Transcript froshcd.tk

The production of a commodity has been growing
exponentially with time at a rate of 5% per year. The time
required to QUADRUPLE the annual production at this
growth rate is closest to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
14 years
20 years
28 years
50 years
* The percentage growth rate value changes from year to year. *
The production of a commodity has been growing
exponentially with time at a rate of 5% per year. The time
required to QUADRUPLE the annual production at this
growth rate is closest to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
14 years
20 years
28 years
50 years
* The percentage growth rate value changes from year to year. *
Although it is probably impossible to predict precisely when
an earthquake will occur, one of the following features may
indicate that an area is at high risk of a major earthquake:
a) A seismic gap along an active fault zone
b) aftershocks
c) Ground subsidence
d) Electrical storms
e) Low levels of radon in wells
Although it is probably impossible to predict precisely when
an earthquake will occur, one of the following features may
indicate that an area is at high risk of a major earthquake:
a) A seismic gap along an active fault zone
b) aftershocks
c) Ground subsidence
d) Electrical storms
e) Low levels of radon in wells
We can sample rocks at the surface of the Earth to determine
their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper
in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE density of Earth.
We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the
moon. In doing that determination, you would need all but one
of the following. Which one don’t you need?
a) The Earth’s moment of inertia
b) The radius of the Earth
c) The gravitational constant (G)
d) The orbital velocity of the moon
e) The distance from the Earth to the Moon
We can sample rocks at the surface of the Earth to determine
their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper
in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE density of Earth.
We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the
moon. In doing that determination, you would need all but one
of the following. Which one don’t you need?
a) The Earth’s moment of inertia
b) The radius of the Earth
c) The gravitational constant (G)
d) The orbital velocity of the moon
e) The distance from the Earth to the Moon
There are over 100 elements in the Earth, but amazingly, only
four elements constitute, in total 90% (by weight) of the
entire Earth. These four elements are:
a) Fe, O, Si, Mg
b) Fe, Mg, Ni, O
c) O, Si, Al, Fe
d) O, Fe, Si, Ni
e) Fe, Ni, S, O
There are over 100 elements in the Earth, but amazingly, only
four elements constitute, in total 90% (by weight) of the
entire Earth. These four elements are:
a) Fe, O, Si, Mg
b) Fe, Mg, Ni, O
c) O, Si, Al, Fe
d) O, Fe, Si, Ni
e) Fe, Ni, S, O
The Earth’s crust includes the following five minerals. If you
could mine every last crystal of these five minerals from the
crust, which one would end up providing the most lead?
a) pyrite
b) Potassium Feldspar
c) Chalcopyrite
d) Magnetite
e) Galena
The Earth’s crust includes the following five minerals. If you
could mine every last crystal of these five minerals from the
crust, which one would end up providing the most lead?
a) pyrite
b) Potassium Feldspar
c) Chalcopyrite
d) Magnetite
e) Galena
Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals
involve polymerization. The polymerization is achieved by:
a) The covalent bonding of oxygen with positive cations
b) The joining of single chains with positive cations
c) The sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedra
d) The replacement of some silicon atoms with aluminum
e) The sharing of silicon atoms with aluminum atoms
Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals
involve polymerization. The polymerization is achieved by:
a) The covalent bonding of oxygen with positive cations
b) The joining of single chains with positive cations
c) The sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedra
d) The replacement of some silicon atoms with aluminum
e) The sharing of silicon atoms with aluminum atoms
As seismic energy waves travel deeper and deeper in the
lower mantle of the Earth, the P-wave velocity increases with
depth because:
a) The compressibility modulus decreases with depth in the mantle
b) The chemical composition of the mantle changes with depth
c) The density increases with depth in the mantle
d) The elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth
e) The lower mantle becomes more plastic
As seismic energy waves travel deeper and deeper in the
lower mantle of the Earth, the P-wave velocity increases with
depth because:
a) The compressibility modulus decreases with depth in the mantle
b) The chemical composition of the mantle changes with depth
c) The density increases with depth in the mantle
d) The elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth
e) The lower mantle becomes more plastic
The sketch below is a plan map view of
a series of sedimentary strata which
have been folded and eroded to the
horizontal. Strike and dip directions are
shown. Which way does the fold
plunge?
a) west
b) South
c) north
d) east
e) It does not plunge
The sketch below is a plan map view of
a series of sedimentary strata which
have been folded and eroded to the
horizontal. Strike and dip directions are
shown. Which way does the fold
plunge?
a) west
b) South
c) north
d) east
e) It does not plunge
Weathering produces minerals that are more stable at the
Earth’s surface. Which of the following is the most abundant
product of the weathering process?
a) clay
b) hematite
c) limonite
d) quartz
e) feldspar
Weathering produces minerals that are more stable at the
Earth’s surface. Which of the following is the most abundant
product of the weathering process?
a) clay
b) hematite
c) limonite
d) quartz
e) feldspar
Which of the following features is most likely to be
associated with a palco-placer gold deposit?
a) Submarine lava flows
b) Granite porphyry
c) Cross bedding
d) Igneous layering
e) Vesicularity
Which of the following features is most likely to be
associated with a palco-placer gold deposit?
a) Submarine lava flows
b) Granite porphyry
c) Cross bedding
d) Igneous layering
e) Vesicularity
To generate a computer model of Earth, we must specify two things to
the computer. Which of the following are they?
1. the compressibility moduli of the different materials in Earth
2. the distribution of the different materials in the model Earth
3. the densities of the different materials in the model Earth
4. the shear moduli of the different materials in the model Earth
5. the seismic velocities within the different materials in the model Earth
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 and 2
4 and 2
1 and 2
3 and 2
4 and 5
To generate a computer model of Earth, we must specify two things to
the computer. Which of the following are they?
1. the compressibility moduli of the different materials in Earth
2. the distribution of the different materials in the model Earth
3. the densities of the different materials in the model Earth
4. the shear moduli of the different materials in the model Earth
5. the seismic velocities within the different materials in the model Earth
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 and 2
4 and 2
1 and 2
3 and 2
4 and 5
If you were in the Kingston area about 450 million years ago,
what would you have seen?
a) Desert sands
b) Ice sheets like in Greenland
c) An oceanic island-arc
d) A Himalayan-like mountain range
e) Shallow seas
If you were in the Kingston area about 450 million years ago,
what would you have seen?
a) Desert sands
b) Ice sheets like in Greenland
c) An oceanic island-arc
d) A Himalayan-like mountain range
e) Shallow seas
Of the following five rocks, which one can best neutralize
acid rain?
a) Rock salt
b) A sulfide deposit
c) A granite
d) A sandstone
e) A limestone
Of the following five rocks, which one can best neutralize
acid rain?
a) Rock salt
b) A sulfide deposit
c) A granite
d) A sandstone
e) A limestone
On a semi-log plot of annual production of a commodity
versus time, the plot for the commodity that is being
produced at an exponential rate is:
On a semi-log plot of annual production of a commodity
versus time, the plot for the commodity that is being
produced at an exponential rate is:
In carrying out a risk assessment and risk management
process, we calculate the risk by multiplying the probability
of the hazard occurring by:
a) The type of risk
b) The frequency of the risk
c) The severity of the risk
d) The length of the hazard
e) The proximity of the hazard
In carrying out a risk assessment and risk management
process, we calculate the risk by multiplying the probability
of the hazard occurring by:
a) The type of risk
b) The frequency of the risk
c) The severity of the risk
d) The length of the hazard
e) The proximity of the hazard
What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?
a) Release of sulfur dioxide gas
b) tsunami
c) earthquakes
d) mudflows
e) solifluction
What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?
a) Release of sulfur dioxide gas
b) tsunami
c) earthquakes
d) mudflows
e) solifluction
When exploring for oil, seismic reflection studies provide the
most effective way to search for suitable sedimentary rock
structures that might host the oil. What kind of structure is
most likely to be a prime target for oil?
a) An up-arch antiform
b) A moraine
c) An unconformity
d) A strike-slip fault
e) Mud-cracks
When exploring for oil, seismic reflection studies provide the
most effective way to search for suitable sedimentary rock
structures that might host the oil. What kind of structure is
most likely to be a prime target for oil?
a) An up-arch antiform
b) A moraine
c) An unconformity
d) A strike-slip fault
e) Mud-cracks
If we want to determine whether humans have been
responsible for dramatically changing the atmospheric
concentration of greenhouse gases since the Industrial
Revolution, we need to know what their values were before
that time. Which of the following approaches can give us
that information?
a) Drilling and analyzing ice cores from glaciers
b) Analyzing the composition of gas in mud layers on the ocean floor
c) Analyzing atmospheric gas collected in Hawaii
d) Analyzing the carbonates in fossil shells
e) Analyzing the tree rings in bristlecone pines
If we want to determine whether humans have been
responsible for dramatically changing the atmospheric
concentration of greenhouse gases since the Industrial
Revolution, we need to know what their values were before
that time. Which of the following approaches can give us
that information?
a) Drilling and analyzing ice cores from glaciers
b) Analyzing the composition of gas in mud layers on the ocean floor
c) Analyzing atmospheric gas collected in Hawaii
d) Analyzing the carbonates in fossil shells
e) Analyzing the tree rings in bristlecone pines
Roughly what percentage of the world’s human population
currently lives in urban areas?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%
Roughly what percentage of the world’s human population
currently lives in urban areas?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%
San Francisco, California, sits right on the San Andreas fault.
This fault marks a tectonic plate boundary. At this plate
boundary:
a) Plates are moving towards each other
b) One plate is sliding under another plate
c) Plates are moving away from one another
d) Continents are colliding
e) Plates are sliding past each other
San Francisco, California, sits right on the San Andreas fault.
This fault marks a tectonic plate boundary. At this plate
boundary:
a) Plates are moving towards each other
b) One plate is sliding under another plate
c) Plates are moving away from one another
d) Continents are colliding
e) Plates are sliding past each other
If the Earth’s magnetic field did not occasionally reverse
polarity:
a) Polar-wander curves would not exist
b) Compasses would not work
c) Paleomagnetic analysis of a rock would not give the direction of the pole
d) The sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies
e) Continental drift would not have occurred
If the Earth’s magnetic field did not occasionally reverse
polarity:
a) Polar-wander curves would not exist
b) Compasses would not work
c) Paleomagnetic analysis of a rock would not give the direction of the pole
d) The sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies
e) Continental drift would not have occurred
What is the main control on the size of crystals produced in
igneous rocks?
a) Viscosity of the magma
b) Volatile content
c) Temperature of the magma
d) Shape of the igneous body
e) Rate of cooling
What is the main control on the size of crystals produced in
igneous rocks?
a) Viscosity of the magma
b) Volatile content
c) Temperature of the magma
d) Shape of the igneous body
e) Rate of cooling
What type of fault is most likely to be associated with a
constructive plate margin?
a) Reverse dip-slip
b) Normal dip-slip
c) Nobody’s
d) strike-slip
e) Transverse
What type of fault is most likely to be associated with a
constructive plate margin?
a) Reverse dip-slip
b) Normal dip-slip
c) Nobody’s
d) strike-slip
e) Transverse
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following
magmas will generally be the riches in water?
a) mafic
b) ultramafic
c) granite
d) dioritic
e) porphyrytic
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following
magmas will generally be the riches in water?
a) mafic
b) ultramafic
c) granite
d) dioritic
e) porphyrytic
There is no single “one-model-fits-all” solution to problems
of population growth rates that are too high. However, one
of the following is MOST directly linked to a reduction in the
population growth rate of countries. Which one is it?
a) Economic incentives
b) Use of contraceptives
c) industrialization
d) Decrease in per capita consumption
e) Education of men
There is no single “one-model-fits-all” solution to problems
of population growth rates that are too high. However, one
of the following is MOST directly linked to a reduction in the
population growth rate of countries. Which one is it?
a) Economic incentives
b) Use of contraceptives
c) industrialization
d) Decrease in per capita consumption
e) Education of men
I have hired you to help my exploration company find a veintype Cu-Mo-Ag-Au porphyry deposit. Where, of the following
possibilities, is the best place to look for such a deposit?
a) Shield volcanoes in the middles of plates
b) Destructive plate margins
c) Constructive plate margins
d) Transform plate margins
e) Kimberlite pipes in the middle of plates
I have hired you to help my exploration company find a veintype Cu-Mo-Ag-Au porphyry deposit. Where, of the following
possibilities, is the best place to look for such a deposit?
a) Shield volcanoes in the middles of plates
b) Destructive plate margins
c) Constructive plate margins
d) Transform plate margins
e) Kimberlite pipes in the middle of plates
Of the following rock types, which is the most likely to be a
trap rock for trapping oil and gas underground?
a) Granite porphyry
b) greywacke
c) Shale/mudstone
d) Salt dome
e) Quartz sandstone
Of the following rock types, which is the most likely to be a
trap rock for trapping oil and gas underground?
a) Granite porphyry
b) greywacke
c) Shale/mudstone
d) Salt dome
e) Quartz sandstone
Which strike and dip symbol best
represents the orientation of the coal
bed in space?
Note: the orientation and numbers in the diagram are known to change
Which strike and dip symbol best
represents the orientation of the coal
bed in space?
Note: the orientation and numbers in the diagram are known to change
In determining the recurrence interval for large earthquakes
along faults, we make use of the “Law of Cross-Cutting
Relationships”. This law is related to:
a) The fact that pieces of the Earth’s crust are constantly moving up and down
b) The order in which sediments are deposited
c) The fact that the focus Is always above the epicenter of the earthquake
d) The fact that, as a result of a tsunami, a peat layer is thrown on top of a sand layer
e) The fact that layers are shifted when a fault motion takes place
In determining the recurrence interval for large earthquakes
along faults, we make use of the “Law of Cross-Cutting
Relationships”. This law is related to:
a) The fact that pieces of the Earth’s crust are constantly moving up and down
b) The order in which sediments are deposited
c) The fact that the focus Is always above the epicenter of the earthquake
d) The fact that, as a result of a tsunami, a peat layer is thrown on top of a sand layer
e) The fact that layers are shifted when a fault motion takes place
Which meteorite type is a best approximation to the
AVERAGE composition of the Earth?
a) A basaltic achondrite meteorite
b) A Leonid meteorite
c) A chondrite meteorite
d) An ultramafic meteorite
e) An iron meteorite
Which meteorite type is a best approximation to the
AVERAGE composition of the Earth?
a) A basaltic achondrite meteorite
b) A Leonid meteorite
c) A chondrite meteorite
d) An ultramafic meteorite
e) An iron meteorite
As a magma of Granodiorite composition cools down from
1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystalize first?
a) Biotite mica
b) Pyroxene
c) Olivine
d) Na-rich Plagioclase
e) Quartz
As a magma of Granodiorite composition cools down from
1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystalize first?
a) Biotite mica
b) Pyroxene
c) Olivine
d) Na-rich Plagioclase
e) Quartz
The Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock deals with:
a) The development of the hydrological cycle
b) The Plate Tectonic cycle
c) The formation of the Solar System
d) The “physiology” of the Earth
e) The Rock Cycle
The Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock deals with:
a) The development of the hydrological cycle
b) The Plate Tectonic cycle
c) The formation of the Solar System
d) The “physiology” of the Earth
e) The Rock Cycle
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain
feldspar grains?
a) Greywacke
b) Banded Iron Formation
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Limestone
e) Mudstone
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain
feldspar grains?
a) Greywacke
b) Banded Iron Formation
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Limestone
e) Mudstone
Water wells have been sunk in the
region shown in the plan map. The
height of the water table is indicated.
Which way is the ground water
dominantly flowing in the region?
a) East to west
b) West to East
c) North to South
d) South to North
e) Up and Down like a yo-yo, and circling like a tornado
Note: the numbers on the diagram are known to vary from year to year
Water wells have been sunk in the
region shown in the plan map. The
height of the water table is indicated.
Which way is the ground water
dominantly flowing in the region?
a) East to west
b) West to East
c) North to South
d) South to North
e) Up and Down like a yo-yo, and circling like a tornado
Note: the numbers on the diagram are known to vary from year to year
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain
feldspar grains?
a) Greywacke
b) Banded Iron Formation
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Limestone
e) Mudstone
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain
feldspar grains?
a) Greywacke
b) Banded Iron Formation
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Limestone
e) Mudstone
From the sketch below showing a cross-section of crossbedding sandstone layers, which way was the water that
produced them moving?
a) Uni-directionally, from left to right
b) Bi-directionally, back and forth
c) From up to down
d) Uni-directionally from right to left
e) From down to up
Note: the direction of the asymmetrical wave pattern is known to vary from year to year
From the sketch below showing a cross-section of crossbedding sandstone layers, which way was the water that
produced them moving?
a) Uni-directionally, from left to right
b) Bi-directionally, back and forth
c) From up to down
d) Uni-directionally from right to left
e) From down to up
Note: the direction of the asymmetrical wave pattern is known to vary from year to year
A silicate mineral that is not in the presence of water is most
likely to be above its melting point at:
a) A low temperature and a high pressure
b) A high temperature and high pressure
c) A low temperature and low pressure
d) A high temperature and low pressure
e) The surface of the Earth
A silicate mineral that is not in the presence of water is most
likely to be above its melting point at:
a) A low temperature and a high pressure
b) A high temperature and high pressure
c) A low temperature and low pressure
d) A high temperature and low pressure
e) The surface of the Earth
The average temperature at the surface of the Earth is
currently approximately 16°centigrade. However, what
would the average surface temperature of the Earth be if the
Earth had no atmosphere.
a) Greater than 100°C
b) 50°C
c) 15°C
d) 0°C
e) - 20°C
The average temperature at the surface of the Earth is
currently approximately 16°centigrade. However, what
would the average surface temperature of the Earth be if the
Earth had no atmosphere.
a) Greater than 100°C
b) 50°C
c) 15°C
d) 0°C
e) - 20°C
Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically
weather LEAST rapidly?
a) Diorite
b) Gabbro
c) Limestone
d) Granite
e) Rock Salt
Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically
weather LEAST rapidly?
a) Diorite
b) Gabbro
c) Limestone
d) Granite
e) Rock Salt
Differentiation of igneous rocks by partial melting can only occur if:
a) There is convection in the magma chamber
b) The magma becomes less viscous during crystallization
c) The magma contains water
d) Early-formed liquids are separated from the remaining rock
e) As crystals form, they react with the liquid.
Differentiation of igneous rocks by partial melting can only occur if:
a) There is convection in the magma chamber
b) The magma becomes less viscous during crystallization
c) The magma contains water
d) Early-formed liquids are separated from the remaining rock
e) As crystals form, they react with the liquid.
Brad R. Allenby, in his paper on Earth-Systems Engineering,
argues that the desired goal, or end point, of Earth Systems
Engineering should be:
a) Economic growth
b) Sustainability
c) Climate change
d) Equity
e) Decreased population
Brad R. Allenby, in his paper on Earth-Systems Engineering,
argues that the desired goal, or end point, of Earth Systems
Engineering should be:
a) Economic growth
b) Sustainability
c) Climate change
d) Equity
e) Decreased population
Which of the following features of an igneous rock can be
used to get an idea of its chemical composition?
a) Size
b) Type of rock structure
c) Proximity to Earth’s surface
d) Colour
e) All of the above
Which of the following features of an igneous rock can be
used to get an idea of its chemical composition?
a) Size
b) Type of rock structure
c) Proximity to Earth’s surface
d) Colour
e) All of the above
Which of the following rock types is most likely to be well-sorted?
a) Greywacke
b) Limestone
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Glacial till
e) Arkose
Which of the following rock types is most likely to be well-sorted?
a) Greywacke
b) Limestone
c) Quartz Sandstone
d) Glacial till
e) Arkose
Quartz and Feldspar are minerals that belong to the same
silicate structural type. Their compositional difference is due
to the replacement of some silicon atoms by another
element to form the feldspars. What is the element that
replaces silicon?
a) Aluminum
b) Sodium
c) Calcium
d) Iron
e) Potassium
Quartz and Feldspar are minerals that belong to the same
silicate structural type. Their compositional difference is due
to the replacement of some silicon atoms by another
element to form the feldspars. What is the element that
replaces silicon?
a) Aluminum
b) Sodium
c) Calcium
d) Iron
e) Potassium
A mafic dyke would most likely be associated with:
a) A pyroclastic flow
b) A fissure eruption
c) A strike-slip fault
d) A tsunami
e) A translation slip
A mafic dyke would most likely be associated with:
a) A pyroclastic flow
b) A fissure eruption
c) A strike-slip fault
d) A tsunami
e) A translation slip
Hubbert’s Peak refers to:
a) The first site, in the early 1950’s, for measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide
b) The total resource of a commodity
c) The highest average global population growth rate in the 20th century
d) The highest global production of crude oil
e) The highest continental mountain
Hubbert’s Peak refers to:
a) The first site, in the early 1950’s, for measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide
b) The total resource of a commodity
c) The highest average global population growth rate in the 20th century
d) The highest global production of crude oil
e) The highest continental mountain
Absolute ages have been attached to the Relative Time Scale
by determination of:
a) The nature of superposition of the sedimentary layers
b) Radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than
sedimentary formations
c) Radiometric ages of fossil skeletons
d) The nature of the biotic succession of rocks
e) The cross-cutting relationships of igneous rocks and faults
Absolute ages have been attached to the Relative Time Scale
by determination of:
a) The nature of superposition of the sedimentary layers
b) Radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than
sedimentary formations
c) Radiometric ages of fossil skeletons
d) The nature of the biotic succession of rocks
e) The cross-cutting relationships of igneous rocks and faults
Which of the following types of mass movement generally
has the highest velocity?
a) Earthflow
b) Mudflow
c) Solifluction
d) Creep
e) Translational rock slip
Which of the following types of mass movement generally
has the highest velocity?
a) Earthflow
b) Mudflow
c) Solifluction
d) Creep
e) Translational rock slip
Limonite can form by the chemical weathering of which of
the following minerals?
a) Quartz
b) Olivine
c) Potassium-rich Clay
d) Feldspar
e) Muscovite Mica
Limonite can form by the chemical weathering of which of
the following minerals?
a) Quartz
b) Olivine
c) Potassium-rich Clay
d) Feldspar
e) Muscovite Mica
Salt Domes are important for oil exploration because:
a) They form antiformal fold structures about them
b) Salt is the source rock for oil
c) Salt rock squeezes oil out of the source rocks
d) Oil is trapped in the salt dome
e) Water flowing out from the salt carries oil
Salt Domes are important for oil exploration because:
a) They form antiformal fold structures about them
b) Salt is the source rock for oil
c) Salt rock squeezes oil out of the source rocks
d) Oil is trapped in the salt dome
e) Water flowing out from the salt carries oil
In an attempt to model the composition of the deep layers of
the interior of the Earth we re-create conditions deep in the
Earth’s interior using:
a) A smelting furnace
b) A diamond anvil press
c) A seismometer
d) The mineral composition of metamorphic rock
e) The inverse theory approach
In an attempt to model the composition of the deep layers of
the interior of the Earth we re-create conditions deep in the
Earth’s interior using:
a) A smelting furnace
b) A diamond anvil press
c) A seismometer
d) The mineral composition of metamorphic rock
e) The inverse theory approach
The texture and structures of sedimentary rocks can yield
information on the conditions of their deposition. Just by looking
at the grain size of a sandstone at an outcrop, one can infer:
a) The number of times the sand has been reworked by successive currents
b) The grain size of the rocks from which the sane weathered
c) The distance over which the sand has been transported
d) The composition of the rock from which the sand weathered
e) The velocity of the current by which it was deposited
The texture and structures of sedimentary rocks can yield
information on the conditions of their deposition. Just by looking
at the grain size of a sandstone at an outcrop, one can infer:
a) The number of times the sand has been reworked by successive currents
b) The grain size of the rocks from which the sane weathered
c) The distance over which the sand has been transported
d) The composition of the rock from which the sand weathered
e) The velocity of the current by which it was deposited
Which of the following diagrams is the most probable
description of the future production of a non-renewable
resource that has been produced exponentially up to the
present time?
Which of the following diagrams is the most probable
description of the future production of a non-renewable
resource that has been produced exponentially up to the
present time?
The Earth’s carrying capacity refers to:
a) The number of “sinks” available for human needs
b) The fact that humans move more material annually than all other Earth processes
c) The ultimate total amount of a non-renewable resource available to us
d) How large a human population the Earth can sustainably support
e) The level of overshoot and oscillation
The Earth’s carrying capacity refers to:
a) The number of “sinks” available for human needs
b) The fact that humans move more material annually than all other Earth processes
c) The ultimate total amount of a non-renewable resource available to us
d) How large a human population the Earth can sustainably support
e) The level of overshoot and oscillation
The thickness of the lithospheric plates was determined by:
a) Discovering the low-velocity zone
b) Detecting an increase in seismic velocity of seismic waves crossing the MOHO
c) Detecting the shadow zone for seismic P and S-Waves
d) Noting that seismic S-waves are stopped at the base of the plates
e) Noting the refraction of seismic P-waves at the mantle-core boundary
The thickness of the lithospheric plates was determined by:
a) Discovering the low-velocity zone
b) Detecting an increase in seismic velocity of seismic waves crossing the MOHO
c) Detecting the shadow zone for seismic P and S-Waves
d) Noting that seismic S-waves are stopped at the base of the plates
e) Noting the refraction of seismic P-waves at the mantle-core boundary
When seismologists try to find ways to predict earthquakes,
they are faced with the fact that earthquake behavior follows
a Power Law relationship. Which of the graphs below shows
the correct relationship between the number of earthquakes
as a function of the Richter magnitude?
When seismologists try to find ways to predict earthquakes,
they are faced with the fact that earthquake behavior follows
a Power Law relationship. Which of the graphs below shows
the correct relationship between the number of earthquakes
as a function of the Richter magnitude?
When we are assessing the future of a commodity, we refer
to the reserves and resources of that commodity. The
definition of a reserve of a commodity is:
a) The amount of the commodity already removed from the ground but not sold
b) The estimated total amount of the commodity in the whole Earth
c) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extracted
d) The estimated total amount of the commodity that is ultimately economically
available to us from the Earth’s crust
e) The shyness of commodity experts when bidding on the stock-market
When we are assessing the future of a commodity, we refer
to the reserves and resources of that commodity. The
definition of a reserve of a commodity is:
a) The amount of the commodity already removed from the ground but not sold
b) The estimated total amount of the commodity in the whole Earth
c) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extracted
d) The estimated total amount of the commodity that is ultimately economically
available to us from the Earth’s crust
e) The shyness of commodity experts when bidding on the stock-market
In February 2008, S. Self and S. Blake called one of the following
“probably the greatest natural hazard of mankind in terms of
the severity and longevity of impact – the ultimate geologic
hazard”. Which one were they referring to?
a) A caldera collapse and super-eruption
b) A Richter-magnitude nine earthquake
c) A mega-landslide in the Himalayas
d) An earthquake-generated tsunami
e) Enhanced global warming and resultant climate change
In February 2008, S. Self and S. Blake called one of the following
“probably the greatest natural hazard of mankind in terms of
the severity and longevity of impact – the ultimate geologic
hazard”. Which one were they referring to?
a) A caldera collapse and super-eruption
b) A Richter-magnitude nine earthquake
c) A mega-landslide in the Himalayas
d) An earthquake-generated tsunami
e) Enhanced global warming and resultant climate change
Which of the following minerals is closest to the AVERAGE
composition of the Earth?
a) Pyrite
b) Feldspar
c) Quartz
d) Calcite
e) Olivine
Which of the following minerals is closest to the AVERAGE
composition of the Earth?
a) Pyrite
b) Feldspar
c) Quartz
d) Calcite
e) Olivine
Which of the following rocks is least likely to have a foliation?
a) Schist
b) Slate
c) Gneiss
d) Migmatite
e) Quartzite
Which of the following rocks is least likely to have a foliation?
a) Schist
b) Slate
c) Gneiss
d) Migmatite
e) Quartzite
An unconformity, like the one in the Kingston area, is best
defined as:
a) A gap in the rock record
b) A basal conglomerate
c) A layer of sedimentary rocks
d) A thin, tabular or sheet-like, igneous intrusion
e) A layer of rocks with very unusual fossils
An unconformity, like the one in the Kingston area, is best
defined as:
a) A gap in the rock record
b) A basal conglomerate
c) A layer of sedimentary rocks
d) A thin, tabular or sheet-like, igneous intrusion
e) A layer of rocks with very unusual fossils
For an exponential equation of the form y=-ekt, where “y” is
growing as a function of time, the “k” term is:
a) The growth rate of quantity “y” in percent
b) One one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity “y” in percent
c) A constant whose value is the base of the natural logarithm
d) The doubling time
e) One one-hundredth of the doubling time
For an exponential equation of the form y=-ekt, where “y” is
growing as a function of time, the “k” term is:
a) The growth rate of quantity “y” in percent
b) One one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity “y” in percent
c) A constant whose value is the base of the natural logarithm
d) The doubling time
e) One one-hundredth of the doubling time
When determining the risk of a “landslide” in a particular
region, which of the following will provide the most valuable
information?
a) Installation of seismometers
b) The tracing out of faults
c) Carbon-14 dating peat layers
d) Analysis of air photographs
e) Measurement of acceleration due to gravity
When determining the risk of a “landslide” in a particular
region, which of the following will provide the most valuable
information?
a) Installation of seismometers
b) The tracing out of faults
c) Carbon-14 dating peat layers
d) Analysis of air photographs
e) Measurement of acceleration due to gravity
The MOHO is a boundary in the Earth across which, as one goes
deeper in the Earth, a number of changes occur. Only one of
the five changes listed below is correct. Which one is it?
a) The Fe content goes down
b) The temperature goes down
c) The density goes down
d) The Si content goes down
e) The seismic velocity goes down
The MOHO is a boundary in the Earth across which, as one goes
deeper in the Earth, a number of changes occur. Only one of
the five changes listed below is correct. Which one is it?
a) The Fe content goes down
b) The temperature goes down
c) The density goes down
d) The Si content goes down
e) The seismic velocity goes down
Evidence of abundant fossils of life-forms that made hard
protective shells did not appear in the geological record until
how long ago?
a) 3.5 billion years ago
b) 5 billion years ago
c) 65 million years ago
d) 600 million years ago
e) 300 million years ago
Evidence of abundant fossils of life-forms that made hard
protective shells did not appear in the geological record until
how long ago?
a) 3.5 billion years ago
b) 5 billion years ago
c) 65 million years ago
d) 600 million years ago
e) 300 million years ago
Which of the following will NOT help to determine the
recurrence history of large (greater than magnitude 7.5)
earthquakes in a region?
a) Looking for evidence of ancient tsunamis in the soil record
b) Determining the age of peat layers
c) Studying human historical records of the region
d) Digging trenches and pits around the faults
e) Setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a
20 year period
Which of the following will NOT help to determine the
recurrence history of large (greater than magnitude 7.5)
earthquakes in a region?
a) Looking for evidence of ancient tsunamis in the soil record
b) Determining the age of peat layers
c) Studying human historical records of the region
d) Digging trenches and pits around the faults
e) Setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a
20 year period
The process of unloading can produce:
a) Amygdules
b) Mud cracks
c) Joints
d) Cross-bedding
e) Leaching
The process of unloading can produce:
a) Amygdules
b) Mud cracks
c) Joints
d) Cross-bedding
e) Leaching
The three most abundant elements in the continental crust are:
a) O, Al, Fe
b) O, Si, Fe
c) O, Fe, Mg
d) O, Si, Al
e) K, Ca, Na
The three most abundant elements in the continental crust are:
a) O, Al, Fe
b) O, Si, Fe
c) O, Fe, Mg
d) O, Si, Al
e) K, Ca, Na
A crystal of Potassium Feldspar from a granite has been
analyzed by the K-Ar method of geochronology. The ratio in
the crystal of the number of 40K atoms to the number of
40Ar atoms is 1 to 3. Given that the half life for the decay of
parent to daughter is 1.3 billion years, which of the following
values is closest to the age of formation of the granite?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
0.30 billion years
0.65 billion years
1.3 billion years
2.0 billion years
2.6 billion years
A crystal of Potassium Feldspar from a granite has been
analyzed by the K-Ar method of geochronology. The ratio in
the crystal of the number of 40K atoms to the number of
40Ar atoms is 1 to 3. Given that the half life for the decay of
parent to daughter is 1.3 billion years, which of the following
values is closest to the age of formation of the granite?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
0.30 billion years
0.65 billion years
1.3 billion years
2.0 billion years
2.6 billion years
A sample of basalt in which the remnant magnetic field is
oriented vertically probably formed and cooled:
a) At the azimuth
b) Under sea water
c) Near the equator
d) At 45 degrees north or south latitude
e) Near the north or south pole
A sample of basalt in which the remnant magnetic field is
oriented vertically probably formed and cooled:
a) At the azimuth
b) Under sea water
c) Near the equator
d) At 45 degrees north or south latitude
e) Near the north or south pole
You are in Iceland, witnessing a lava flow. What is most likely
to be the colour of the rock formed when the lava has
crystallized and cooled?
a) pink
b) yellow
c) black
d) white
e) green
You are in Iceland, witnessing a lava flow. What is most likely
to be the colour of the rock formed when the lava has
crystallized and cooled?
a) pink
b) yellow
c) black
d) white
e) green
The fact that, over time in the sedimentary rock record, fossil
organisms succeed one another in a definite and
determinable order is the basis for:
a) The principle of original horizontality
b) The principle of biotic succession
c) The Law of Superposition
d) The doctrine catastrophism
e) The principle of cross-cutting relationships
The fact that, over time in the sedimentary rock record, fossil
organisms succeed one another in a definite and
determinable order is the basis for:
a) The principle of original horizontality
b) The principle of biotic succession
c) The Law of Superposition
d) The doctrine catastrophism
e) The principle of cross-cutting relationships
We wish to put the foundations of our building into solid rock,
but we need to know the thickness of the soil layer sitting above
the rock. We can carry out a seismic refraction study, but this
requires the knowledge of the velocity of the seismic P-waves in
the soil and in the rock. We obtain these by:
a) Taking the inverse of the slopes on the travel-time curves
b) Measuring the critical distance
c) Calculating the path taken by the seismic waves
d) Determining the difference between the focus and epicenter of
the earthquake
e) Measuring the difference in arrival time of the first P and the first S
seismic wave
We wish to put the foundations of our building into solid rock,
but we need to know the thickness of the soil layer sitting above
the rock. We can carry out a seismic refraction study, but this
requires the knowledge of the velocity of the seismic P-waves in
the soil and in the rock. We obtain these by:
a) Taking the inverse of the slopes on the travel-time curves
b) Measuring the critical distance
c) Calculating the path taken by the seismic waves
d) Determining the difference between the focus and epicenter of
the earthquake
e) Measuring the difference in arrival time of the first P and the first S
seismic wave
If you are exploring for a bauxite ore deposit, which of the
following is most likely to be associated with it?
a) A laterite
b) A porphyritic rock
c) an ultramafic rock
d) A salt dome
e) Sandstone
If you are exploring for a bauxite ore deposit, which of the
following is most likely to be associated with it?
a) A laterite
b) A porphyritic rock
c) an ultramafic rock
d) A salt dome
e) Sandstone
In carrying out a risk analysis and risk management plan to
minimize damage from a natural or anthropogenic hazard,
which of the following is a step that needs to be done after
we assess the risk from the hazard in the are under
consideration, but before we undertake any risk-control
solutions?
a) A poll to determine the wishes of the public
b) Further collection of scientific data over a sufficiently long time period
c) Refinement of the emergency measures organizations
d) Public education
e) A cost-benefit analysis
In carrying out a risk analysis and risk management plan to
minimize damage from a natural or anthropogenic hazard,
which of the following is a step that needs to be done after
we assess the risk from the hazard in the are under
consideration, but before we undertake any risk-control
solutions?
a) A poll to determine the wishes of the public
b) Further collection of scientific data over a sufficiently long time period
c) Refinement of the emergency measures organizations
d) Public education
e) A cost-benefit analysis
In order to have an ore deposit, you need:
a) An accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money from
b) A local accumulation of metal
c) A porphyry-copper deposit
d) A mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals
e) A mineral deposit that is close to market
In order to have an ore deposit, you need:
a) An accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money from
b) A local accumulation of metal
c) A porphyry-copper deposit
d) A mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals
e) A mineral deposit that is close to market
At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?
a) Subduction zones
b) Central Canada
c) Mid-ocean ridges
d) The Andes Mountains
e) Mount Pinatubo
At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?
a) Subduction zones
b) Central Canada
c) Mid-ocean ridges
d) The Andes Mountains
e) Mount Pinatubo
In carrying out seismic modeling to determine the structure of
the Earth, we make use of the “Ocean’s Razor”. With this, we:
a) Obtain a measure of the difference in arrival times of seismic waves
b) Determine the refraction patterns of seismic waves
c) Locate the focus of the earthquake
d) Determine the magnitude of the earthquake
e) Choose the simples solution that fits the data
In carrying out seismic modeling to determine the structure of
the Earth, we make use of the “Ocean’s Razor”. With this, we:
a) Obtain a measure of the difference in arrival times of seismic waves
b) Determine the refraction patterns of seismic waves
c) Locate the focus of the earthquake
d) Determine the magnitude of the earthquake
e) Choose the simples solution that fits the data
Which of the following types of seismic waves arrives first at
a seismic station following an earthquake 500 kilometres
away from the seismic station?
a) Love Waves
b) Rayleigh Waves
c) Tsunami Waves
d) Shear Waves
e) Compression-rarefaction Waves
Which of the following types of seismic waves arrives first at
a seismic station following an earthquake 500 kilometres
away from the seismic station?
a) Love Waves
b) Rayleigh Waves
c) Tsunami Waves
d) Shear Waves
e) Compression-rarefaction Waves
Which of the following lists is in correct order going from
lower to higher grade of regional metamorphism?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Slate, gneiss, mica schist
Slate, mica schist, gneiss
Mica schist, gneiss, slate
Gneiss, slate, mica schist
Mica schist, slate, gneiss
Which of the following lists is in correct order going from
lower to higher grade of regional metamorphism?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Slate, gneiss, mica schist
Slate, mica schist, gneiss
Mica schist, gneiss, slate
Gneiss, slate, mica schist
Mica schist, slate, gneiss
Which of the following materials best represents the
behavior of the mantle of the earth?
a) Water
b) Wood
c) An India Rubber Ball
d) Silly Putty
e) Plasticene
Which of the following materials best represents the
behavior of the mantle of the earth?
a) Water
b) Wood
c) An India Rubber Ball
d) Silly Putty
e) Plasticene
What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?
a) (SiO4)4b) (SiO2)2c) SiO4
d) SiO2
e) (SiO4)2-
What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?
a) (SiO4)4b) (SiO2)2c) SiO4
d) SiO2
e) (SiO4)2-
Which of the following rock types has provided evidence for
a change over Earth history in the levels of oxygen in the
atmosphere?
a) Greywacke
b) Rhyolite
c) Chert
d) Iron formation
e) Rock Salt
Which of the following rock types has provided evidence for
a change over Earth history in the levels of oxygen in the
atmosphere?
a) Greywacke
b) Rhyolite
c) Chert
d) Iron formation
e) Rock Salt
When most rocks experience partial melting, the melted part is:
a) Denser than the original rock
b) More felsic than the original rock
c) Poorer in water than the original rock
d) Darker in colour than the original rock
e) Concentrated in iron compared to the original rock
When most rocks experience partial melting, the melted part is:
a) Denser than the original rock
b) More felsic than the original rock
c) Poorer in water than the original rock
d) Darker in colour than the original rock
e) Concentrated in iron compared to the original rock
In a layered intrusion, which igneous rock type is most likely
to be at the top of the intrusion?
a) Gabbro
b) Granite
c) Ultramafic Rock
d) Basalt
e) Granodiorite
In a layered intrusion, which igneous rock type is most likely
to be at the top of the intrusion?
a) Gabbro
b) Granite
c) Ultramafic Rock
d) Basalt
e) Granodiorite
If the current rate of exponential growth of human
population were to continue in the future, the Earth’s human
population will have doubled in about how many years?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
10 years
30 years
60 years
90 years
If the current rate of exponential growth of human
population were to continue in the future, the Earth’s human
population will have doubled in about how many years?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
10 years
30 years
60 years
90 years
Which of the following types of faults is likely to be
connected with the most dangerous earthquakes?
a) Nobody’s
b) Transform
c) Strike slip
d) Reverse Dip-Slip
e) Normal Dip-Slip
Which of the following types of faults is likely to be
connected with the most dangerous earthquakes?
a) Nobody’s
b) Transform
c) Strike slip
d) Reverse Dip-Slip
e) Normal Dip-Slip
Very deep (greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
14 years
20 years
28 years
50 years
Very deep (greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5 years
14 years
20 years
28 years
50 years
Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most
likely to generate acid mine-tailings?
a) Iron formation
b) bauxite
c) Porphyry copper
d) chromite
e) petroleum
Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most
likely to generate acid mine-tailings?
a) Iron formation
b) bauxite
c) Porphyry copper
d) chromite
e) petroleum
It is only in the last 40 years that geologists have developed
the Plate tectonic theory. One of the most important
consequences of this theory is that it has provided an
explanation of how continental mountain ranges are formed.
In the framework of the Plate Tectonic Theory, where are the
major continental mountain ranges produced?
a) Constructive plate boundaries
b) Destructive plate boundaries
c) Strike-slip boundaries
d) Conductive plate boundaries
e) Transform plate boundaries
It is only in the last 40 years that geologists have developed
the Plate tectonic theory. One of the most important
consequences of this theory is that it has provided an
explanation of how continental mountain ranges are formed.
In the framework of the Plate Tectonic Theory, where are the
major continental mountain ranges produced?
a) Constructive plate boundaries
b) Destructive plate boundaries
c) Strike-slip boundaries
d) Conductive plate boundaries
e) Transform plate boundaries
The development of the Himalayas was probably partly
responsible for a cooling of the Earth’s climate that led us
into the recent Ice Ages over the last 2 million years. Which
of the following best explains this effect of the Himalayas on
the climate.
a) The energy used to uplift the mountains led to atmospheric cooling
b) The uplift of the mountains shut off the ocean “conveyor belt”
c) The uplifted mountains absorbed most of the solar radiation, thus cooling the
atmosphere
d) The uplifted mountains experienced an increased rate of erosion, and that increased
weathering process extracted carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
e) Uplifting of the mountains changed the tilt
The development of the Himalayas was probably partly
responsible for a cooling of the Earth’s climate that led us
into the recent Ice Ages over the last 2 million years. Which
of the following best explains this effect of the Himalayas on
the climate.
a) The energy used to uplift the mountains led to atmospheric cooling
b) The uplift of the mountains shut off the ocean “conveyor belt”
c) The uplifted mountains absorbed most of the solar radiation, thus cooling the
atmosphere
d) The uplifted mountains experienced an increased rate of erosion, and that increased
weathering process extracted carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
e) Uplifting of the mountains changed the tilt
Seismic energy waves allow us to essentially x-ray the Earth’s
interior. To do this, we use the inverse theory method. For
this method, we must:
a) Dig trenches and pits, and look at sediments for evidence of ancient tsunamis
b) Study seismic records to determine the recurrence interval of earthquakes
c) Make a computer model of the Earth and see if the travel-time measured at the
seismic stations fit the model
d) Locate and determine the nature of faults by the technique of seismic topography
e) Determine the epicenters of the Earthquakes on a map of the world
Seismic energy waves allow us to essentially x-ray the Earth’s
interior. To do this, we use the inverse theory method. For
this method, we must:
a) Dig trenches and pits, and look at sediments for evidence of ancient tsunamis
b) Study seismic records to determine the recurrence interval of earthquakes
c) Make a computer model of the Earth and see if the travel-time measured at the
seismic stations fit the model
d) Locate and determine the nature of faults by the technique of seismic topography
e) Determine the epicenters of the Earthquakes on a map of the world
Various studies have shown that Earth consists of layers that
differ from each other. These are either differences in
physical properties, or differences in chemical composition.
For the boundaries between layers that are listed below, only
one is a boundary across which there is ONLY a change in
physical properties. Which one?
a) Mantle/outer core
b) crust/mantle
c) Continental crust/oceanic crust
d) Crust/atmosphere
e) Lithosphere/asthenosphere
Various studies have shown that Earth consists of layers that
differ from each other. These are either differences in
physical properties, or differences in chemical composition.
For the boundaries between layers that are listed below, only
one is a boundary across which there is ONLY a change in
physical properties. Which one?
a) Mantle/outer core
b) crust/mantle
c) Continental crust/oceanic crust
d) Crust/atmosphere
e) Lithosphere/asthenosphere
Which of the following mineral/element pairs is closest in
composition of the continental crust?
a) Calcite
b) Fe + Ni
c) Pyrite
d) Feldspar + Quartz
e) Olivine +Pyroxene
Which of the following mineral/element pairs is closest in
composition of the continental crust?
a) Calcite
b) Fe + Ni
c) Pyrite
d) Feldspar + Quartz
e) Olivine +Pyroxene
W can sample rocks at the surface of Earth to determine
their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials
deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE
density of the Earth. We can do that by studying the
interaction of the Earth with the Moon. In doing that
determination, you would need all but one of the following.
Which one don’t you need?
a) Earth’s moment of inertia
b) The radius of the Earth
c) The Gravitational constant (G)
d) The orbital velocity of the moon
e) The distance from the Earth to the Moon
W can sample rocks at the surface of Earth to determine
their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials
deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE
density of the Earth. We can do that by studying the
interaction of the Earth with the Moon. In doing that
determination, you would need all but one of the following.
Which one don’t you need?
a) Earth’s moment of inertia
b) The radius of the Earth
c) The Gravitational constant (G)
d) The orbital velocity of the moon
e) The distance from the Earth to the Moon
In the carbon cycle, which of the following reservoirs in the
Earth system contains the most Carbon?
a) Crustal rocks
b) Living plants and animals
c) The oceans
d) Oil and gas
e) The atmosphere
In the carbon cycle, which of the following reservoirs in the
Earth system contains the most Carbon?
a) Crustal rocks
b) Living plants and animals
c) The oceans
d) Oil and gas
e) The atmosphere
Which of the following soil types is generally the most
suitable one for agriculture?
a) Laterite
b) Pedalfer
c) Pedocal
d) Permafrost
e) Lahar
Which of the following soil types is generally the most
suitable one for agriculture?
a) Laterite
b) Pedalfer
c) Pedocal
d) Permafrost
e) Lahar
For which group do both minerals have a sheet structure?
a) Muscovite, clay
b) Feldspar, Quartz
c) Hornblende, Pyroxene
d) Plagioclase, Pyroxene
e) Olivine , Hornblende
For which group do both minerals have a sheet structure?
a) Muscovite, clay
b) Feldspar, Quartz
c) Hornblende, Pyroxene
d) Plagioclase, Pyroxene
e) Olivine , Hornblende
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following
places are you most likely to experience a Lahar?
a) The Andes Mountains
b) The Red Sea
c) Along the San Andres Fault
d) The South Nation River, Ontario
e) Iceland
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following
places are you most likely to experience a Lahar?
a) The Andes Mountains
b) The Red Sea
c) Along the San Andres Fault
d) The South Nation River, Ontario
e) Iceland
A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over
which of the following rocks?
a) Marble
b) Gabbro
c) Syenite
d) Ultramafic
e) Sandstone
A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over
which of the following rocks?
a) Marble
b) Gabbro
c) Syenite
d) Ultramafic
e) Sandstone
One of the following rock types is most likely to be a trap (i.e
reservoir) rock for trapping oil and gas underground. Which
of the following is it?
a) Granite Porphyry
b) Quartz Sandstone
c) Shale/Mudstone
d) Salt Dome
e) Greywacke
One of the following rock types is most likely to be a trap (i.e
reservoir) rock for trapping oil and gas underground. Which
of the following is it?
a) Granite Porphyry
b) Quartz Sandstone
c) Shale/Mudstone
d) Salt Dome
e) Greywacke
Which of the following lists magma types in order of
increasing velocity?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Basaltic, andesitic, granitic
Basaltic, granitic, andesitic
Andesitic, granitic, basaltic
Granitic, basaltic, andesitic
Granitic, andesitic, basaltic
Which of the following lists magma types in order of
increasing velocity?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Basaltic, andesitic, granitic
Basaltic, granitic, andesitic
Andesitic, granitic, basaltic
Granitic, basaltic, andesitic
Granitic, andesitic, basaltic
As a magma of diorite composition cools down from 1500° C,
which of the following minerals would crystallize first?
a) Biotite mica
b) Pyroxene
c) Quartz
d) Na-rich Plagioclase
e) Olivine
As a magma of diorite composition cools down from 1500° C,
which of the following minerals would crystallize first?
a) Biotite mica
b) Pyroxene
c) Quartz
d) Na-rich Plagioclase
e) Olivine
What is the main factor that controls the rate of weathering
of rocks?
a) Grain size of rock
b) Degree of unloading
c) Topography
d) Rock Type
e) Climate
What is the main factor that controls the rate of weathering
of rocks?
a) Grain size of rock
b) Degree of unloading
c) Topography
d) Rock Type
e) Climate
The velocity of seismic S-waves is inversely proportional to
which of the following parameters of the material they are
passing through?
a) Viscosity
b) Elasticity
c) Inverse Modulus
d) Shear Modulus
e) Density
The velocity of seismic S-waves is inversely proportional to
which of the following parameters of the material they are
passing through?
a) Viscosity
b) Elasticity
c) Inverse Modulus
d) Shear Modulus
e) Density
Which of the following decreases in going from the mantle
into the outer core?
a) P-wave Velocity
b) Temperature
c) Density
d) Iron content
e) Proportion of Liquid
Which of the following decreases in going from the mantle
into the outer core?
a) P-wave Velocity
b) Temperature
c) Density
d) Iron content
e) Proportion of Liquid
Which of the following is most likely to have the lowest
porosity?
a) Quartz Sandstone
b) Reef Limestone
c) Conglomerate
d) Greywacke
e) Pumice
Which of the following is most likely to have the lowest
porosity?
a) Quartz Sandstone
b) Reef Limestone
c) Conglomerate
d) Greywacke
e) Pumice
Very deep (i.e greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur only at:
a) Transform faults
b) Hot spots
c) Constructive plate margins
d) Accreting Plate Margins
e) Destructive Plate Margins
Very deep (i.e greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur only at:
a) Transform faults
b) Hot spots
c) Constructive plate margins
d) Accreting Plate Margins
e) Destructive Plate Margins
Which type of soil may eventually develop in a very hot, wet
region, such as the Amazon River Bason?
a) Lahar
b) Pedocal
c) Laterite
d) Pedoxylite
e) Pedalfer
Which type of soil may eventually develop in a very hot, wet
region, such as the Amazon River Bason?
a) Lahar
b) Pedocal
c) Laterite
d) Pedoxylite
e) Pedalfer
The Hawaiian Islands are located where the Pacific plate is:
a) Separating from the North American plate
b) Diving under Japan
c) Diving under the North American Plate
d) Migrating over a hot spot
e) Being thrust over the North American Plate
The Hawaiian Islands are located where the Pacific plate is:
a) Separating from the North American plate
b) Diving under Japan
c) Diving under the North American Plate
d) Migrating over a hot spot
e) Being thrust over the North American Plate
In which of these settings would one most likely find a
pyroclastic flow?
a) At the site of a fissure eruption
b) At a constructive plate boundary
c) In Hawaii
d) At a transform plate boundary
e) At a destructive plate boundary
In which of these settings would one most likely find a
pyroclastic flow?
a) At the site of a fissure eruption
b) At a constructive plate boundary
c) In Hawaii
d) At a transform plate boundary
e) At a destructive plate boundary
On which material is damage to buildings from seismic
vibrations likely to be the least?
a) Clay
b) Granite
c) Sand and Gravel
d) Peat and Muck
e) Mud
On which material is damage to buildings from seismic
vibrations likely to be the least?
a) Clay
b) Granite
c) Sand and Gravel
d) Peat and Muck
e) Mud
Which of the following rocks is most immature?
a) Shale
b) Breccia
c) Siltstone
d) Quartz Sandstone
e) Conglomerate
Which of the following rocks is most immature?
a) Shale
b) Breccia
c) Siltstone
d) Quartz Sandstone
e) Conglomerate
Which of these minerals is made up entirely of covalent bonds?
a) Clay
b) Quartz
c) Halite
d) Diamond
e) Pure Copper
Which of these minerals is made up entirely of covalent bonds?
a) Clay
b) Quartz
c) Halite
d) Diamond
e) Pure Copper
If you begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced
would have what composition?
a) Gabbroic
b) Dioritic
c) Ultramafic
d) Granodioritic
e) Granitic
If you begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced
would have what composition?
a) Gabbroic
b) Dioritic
c) Ultramafic
d) Granodioritic
e) Granitic
The Atlantic Ocean is opening up at a rate closest to:
a) 0.05 cm/year
b) 5 cm/year
c) 50 cm/year
d) 5 metres/year
e) 50 metres/year
The Atlantic Ocean is opening up at a rate closest to:
a) 0.05 cm/year
b) 5 cm/year
c) 50 cm/year
d) 5 metres/year
e) 50 metres/year
Which of the following approaches would be least likely to
provide us with information to help predict, on both the
short and long term, the eruption of a stratovolcano?
a) Look for seismic gaps
b) Set up seismometers to detect earthquakes
c) Measure ground tilt
d) Determine recurrence intervals
e) Monitor Gas release
Which of the following approaches would be least likely to
provide us with information to help predict, on both the
short and long term, the eruption of a stratovolcano?
a) Look for seismic gaps
b) Set up seismometers to detect earthquakes
c) Measure ground tilt
d) Determine recurrence intervals
e) Monitor Gas release
Unlike most other bodies in the Solar System, the Earth has a
strong magnetic field. Which of the following features of the
Earth is responsible for the Earth having such a magnetic field?
a) Flattening along the rotation axis
b) A convection mantle
c) A liquid outer core of iron
d) An axial dipole magnet
e) An iron-rich inner core
Unlike most other bodies in the Solar System, the Earth has a
strong magnetic field. Which of the following features of the
Earth is responsible for the Earth having such a magnetic field?
a) Flattening along the rotation axis
b) A convection mantle
c) A liquid outer core of iron
d) An axial dipole magnet
e) An iron-rich inner core
I have hired you to explore for ore deposits that would
provide us with the metal copper (Cu). Which of the
following minerals should you be looking for?
a) Pyrite
b) Magnetite
c) Chromite
d) Galena
e) Chalcopyrite
I have hired you to explore for ore deposits that would
provide us with the metal copper (Cu). Which of the
following minerals should you be looking for?
a) Pyrite
b) Magnetite
c) Chromite
d) Galena
e) Chalcopyrite
In the sea floor spreading hypothesis of Harry Hess, the
conveyor belt carrying the continental crust was thought to be:
a) The asthenosphere
b) The mantle convection cell
c) The ocean crust
d) The tectonic plate
e) The lithosphere
In the sea floor spreading hypothesis of Harry Hess, the
conveyor belt carrying the continental crust was thought to be:
a) The asthenosphere
b) The mantle convection cell
c) The ocean crust
d) The tectonic plate
e) The lithosphere
The definition of the “resource” of a commodity is:
a) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extracted
b) A local accumulation of a specific mineral that contains that commodity
c) The total number of mineral deposits of that commodity
d) The estimated total amount of that commodity that is ultimately
economically recoverable
e) The amount of the commodity that exists in the Earth
The definition of the “resource” of a commodity is:
a) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extracted
b) A local accumulation of a specific mineral that contains that commodity
c) The total number of mineral deposits of that commodity
d) The estimated total amount of that commodity that is ultimately
economically recoverable
e) The amount of the commodity that exists in the Earth
Which of the following pieces of evidence from the geology
around the Kingston area is evidence for a former mountainbuilding event?
a) Stromatolites
b) Migmatite
c) Glacial Grooves
d) Mud Cracks
e) Cross Beds
Which of the following pieces of evidence from the geology
around the Kingston area is evidence for a former mountainbuilding event?
a) Stromatolites
b) Migmatite
c) Glacial Grooves
d) Mud Cracks
e) Cross Beds
The Earth’s magnetic field has been shown to reverse itself
on average about every:
a) 5000 years
b) 0.5 million years
c) 10 million years
d) 100 million years
e) 1 billion years
The Earth’s magnetic field has been shown to reverse itself
on average about every:
a) 5000 years
b) 0.5 million years
c) 10 million years
d) 100 million years
e) 1 billion years
Which one of the following DECREASES in going from the
oceanic crust to the mantle of the Earth?
a) pressure
b) Silicon content
c) Density
d) Temperature
e) P-wave Velocity
Which one of the following DECREASES in going from the
oceanic crust to the mantle of the Earth?
a) pressure
b) Silicon content
c) Density
d) Temperature
e) P-wave Velocity
Which of the following is used to describe what occurs to
produce an earthquake?
a) Elastic Rebound
b) Polymerization
c) Liquefaction
d) Compression-Rarefaction
e) Plastic Deformation
Which of the following is used to describe what occurs to
produce an earthquake?
a) Elastic Rebound
b) Polymerization
c) Liquefaction
d) Compression-Rarefaction
e) Plastic Deformation
What are the two elements that can replace one another in
the olivine solid solution?
a) Ca, Na
b) Si, Al
c) K, Na
d) Mg, Fe
e) Si, O
What are the two elements that can replace one another in
the olivine solid solution?
a) Ca, Na
b) Si, Al
c) K, Na
d) Mg, Fe
e) Si, O
With which one of the following will Lahars most likely be
associated?
a) Earthquakes
b) Layered intrusions
c) Felsic volcanoes
d) Tsunamis
e) Open-Pit Mines
With which one of the following will Lahars most likely be
associated?
a) Earthquakes
b) Layered intrusions
c) Felsic volcanoes
d) Tsunamis
e) Open-Pit Mines
What percentage of the Earth’s crust is composed of nonsilicate minerals?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
3%
10%
20%
75%
97%
What percentage of the Earth’s crust is composed of nonsilicate minerals?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
3%
10%
20%
75%
97%
Following a very shallow earthquake, as seismic P and S
waves go deeper into the Earth and cross the MOHO:
a) The S-Waves stop and P-Waves continue
b) The waves speed up
c) The waves increase in amplitude
d) The waves refract towards the normal
e) The P-waves stop and S-waves continue
Following a very shallow earthquake, as seismic P and S
waves go deeper into the Earth and cross the MOHO:
a) The S-Waves stop and P-Waves continue
b) The waves speed up
c) The waves increase in amplitude
d) The waves refract towards the normal
e) The P-waves stop and S-waves continue
Which of the following is true about Tsunamis?
a) They seldom cause damage when they reach the shore
b) They have wavelengths of a few metres
c) They have amplitudes of 50 metres or more in deep ocean water
d) They are most commonly generated by earthquakes under the continents
e) They travel at speeds of 500 to 800 kilometres per hour
Which of the following is true about Tsunamis?
a) They seldom cause damage when they reach the shore
b) They have wavelengths of a few metres
c) They have amplitudes of 50 metres or more in deep ocean water
d) They are most commonly generated by earthquakes under the continents
e) They travel at speeds of 500 to 800 kilometres per hour
The oldest ocean crust in the ocean basin is found closest to:
a) Iceland
b) Western United States
c) The Red Sea
d) Japan
e) The East Pacific Mid-Ocean Ridge
The oldest ocean crust in the ocean basin is found closest to:
a) Iceland
b) Western United States
c) The Red Sea
d) Japan
e) The East Pacific Mid-Ocean Ridge
What kind of fault is illustrated in the diagram below?
a) Normal Dip-Slip
b) Reverse Dip-Slip
c) Transform
d) Thrust
e) Strike-Slip
What kind of fault is illustrated in the diagram below?
a) Normal Dip-Slip
b) Reverse Dip-Slip
c) Transform
d) Thrust
e) Strike-Slip
The most important factor controlling slope stability, of the
ones listed below, is:
a) Weight of material on the slope
b) Cohesion on the potential failure plane
c) Hydraulic equivalence of the slope
d) The angle of potential failure plane
e) Angle of the slope wall
The most important factor controlling slope stability, of the
ones listed below, is:
a) Weight of material on the slope
b) Cohesion on the potential failure plane
c) Hydraulic equivalence of the slope
d) The angle of potential failure plane
e) Angle of the slope wall
You have carried out a careful chemical analysis of three
rocks: granite, granodiorite and gabbro. Which of the
following increases?
a) Quartz content
b) Si content
c) Density
d) Potassium content
e) Feldspar content
You have carried out a careful chemical analysis of three
rocks: granite, granodiorite and gabbro. Which of the
following increases?
a) Quartz content
b) Si content
c) Density
d) Potassium content
e) Feldspar content
Which of the following elements is NOT found as an essential
constituent of plagioclase feldspar?
a) Potassium
b) Sodium
c) Aluminum
d) Calcium
e) Silicon
Which of the following elements is NOT found as an essential
constituent of plagioclase feldspar?
a) Potassium
b) Sodium
c) Aluminum
d) Calcium
e) Silicon
All earthquakes occur in the:
a) Mantle
b) Continental Crust
c) Asthenosphere
d) Lithosphere
e) Ocean crust
All earthquakes occur in the:
a) Mantle
b) Continental Crust
c) Asthenosphere
d) Lithosphere
e) Ocean crust
Which ore deposit type results from the development in a
magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible with the
silicate liquid?
a) Bauxite
b) Chromite
c) Porphyry Copper
d) Ni-Cu Sulfide
e) Banded Iron Formation
Which ore deposit type results from the development in a
magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible with the
silicate liquid?
a) Bauxite
b) Chromite
c) Porphyry Copper
d) Ni-Cu Sulfide
e) Banded Iron Formation
Which of the following is a highly favourable site for oil
formation and accumulation?
a) Mudstones
b) Glacial Deposits
c) Swamps
d) Deltas
e) Mid-Ocean Ridges
Which of the following is a highly favourable site for oil
formation and accumulation?
a) Mudstones
b) Glacial Deposits
c) Swamps
d) Deltas
e) Mid-Ocean Ridges
Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produced by:
a) Wind
b) Ocean Waves
c) Stream Flow
d) Slope Instability
e) Turbidity Currents
Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produced by:
a) Wind
b) Ocean Waves
c) Stream Flow
d) Slope Instability
e) Turbidity Currents
Which one of the following minerals would be LEAST likely to
occur in a granite?
a) K-rich Feldspar
b) Muscovite Mica
c) Na-rich Plagioclase
d) Quartz
e) Olivine
Which one of the following minerals would be LEAST likely to
occur in a granite?
a) K-rich Feldspar
b) Muscovite Mica
c) Na-rich Plagioclase
d) Quartz
e) Olivine
A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrusive
igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content
of approximately 45%. Which one of the following types of
ore deposit has the most chance of being found in this rock?
a) Porphyry copper
b) Bauxite
c) Iron Formation
d) Placer Gold
e) Chromite
A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrusive
igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content
of approximately 45%. Which one of the following types of
ore deposit has the most chance of being found in this rock?
a) Porphyry copper
b) Bauxite
c) Iron Formation
d) Placer Gold
e) Chromite
One way to minimize damage from earthquakes is to build
structures with appropriate building materials. Which of the
following is the best material to build a structure with in
order to minimize potential damage from ground shaking
during an earthquake?
a) Steel
b) Stucco
c) Masonry
d) Unreinforced Concrete
e) Adobe
One way to minimize damage from earthquakes is to build
structures with appropriate building materials. Which of the
following is the best material to build a structure with in
order to minimize potential damage from ground shaking
during an earthquake?
a) Steel
b) Stucco
c) Masonry
d) Unreinforced Concrete
e) Adobe
The sedimentary rocks immediately below and above an
angular unconformity record a history of:
a) Erosion-folding-deposition-erosion
b) Folding-erosion-deposition-folding
c) Deposition-erosion-deposition-folding
d) Erosion-deposition-folding-erosion
e) Deposition-folding-erosion-deposition
The sedimentary rocks immediately below and above an
angular unconformity record a history of:
a) Erosion-folding-deposition-erosion
b) Folding-erosion-deposition-folding
c) Deposition-erosion-deposition-folding
d) Erosion-deposition-folding-erosion
e) Deposition-folding-erosion-deposition
For a mass of rock on a potential failure plane, which of the
following terms in the safety factor equation will DECREASE
the safety factor it is decreased?
a) Weight of potential failure block
b) Angle of internal friction
c) Angle of potential failure plane
d) Water content
e) None of the above, they all increase it
For a mass of rock on a potential failure plane, which of the
following terms in the safety factor equation will DECREASE
the safety factor it is decreased?
a) Weight of potential failure block
b) Angle of internal friction
c) Angle of potential failure plane
d) Water content
e) None of the above, they all increase it
Which of the following is the most abundant sedimentary
rock in the Earth’s crust?
a) Limestone
b) Sandstone
c) Shale
d) Conglomerate
e) Banded Iron Formation
Which of the following is the most abundant sedimentary
rock in the Earth’s crust?
a) Limestone
b) Sandstone
c) Shale
d) Conglomerate
e) Banded Iron Formation
A porphyritic igneous rock indicates:
a) The presence of an ore deposit
b) A two-stage cooling history
c) A felsic composition
d) Cooling deep in the Earth
e) A high content of dissolved volatiles in the magma
A porphyritic igneous rock indicates:
a) The presence of an ore deposit
b) A two-stage cooling history
c) A felsic composition
d) Cooling deep in the Earth
e) A high content of dissolved volatiles in the magma
The age of the solar system and the Earth is closest to:
a) 500 million years
b) 1000 million years
c) 2500 million years
d) 4500 million years
e) 13000 million years
The age of the solar system and the Earth is closest to:
a) 500 million years
b) 1000 million years
c) 2500 million years
d) 4500 million years
e) 13000 million years
If a litre of sea water is evaporated, which of the following
evaporites that precipitated will occur in the greatest
amount?
a) Gypsum
b) Halite
c) Potash
d) Limestone
e) Chert
If a litre of sea water is evaporated, which of the following
evaporites that precipitated will occur in the greatest
amount?
a) Gypsum
b) Halite
c) Potash
d) Limestone
e) Chert
In which of these settings would one most likely find a nuee ardente?
a) At the site of a fissure eruption
b) At a constructive plate boundary
c) In Hawaii
d) At a destructive plate boundary
e) At a transform plate boundary
In which of these settings would one most likely find a nuee ardente?
a) At the site of a fissure eruption
b) At a constructive plate boundary
c) In Hawaii
d) At a destructive plate boundary
e) At a transform plate boundary
How many earthquakes of Richter magnitude 5 would it take to
equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of Richter
magnitude 7?
a) 2
b) 30
c) 60
d) 900
e) 27 000
How many earthquakes of Richter magnitude 5 would it take to
equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of Richter
magnitude 7?
a) 2
b) 30
c) 60
d) 900
e) 27 000
In order to determine the seismic risk of an area, we need to
determine the Richter magnitude of earthquakes that occur in
that region. The Richter magnitude is determined by:
a) Measuring the amount of movement on the fault that caused the earthquake
b) Measuring the intensity of earthquake damage
c) Measuring the length of time of the ground-shaking event
d) Measuring the time between the first arrival of S waves and the first arrival of
surface waves on the seismogram
e) Measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on a seismogram
In order to determine the seismic risk of an area, we need to
determine the Richter magnitude of earthquakes that occur in
that region. The Richter magnitude is determined by:
a) Measuring the amount of movement on the fault that caused the earthquake
b) Measuring the intensity of earthquake damage
c) Measuring the length of time of the ground-shaking event
d) Measuring the time between the first arrival of S waves and the first arrival of
surface waves on the seismogram
e) Measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on a seismogram
For seismic P and S waves received by seismographs at various
distances from an earthquake focus, a plot of first arrival times
against distance would look like:
For seismic P and S waves received by seismographs at various
distances from an earthquake focus, a plot of first arrival times
against distance would look like: