases through rigid material
c. The velocity of seismic waves generally decreases with depth.
d. The velocity of seismic waves generally increases with depth

the velocity of seismic waves generally increases with depth

Which of the following might be seen where strike-slip movement has occurred?

a. A fault scarp
b. Mountains from the upward motion of the footwall
c. A large region of subsidence from the hanging wall block moving down
d. Offset fences

offset fences

What are the characteristics of an index fossil?

a. Found only in small geographic areas and over short time spans
b. Found only in large geographic areas and over short time spans
c. Found only in large geographic areas and over long time spans
d. Found only in small geographic areas and over long time spans

found only in large geographic areas and over short time spans

In an ophiolite complex, what is the composition of the layer above the sheeted dike complex?

a. Gabbro
b. Pillow basalt
c. Deep sea sediments and sedimentary rocks
d. Limestone

pillow basalt

How do geologists infer the orientation of rock structures that are mainly below Earth’s surface?

a. Geologists dig mines underground to directly study the orientation of rock layers.
b. After measuring the strike and dip of several outcrops within an area, geologists graphically present
these data in the form of geologic maps.
c. Geologists only describe rock structures that they can see and say that there is no data for rock
structures that cannot directly be seen.
d. Geologists drill a core into several layers of rock strata every few feet and then sketch a cross section of
underground rock layers by comparing the cores.

after measuring the strike and dip of several outcrops within an area, geologists graphically present these data in the form of geologic maps

Generally speaking, which seismic waves will have the smallest amplitude on a seismogram and will arrive first to a seismic station?

a. P-waves
b. S-waves
c. Surface waves
d. Surf waves

p-waves

The highest magnitude earthquakes typically occur ______.

a. at divergent plate boundaries
b. on megathrust faults
c. near oceanic ridges
d. in the stable interior of continents

on megathrust faults

true or false

Index minerals can be used to understand the temperature and pressure conditions during metamorphism.

true

true or false

The record of life in geologic past is not biased because all kinds of organisms are preserved in sedimentary rock.

false

true or false

The inference that the Earth’s outer core is liquid comes
from surface wave shadow zones

false

true or false

Brazil’s steel industry was encouraged to switch from using coal to using charcoal because charcoal from plantation forests is carbon neutral and analysts thought the change would improve the environment.

true

true or false

An asymmetrical fold has limbs that are mirror images of
each other

false

true or false

The epicenter is the location on the surface of the Earth
directly above the hypocenter of an earthquake.

true

true or false

The first sign of a tsunami’s approach is a rapid retreat of water from the shoreline

true

true or false

Normal faults are associated with basin and range
topography

true

true or false

Paleoseismology allows geologists to make accurate shortrange earthquake predictions.

false

true or false

Metamorphic rocks formed around an intrusive magma
body via contact metamorphism have varying degrees of thickness and composition.

true

Metamorphic rock with non-foliated texture

marble

Type of metamorphism involving meteorites

impact

Especially hazardous to man-made earthen dams

seiches

Sedimentary rock which is composed of calcite

limestone

Island feature indicative of a volcano subsiding

atoll

Boundary between the crust and the mantle

moho

Zone where two continents are welded together

suture

Area that accumulates deep–sea fan deposits

continental rise

Deep features associated with convergent plate boundaries

deep ocean trenches

Which of the following makes up the sediment that forms an organic sedimentary rock?

a. Gravel and sand
b. Shells and plant fibers
c. Dissolved minerals
d. Weathered ions

shells and plant fibers

________ is a low grade foliated metamorphic rock and _______ is a high grade foliated metamorphic rock.

a. Schist; gneiss
b. Gneiss; slate
c. Shale; slate
d. Slate; gneiss

slate; gneiss

Which of the following methods of transportation will result in the coarsest sorting (poorest sorting)?

a. Waves on a beach
b. Streams
c. Glaciers
d. Wind

glaciers

Which of the following best describes the appearance and composition of a conglomerate?

a. Angular fragments; well sorted
b. Rounded fragments; poorly sorted
c. Angular fragments; poorly sorted
d. Rounded fragments; well sorted

rounded fragments; poorly sorted

Which of the following does not describe the texture of nonclastic chemical sedimentary rocks?

a. Sandy
b. Crystalline
c. Microcrystalline
d. Evaporite

sandy

Which of the following geologic formations is the
oldest?

a. A
b. B
c. L
d. E

picture ^
Which of the following geologic events is the
youngest?

a. Deposition of E
b. Erosion at S
c. Intrusion of B
d. Faulting at F

erosion at S

What type of fault (at F) is shown in the cross section?

a. Dip-slip Normal
b. Dip-slip Reverse
c. Strike-slip Normal
d. Strike-slip Reverse

dip-slip normal

The erosional surface at G is an example of what type of unconformity?

a. Angular unconformity
b. Nonconformity
c. Disconformity
d. Inconformity

angular unconformity

Which of the following diagrams shows how foliation could develop in a rock due to compression (the compression is shown with arrows)?

Which type of metamorphism will be generated by confining pressure?

a. Contact
b. Hydrothermal
c. Burial
d. Regional

burial

Metamorphism can lead to changes in ______.

a. Mineralogy
b. Texture
c. Chemical Composition
d. All of the above

all of the above

If increasing heat and pressure change bituminous coal into anthracite, the rock has changed from a(n) __________ rock into a(n) _________ rock.

a. black; purple
b. sedimentary; metamorphic
c. igneous, metamorphic
d. sedimentary; igneous

sedimentary; metamorphic

Which conditions favor fossil preservation?

a. The organism is made of only soft parts and was buried slowly
b. The organism has hard parts and was buried slowly
c. The organism has hard parts and was buried quickly
d. The organism is made of only soft parts and was buried quickly

the organism has hard parts and was buried quickly

What are the three types of sedimentary rocks?

a. detrital, organic, porphyritic
b. intrusive, extrusive, felsic
c. detrital, chemical, organic
d. foliated, nonfoliated, contact

detrital, chemical, organic

What is the primary difficulty in assigning NUMERICAL dates to the geologic time scale?

a. Not all rocks can be relatively age dated
b. Not all rocks have fossils
c. Not all rocks can be dated by numerical methods
d. Not all rocks are subject to the rule of superposition

not all rocks can be dated by numerical methods

Geologic Cross Section. Name the feature illustrated below.

a. Monocline
b. Anticline
c. Overturned
d. Syncline

anticline

What contributes to the ductile deformation of a rock?

a. Complete melting and slowly increasing differential pressure on the rock
b. Increasing temperature of the rock and slowly increasing differential pressure on the rock
c. Increasing temperature of the rock only
d. Quickly increasing differential pressure on the rock

increasing temperature of the rock and slowly increasing differential pressure on the rock

What type of structure is shown on the geologic map below?

a. Dome
b. Basin
c. Anticline
d. Syncline

basin

In a ________ fault, the hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall because of _______ stress.

a. reverse; compressional
b. normal; compressional
c. reverse; tensional
d. normal; tensional

reverse; compressional

All of the following are characteristic of P-waves, EXCEPT:

a. The fastest of the seismic waves, and typically the first to reach a seismometer after an earthquake
b. Movement of wave is compressional
c. Rocks vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave propagation
d. Can only travel through solids (not liquids)

can only travel through solids (not liquids)

What is the minimum number of seismic stations needed to record the epicenter of an earthquake?

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

Generally speaking, which seismic waves will have the greatest amplitude on a seismogram and will arrive last to a seismic station?

a. P-waves
b. S-waves
c. Surface waves
d. Surf waves

surface waves

What type of geologic structure is shown in the
geologic map?

a. Plunging Anticline
b. Plunging Syncline
c. Normal Fault
d. Reverse Fault

plunging syncline

If each formation on the map is a different Period,
what is the MOST likely age of the rocks in the
center of the structure (darkest color on the map)?

a. Cambrian
b. Pennsylvanian
c. Mississippian
d. Pennsylvanian

mississippian

Long-range earthquake predictions can be made by seismologists by:

a. Observing long-term changes in groundwater levels
b. Identifying and counting aftershocks
c. Identifying seismic gaps
d. Observing animal behavior

identifying seismic gaps

An earthquake has just occurred in your hometown! As you walk the streets with your new geologic knowledge, you notice that some buildings have tilted or appear to have sunk into the ground, but have not completely collapsed. What process is the most likely cause for your observations?

a. Tsunami
b. Aftershocks
c. Liquefaction
d. Solifluction

liquefaction

The speed of a seismic wave as the wave travels through Earth’s layers depends on ____.

a. The temperature of the material
b. The composition of the material
c. The amount of gas in the material
d. The temperature and composition of
the material

the temperature and composition of the material

true or false

Multiple terrains accreted onto the continental crust of the northwest coast of North America

true

true or false

As mountains continue to rise in elevation, the processes of erosion and mass wasting are reduced.

false

true or false

Chert, petrified wood, and agate are chemical sedimentary rocks composed primarily of quartz

true

true or false

the focus is the spot in earth where rock slippage ends when an earthquake ends.

false

true or false

The D″ layer is known as the “graveyard” of subducted continental lithosphere

true

true or false

Reverse faults are associated with divergent plate boundaries

false

true or false

Horsts and grabens are bounded by sets of normal faults.

true

Over time, mass wasting causes __________

a. Canyons to widen
b. Canyons to incise
c. Terrain to become more steep
d. Canyons to become more narrow

canyons to widen

__________ is not a trigger for mass wasting

a. Oversteepening of a slope
b. Adding water to sediments
c. Water flowing in a stream
d. An earthquake

water flowing in a stream

Which would increase stream flow velocity?

a. Decreasing the gradient
b. Having a narrow, deep channel
c. Having a small drainage basin
d. Having many boulders in the bed of the channel

having a narrow, deep channel

true or false

When a stream enters a large body of water, capacity and competence decrease.

true

For a meandering stream, the majority of deposition occurs __________

a. At waterfalls
b. In the point bar
c. In the cut bank
d. At the outside of a bend

in the point bar

true or false

A natural levee is a ridge of flood deposits far from a river channel.

false

What type of drainage pattern develops on isolated volcanic peaks:

a. Radial
b. Rectangular
c. Dendritic
d. Trellis (Piracy)

radial

Which type of flooding occurs in north flowing rivers in the Northern Hemisphere with the onset of spring?

a. Regional
b. Flash
c. Ice-jam
d. Dam failure

ice jam

What is infiltration:

a. Plants taking in water
b. The transition from liquid to gas from higher temperatures
c. Water soaking into the ground
d. Water running into a channel

water soaking into the ground

In a disconnected losing stream, ____________.

a. Water table is lower than stream surface and is in contact with the stream bed
b. Water table is lower than the stream surface and is separated from the bed
c. Water table is higher than the stream surface and is in contact with the stream bed
d. Water table is higher than the stream surface and is separated from the bed

water table is lower than the stream surface and is separated from the bed

Which of the following has the highest permeability?

a. Basalt
b. Limestone
c. Sandstone
d. Non-fractured granite

limestone

In order for an aquifer to be useful for human consumption, what kind of porosity and permeability should it have?

a. High porosity and low permeability
b. Low porosity and low permeability
c. High porosity and high permeability
d. Low porosity and low permeability

high porosity and high permeability

When would the cone of depression stop enlarging?

a. When the amount of water flowing toward the well is greater than the amount being pumped out
b. The amount of water flowing away from the well is greater than the amount being pumped out
c. When the amount of water flowing toward the well is equal to the amount being pumped out
d. When the amount of water flowing away from the well is equal to the amount being pumped out

when the amount of water flowing toward the well is equal to the amount being pumped out

The water table will fall when _________________.

a. The well is pumped at an unsustainable rate/ drought
b. A well is pumped at a sustainable rate/ drought
c. A well is pumped at an unsustainable rate/ high precipitation
d. A well is pumped at a sustainable rate/ high precipitation

the well is pumped at an unsustainable rate/drought

true or false

marine terraces are indicative of a submergent coastline

false

which of the following statements about a mineral reserve is FALSE?

a. The valuable element in the reverse must have a high enough concentration to be mined profitably
b. Does not change over time
c. Can change with improvements in technology
d. Can change with economic changes

does not change over time

which kind of rock would be an ideal cap rock?

a. shale
b. limestone
c. sandstone
d. conglomerate

shale

Surface feature created by wind erosion

blowout

Outflow of water where an aquitard intersects with the land surface

spring

Wind blown silt sized sediment

loess

Product of a debris flow in an arid environment

alluvial fan

Occurs in regions underlain by permafros

soliflucation

Type of mass wasting that produces a talus slope

fall

Type of mass wasting that involves materials moving as a viscous fluid

flow

Process that causes dissolution of limestone bedrock in a stream

corrosion

Glacial feature associated with waterfalls

hanging valleys

Process by which bed load is transported

saltation

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

a. Aluminum
b. Trees
c. Coal
d. Oil

trees

A rainshadow desert forms ______.

a. near glaciers
b. on the leeward side of a mountain
c. on the windward side of a mountain
d. in a high-pressure zone

on the leeward side of a mountain

Yosemite National Park is prone to ________ because of ________, which is a type of mechanical weathering due to the expansion and fracturing of igneous plutons when they are exposed at the surface.

a. debris slides; dissolution
b. rock falls; oxidation
c. debris slides; sheeting
d. rock falls; sheeting

rock falls; sheeting

What ultimately causes a spit to develop?

a. a rip current
b. The longshore current gains energy.
c. a tidal current
d. The longshore current reduces its energy.

the longshore current reduces its energy

Which of the following methods to counteract beach erosion do coastal scientists consider the best permanent option?

a. Jetties
b. Relocation of at-risk structures
c. Sea walls
d. Beach nourishment

relocation of at-risk structures

_____ is a trigger for mass wasting.

a. Oversteepening a slope
b. Adding water to sediments
c. Removing vegetation
d. All of the above

all of the above

Which renewable energy resource makes up the largest share of Iceland’s energy?

a. Wind energy
b. Hydroelectric power
c. Tidal power
d. Geothermal energy

geothermal energy

For a meandering stream, the majority of erosion occurs _____.

a. In the point bar
b. In the cut bank
c. At the inside of a bend
d. No erosion occurs

in the cut bank

______ is the horizontal distance between successive wave crests.

a. Wave height
b. Wave period
c. Wavelength
d. Tidal height

wavelength

What type of drainage pattern develops on highly jointed bedrock?

a. Radial
b. Dendritic
c. Rectangular
d. Trellis

rectangular

What provides most ocean waves with their energy?

a. volcanic activity on the ocean floor
b. boats passing through
c. earthquakes
d. the wind

the wind

Of the following options, which is the most common type of chemical weathering in a desert?

a. Oxidation
b. Hydrolysis
c. Salt-crystal growth
d. Frost wedging

oxidation

As a river flows from headwaters to the mouth _____.

a. channel slope increases and flow velocity increases
b. channel roughness increases and discharge increases
c. flow velocity increases and channel slope decreases
d. discharge decreases and flow velocity decreases

flow velocity increases and channel slope decreases

What size sediment can be transported by glaciers?

a. Gravel and sediment larger than gravel
b. Only clay
c. Only silt and sand
d. All sediment sizes

all sediment sizes

Which of the following statements about mudflows is false?

a. Flowing mixture of debris and water
b. Generally flows along a channel
c. Dominantly course-grained material
d. Can be associated with volcanic eruptions

dominantly coarse-grained material

In a gaining stream, _____.

a. the stream is always disconnected from the water table by the unsaturated zone
b. groundwater adds to streamflow and the water table is higher than the stream surface
c. groundwater adds to streamflow and the water table is lower than the stream surface
d. streamflow adds to groundwater and the water table is lower than the stream surface

groundwater adds to streamflow and the water table is higher than the stream surface

Which of the following is an erosional feature?

a. Dripstone
b. Stalactite
c. Stalagmite
d. Tower karst

tower karst

The upper boundary of the zone of wastage is ______.

a. the zone of fracture
b. the zone of plastic flow
c. the snowline
d. a region of crevasses

the snowline

Which of the following materials has the highest porosity?

a. Limestone
b. Sandstone
c. Non-fractured granite
d. Clay

clay

What is the name of bowl-shaped depression at the head of a valley glacier?

a. Arête
b. Cirque
c. Horn
d. Tarn

cirque

The subsurface zone in which the pore spaces are completely filled with water is called the:

a. Unsaturated zone
b. Zone of saturation
c. Capillary fringe
d. Zone of soil moisture

zone of saturation

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an emergent coastline?

a. Tombolo
b. Drowned river mouth
c. Marine terrace
d. Barrier island

marine terrace

Which of the following can be an economically important hydrothermal deposit?

a. Placer deposits
b. Oil sands
c. Black smoker
d. Diamonds

black smoker

An artesian well must tap into ______.

a. crystalline bedrock
b. an aquitard
c. a perched water table
d. a confined aquifer

an aquitard

Using the map above, what is the aquifer’s flow direction?

a. North
b. South
c. East
d. West

east

Well A is 500 feet deep and well B is 200 feet deep. If well A and well B are pumped at the same rate and the rate exceeds aquifer recharge, what will happen?

a. Nothing, both wells can produce water forever
b. Both wells will go dry at the same time
c. Well A will go dry first
d. Well B will go dry first

well B will go dry first

true or false

During the beginning of an interglacial period, sea level will fall.

false

true or false

A nonflowing artesian well is drilled into a confined aquifer.

true

true or false

Slot canyons form in unconsolidated sediment.

false

true or false

isostatic uplift occurred during the last great ice age.

false

true or false

Slump is the slow migration of surface materials resulting from repeated expansion and contraction.

false

true or false

The eye wall of a hurricane is where the most intense rain and wind are located

true

true or false

Levees are never naturally formed.

false

true or false

Drainage in a swamp runs perpendicular to the main river flow direction

false

true or false

Geysers are more common in the western United States because igneous activity has occurred more recently in the area.

true

true or false

Borax and evaporate minerals are mined from playas.

true

Which of the following is a wind deposit?

a. Bajadas
b. Barchan dunes
c. Alluvial fan
d. Yardang

barchan dunes

main source of weathering and erosion in deserts

water

Which renewable energy resource is generated in the Great Planes?

a. Wind energy
b. Hydroelectric power
c. Tidal power
d. Geothermal energy

wind energy

which kind of rock would be an ideal cap rock?

a. shale
b. limestone
c. sandstone
d. conglomerate

shale

Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

lecture FINAL Flashcards

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