Deck 9: The Pace of Change

Question 1

In terms of dating of specific rocks,structures,or landscapes,numerical age refers to

A)the age of geological features based on isotopic dating techniques.
B)the age of one feature with respect to another within a sequence of events and deduced from the positions of rock strata above and below one another.
C)a range of numeric values in which a features was likely formed and based on several lines of evidence,such as paleoclimatic and paleobotanical reconstructions.
D)the approximate age of geological features based on the period or epoch in which they occurred.For instance,noting a feature is from the Cretaceous.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Tectonic forces are an example of

A)exogenic processes.
B)endogenic processes.
C)both exogenic and endogenic processes.
D)neither exogenic nor endogenic processes.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following is INCORRECTLY matched?

A)Exogenic external processes
B)Radioactive decay heat exogenic energy source
C)Weathering exogenic breaking and dissolving the crust
D)Endogenic internal processes

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which of the following is CORRECT in regards to the geologic time scale?

A)An era is the smallest unit of geologic time.
B)The largest defined unit is an eon or,according to some,a supereon.
C)Every period is composed of 2 epochs.
D)An epoch is composed of one or more periods.

Question 5

The principle that the same physical processes currently active in the environment were operating throughout Earthʹs history is known as

A)statism.
B)parallelism.
C)uniformitarianism.
D)catastrophism.

Question 6

Which of the following is an endogenic process?

A)Weathering
B)Stream deposition
C)Glacial erosion
D)Volcanism

Question 7

Which of the following is an exogenic process?

A)Earthquakes
B)Weathering
C)Flows of heat and materials in the mantle
D)Volcanism

Question 8

Which of the following is CORRECT regarding the geologic time scale?

A)Over 87 percent of Earthʹs history has elapsed during the more recent Cenozoic,Mesozoic,and Paleozoic eras.
B)The Jurassic period occurred during the Paleozoic era.
C)The bulk of Earthʹs history has occurred during the Precambrian eon.
D)We live in the Tertiary period.

Question 9

The subfield of geography and geology concerned with the study of the origins,evolutions,form,and spatial distribution of Earthʹs landforms is

A)lithology.
B)pedology.
C)geophysics.
D)geomorphology.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an example of an age -relationship based on absolute dating?

A)The Coconino formation in the Grand Canyon is older than the Kaibab formation.
B)The Vishnu schist at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is 2 billion years old.
C)The oldest known rocks on Earth are 3.96 billion years old.
D)The dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago.

Question 11

In terms of dating of specific rocks,structures,or landscapes,relative age refers to

A)the age of one feature with respect to another within a sequence of events and deduced from the positions of rock strata above and below one another.
B)the age of geological features based on isotopic dating techniques.
C)the inability to ascertain exact age through isotopic methods and the necessity to provide a date range for such features.
D)the approximate age of geological features based on the period or epoch in which they occurred.For instance,noting a feature is from the Cretaceous.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of the principle of uniformitarianism?

A)It is not possible to know how Earth processes have changed overtime,therefore it is not possible to deduce how Earthʹs ancient landforms evolved.
B)Catastrophic events,such as major landslides,earthquakes,and volcanic episodes,are the primary drivers of geomorphological change.
C)Earthʹs geological history is mostly uniform and homogeneous,existing now as it mostly always has with the exception of minor recent changes.
D)The processes by which streams carve valleys at present are the same as those that carved valleys 500 millions years ago.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of an age-relationship based on relative dating?

A)Australopithecines were alive 3.2 million years ago.
B)Australopithecines evolved before Homo erectus.
C)The Neanderthals became extinct 35,000 years ago.
D)Clovis points have been dated at 11,000 years old in North America.

Question 14

Which of the following plays a role in the shaping of Earthʹs surface?

A)The action of wind,water,and ice
B)The radioactive decay of atoms
C)Gravity
D)Gravity,wind,water,and ice,and radioactive decay
E)Gravity and wind,water,and ice only

Question 15

Boundaries between intervals of the geological time scale are determined by

A)Climatic periods based on paleoclimatological reconstructions.
B)Major events in Earthʹs history,such as major extinctions.
C)dividing the time range of the interval by the number desired subdivisions,thereby creating equal intervals between the divisions.
D)using a quantile method whereby the number of years in each subdivision is determined by dividing the number of years by the desired number of classes.

Question 16

Uniformitarianism assumes that

A)the same physical processes we see today are a key to understanding the processes that have been operating throughout geologic time.
B)catastrophic episodes have regularly occurred.
C)Earth is quite young and is shaped by dramatic events.
D)mountains,plains,and canyons formed by catastrophic events.

Question 17

Scientists have direct evidence of Earthʹs structure to

A)the inner core.
B)about 2 km (1.2 mi)from the surface.
C)10 km (6 mi)from the surface,based on the deepest well shaft.
D)the upper mantle (~250 km (155 mi)).

Question 18

The scientific study of rock strata (layers)is known as and based on the principle of .

A)Paleontology; catastrophism.
B)Paleogeography; plate tectonics.
C)stratigraphy; superposition.
D)geomorphology; uniformitarianism.

Question 19

The Precambrian Eon encompasses what percentage of Earthʹs total history?

A)0)04 %
B)5%
C)88.3%
D)11.7%

Question 20

Earthʹs magnetic poles

A)are fixed.
B)are perfectly aligned with Earthʹs axis.
C)are misaligned from Earthʹs axis by 23.5 degrees.
D)are migrating approximately 55 to 60 km (34 to 37 mi)per year.

Question 21

Continental crust is basically ,whereas oceanic crust is basically .

A)sima; sial
B)granite; basalt
C)basalt; granite
D)thin; thick

Question 22

The transition zone from the upper mantle to the crust is known as the discontinuity.

A)Asthensosphere
B)Lithosphere
C)Mohorovičić
D)Gutenberg

Question 23

Of the elements in Earthʹs crusts,makes up the most of Earthʹs crust by weight.

A)oxygen (O)
B)silicon (Si)
C)Aluminum (Al)
D)Iron (Fe)

Question 24

Earthʹs interior is layered because

A)materials became sorted based on electromagnetic fields as Earth solidified.
B)centrifugal force separated out the materials based on weight as Earth solidified.
C)materials became sorted based on density as Earth solidified.

Question 25

The density of material below the Moho is that above it.

A)greater than
B)the same as
C)less than

Question 26

The percentage of oxygen is the crusts is than that in the atmosphere.

A)greater than
B)the same as
C)less than

Question 27

The fact that Earthʹs interior is sorted into layers indicates that

A)the process of formation from a nebula (by the slamming together of material and planetesimals that stuck together on impact)produces nice,neat layers.
B)the rotation of the early Earth acted like a centrifuge which separated materials based on weight.
C)Earth was once in a molten state,during which materials became sorted based on density.
D)nothing can be inferred about such a perplexing level of organization.

Question 28

Which of the following is CORRECT?

A)Continental crust is denser than oceanic crust and composed primarily of granite.
B)Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust and composed primarily of basalt.
C)Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust and is composed primarily of basalt.
D)Oceanic crust is less dense than continental crust and is composed primarily of granite.

Question 29

Knowledge of Earthʹs interior is mostly derived from

A)direct sampling of the interior using deep-test wells.
B)historic and prehistoric records.
C)indirect evidence involving the analysis of seismic waves.
D)work in Earthʹs deepest caverns and caves.

Question 30

Which layer of the planet forms 80 percent of Earthʹs total volume,and has an average density of 1.grams /cm3?

A)Mantle
B)Oceanic crust
C)Core
D)Continental crust

Question 31

The dominant element in continental crust are

A)silica and magnesium.
B)silica and aluminum.
C)magnesium and aluminum.
D)potassium and iron.

Question 32

On average,the thickness of oceanic crust is that of continental crust

A)the same as
B)greater than
C)less than

Question 33

The three most abundant elements in Earthʹs crust are

A)iron,aluminum,and granite.
B)oxygen,silicon,and aluminum.
C)rock,water,and tectonics.
D)magnesium,potassium,and oxygen.

Question 34

The uneven transition zone from the outer core to the mantle is known as the discontinuity.

A)Asthensosphere
B)Lithosphere
C)Mohorovičić
D)Gutenberg

Question 35

Which of the following can occur when seismic waves encounter a layer in Earthʹs interior?

A)Change in speed
B)Absorption
C)Reflection and/or refraction
D)Reflection,refraction,absorption,and change in speed
E)Seismic waves cannot penetrate below the crust of Earth.

Question 36

The boundary between the crust and the rest of the lithospheric upper mantle is a discontinuity known as the

A)Moho.
B)lithospheric layer.
C)mantle.
D)Gutenberg.

Question 37

Which of the following gives the CORRECT sequence of layers in Earth,from the surface to the center?

A)Mantle,crust,inner core,outer core
B)Inner core,outer core,mantle,crust
C)Crust,inner core,mantle,outer core
D)Crust,mantle,outer core,inner core

Question 38

Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding Earthʹs inner core?

A)It is about 1230 km (760 mi.)thick.
B)It has a density of 13.5 grams/cm3.
C)It is solid iron in composition.
D)It is the source of Earthʹs magnetic field.

Question 39

Which of the following statements about Earthʹs core is NOT correct?

A)The inner core is believed to be liquid and the outer core solid.
B)Scientists think the inner core formed before the outer core.
C)It is composed primarily of iron.
D)A third of Earthʹs entire mass,but only 1/6th of its volume lies in its core.

Question 40

The majority of Earthʹs volume is within the

A)outer core.
B)crust.
C)mantle.
D)inner core.

Question 41

Earthʹs magnetic field

A)is principally generated in the inner core.
B)is constant in its intensity.
C)is variable,and it has faded to zero and returned to full strength with the polarity reversed.
D)remains a mystery as to its cause.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a criteria to be classified as a mineral?

A)Anthropogenic
B)Crystalline structure
C)Solid
D)Inorganic
E)Specific chemical composition

Question 43

What type of rock forms from the solidification of molten material?

A)sedimentary
B)igneous
C)metamorphic

Question 44

The average length of a period during which a given magnetic field polarity exists is about

A)10,000 years.
B)100,000 years.
C)500,000 years.
D)1,000,000 years.

Question 45

The rigid crust and uppermost mantle are known collectively as the

A)asthenosphere.
B)Moho.
C)lithosphere.
D)Gutenberg discontinuity.

Question 46

An assemblage of minerals bound together is called a

A)molecule.
B)rock.
C)mineral.
D)granitic compound.

Question 47

Approximately 95% of Earthʹs crust is made up of

A)silicates.
B)carbonates.
C)phosphates.
D)oxides.

Question 48

Glaciers that once covered the Hudson Bay area melted 8,000 years ago.As a result of this,the bay is gradually rising.In another 10,000 years or so,it will have risen above sea level and become dry.This process can best be considered an example of

A)isostasy.
B)catastrophism.
C)accretion.
D)orogenesis.

Question 49

The thickness of Earthʹs crust ranges from

A)70 km to 250 km (43 mi.to 155 mi.).
B)5 km to 60 km (3 mi.to 37 mi.).
C)the surface to an unknown depth.
D)the surface down to 2900 km (1800 mi.).

Question 50

The asthenosphere can best be described as

A)a rigid solid.
B)a liquid.
C)a plasma.
D)a plastic.

Question 51

The principles of buoyancy and balance,when applied to Earthʹs crust,helps us to explain fluctuations in Earthʹs outer crust,a property known as

A)orogenesis.
B)Moho effect.
C)magnetism.
D)isostasy.

Question 52

The process of isostatic adjustment is most closely associated with which of the following?

A)Volcanic activity
B)Buoyancy
C)Sea-floor spreading
D)Lithospheric plate collisions

Question 53

An element or combination of elements that forms an inorganic,natural compound is called a

A)tectonic rock.
B)granitic compound.
C)molecule.
D)mineral.

Question 54

The plastic layer in the mantle from about 70 to 250 km (43 to 155 mi)in depth is known as the

A)Moho.
B)lithosphere.
C)asthenosphere.
D)Gutenberg discontinuity.

Question 55

Molten rock beneath Earthʹs surface is known as ,whereas molten rock on Earthʹs surface is called .

A)intrusive; extrusive
B)extrusive; intrusive
C)magma; lava
D)lava; magma

Question 56

The three basic rock types are

A)sedimentary,metamorphic,and igneous.
B)laterite,schist,and basalt.
C)intrusive,extrusive,and plutonic.
D)conglomerates,clastics,and evaporative.

Question 57

During the past ice age,landmasses were generally

A)more exposed to the atmosphere.
B)elevated,because ice is lighter than rock.
C)unaffected by the climatic conditions of the time.
D)pressed down into the asthenosphere by the load of ice.

Question 58

The major rocks of Earthʹs crust are classified into principal types based on

A)relative and absolute locations.
B)three specific rock-forming processes; i.e.,the manner in which they formed.
C)mineral composition.
D)element composition.

Question 59

Which of the following layers of Earth is liquid and is responsible for producing Earthʹs magnetic field?

A)Outer core
B)Inner core
C)Lower mantle
D)Asthenosphere

Question 60

The dominant element in oceanic crust are

A)potassium and iron.
B)magnesium and aluminum.
C)silica and magnesium.
D)silica and aluminum.

Question 61

Limestone formed from the shells of marine organisms is an example of sedimentary rock.

A)biochemical
B)organic
C)chemical
D)clastic

Question 62

A batholith forms from

A)extrusive igneous rock.
B)sediment accumulation in a depression.
C)intrusive igneous rock.
D)metamorphic rock.

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT correct regarding the metamorphism process?

A)It can be accomplished by chemical processes.
B)It involves melting of the original rock.
C)It can be accomplished by pressure.
D)It can be accomplished by heat.

Question 64

Which rock type makes up approximately 90% of Earthʹs crust?

A)Igneous
B)Sedimentary
C)Metamorphic

Question 65

Sedimentary rocks are more a product of the system whereas metamorphic and igneous rocks are more a product of the system.

A)intrusive; extrusive
B)tectonic; rock
C)exogenic; endogenic
D)endogenic; exogenic

Question 66

The majority of Earthʹs crust is composed of rock.

A)igneous
B)metamorphic
C)carbonate
D)sedimentary

Question 67

Extrusive igneous cooled and hardened Earthʹs surface,resulting in grained rocks.

A)at; finer
B)beneath; coarser
C)beneath; finer
D)at; coarser

Question 68

Travertine,formed from the CaCO3 that has been precipitated from groundwater,is an example of sedimentary rock.

A)clastic
B)organic
C)chemical
D)biochemical

Question 69

Small plutons that form parallel to layers of sedimentary rock are known as

A)dikes.
B)sills.
C)batholiths.
D)laccoliths.

Question 70

Limestone is a type of rock that forms when .

A)sedimentary; calcium carbonate precipitates,or organic material containing calcium carbonate accumulates in a water environment
B)sedimentary; broken fragments of rock are deposited in a water environment and are then cemented together.
C)igneous; lava cools
D)igneous; magma cools

Question 71

Sedimentary rock formed from dissolved minerals that precipitate out of water solution and build up to form rock are

A)inorganic.
B)chemical.
C)clastic.
D)organic.

Question 72

Intrusive igneous cooled and hardened Earthʹs surface,resulting in grained rocks.

A)beneath; finer
B)beneath; coarser
C)at; coarser
D)at; finer

Question 73

A rock transformed from any other rock through extreme heat and or pressure is referred to as

A)igneous.
B)metamorphic.
C)sedimentary.
D)ancient.

Question 74

Sedimentary rock formed from the combined processes of weathering,erosion,transportation,deposition,lithication,and compaction of rock fragments of other rocks are

A)biochemical.
B)chemical.
C)organic.
D)clastic.

Question 75

Obsidian is an igneous rock with a glassy appearance and minimal crystal growth.What accounts for this?

A)Obsidian is an extrusive igneous rock that cooled rapidly on Earth surface,resulting in little crystal growth.
B)Obsidian is an intrusive igneous rock that cooled rapidly beneath Earthʹs surface,resulting in little crystal growth.
C)Obsidian is an intrusive igneous rock that cooled slowly beneath Earthʹs surface,resulting in little crystal growth.
D)Obsidian is an extrusive igneous rock that cooled very slowly on Earth surface,resulting in little crystal growth.

Question 76

What type of rock is derived from the bits and pieces of former rocks?

A)Sedimentary
B)Hydrothermal
C)Igneous
D)Metamorphic

Question 77

Which of the following lists,in proper sequential order,the steps leading to the formation of clastic sedimentary rock?

A)Precipitation,settling,compaction,cementation
B)Erosion,transportation,deposition,cementation
C)Erosion,transportation,deposition,metamorphism
D)Erosion,deposition,transportation,cementation

Question 78

If you were driving down the highway and saw mountains composed of layered strata,you could be confident that you were looking at

A)batholiths or laccoliths.
B)sedimentary rocks.
C)extrusive igneous rock.
D)a shield volcano.

Question 79

Which of the following is an example of an intrusive,igneous rock formation?

A)Lava flow
B)Volcano
C)Pluton
D)Dome

Question 80

Which of the following is NOT a process than can cause metamorphism?

A)Pressure
B)Solidification of magma
C)Heating
D)Compression and shear