Term
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) 5 years
(b) 14 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 28 years
(e) 50 years |
|
Definition
(d) 28 years
P=Poe^(kt)
4Po=Poe^(0.05t)
4=e^(0.05t)
ln4 = 0.05t
t=(ln4)/0.05
t = 27.7 --> 28 |
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Term
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 an upcoming major earthquake. Which one?
(a) a seismic gap along an active fault zone
(b) aftershocks
(c) ground subsidence
(d) electrical storms
(e) low levels of radon in wells |
|
Definition
(a) a seismic gap along an active fault zone
Seismic gaps are areas where earthquakes have not struck for a long period of time and hence a high build-up of pressure can be assumed. |
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Term
In the first 500 million years of the Earth's history, the Earth's atmosphere was probably:
(a) similar to today's atmosphere
(b) rich in oxygen, but poor in nitrogen
(c) rich in oxygen and methane
(d) rich in carbon dioxide, and poor in oxygen
(e) rich in oxygen and carbon dioxide |
|
Definition
| (d) rich in carbon dioxide, and poor in oxygen |
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Term
The seismic wave velocities are lowered in the region of the Earth called the "low velocity zone" because:
(a) that region is liquid
(b) that region has a higher density than the regions around it
(c) that region has a higher elasticity than the regions around it
(d) that region contains about 10% partial melt
(e) that region is more viscous than the regions around it |
|
Definition
(d) that region contains about 10% partial melt
With 10% liquid, the low-velocity zone has a lower elasticity and hence a lower seismic wave velocity. |
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Term
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 (Pb)?
(a) pyrite
(b) potassium feldspar
(c) chalcopyrite
(d) magnetite
(e) galena |
|
Definition
(b) potassium feldspar
It is true that galena has the highest CONCENTRATION of lead of the five minerals. However, while potassium feldspar contains a lower concentration of lead, is very abundant in Earth's crust. |
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Term
Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals provide polymerization. This 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 |
|
Definition
(c) the sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedra
As per the the file on the Frosh CD titled "Notes", "every oxygen is shared, and all silica tetrahedra are joined (no other "glue" is needed to hold them together)" in complete polymerization silicates. |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
(d) the elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth
Velocity of P-waves = sqrt((k+(4/3)u)/p) |
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Term
Weathering produces minerals that are more stable to the Earth's surface. Of the five minerals listed below, which one is the most abundant product of the weathering process:
(a) clay
(b) hematite
(c) limonite
(d) quartz
(e) feldspar |
|
Definition
(a) clay
Most silicates break down into clays, and silicates are abundant in the crust. It can be assumed, then, that clay is the most abundant product of weathering. |
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Term
Which of the following features is most likely to be associated with a placer gold deposit?
(a) submarine lava flows
(b) granite porphyry
(c) cross bedding
(d) igneous layering
(e) vesicularity |
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Definition
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Term
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
(d) a Himalayan-like mountain range
(e) shallow seas |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
(e) a limestone
Limestone is largely made up of the mineral calcite. Calcite reacts with hydrogen ions in acid rain as follows:
CaCO3 (calcite) + 2H^+ > H2O + Ca^(2+) + CO2
This is why calcite "fizzes" when hydrochloric acid is added. |
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
(c) severity of the risk
Risk = probability x severity |
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Term
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 an upcoming major earthquake. Which one?
(a) a seismic gap along an active fault zone
(b) aftershocks
(c) ground subsidence
(d) electrical storms
(e) low levels of radon in wells |
|
Definition
(a) a seismic gap along an active fault zone
Seismic gaps are areas where an earthquake has not occurred for quite some time, and hence there are likely large build-ups of pressure that could result in a major earthquake. |
|
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Term
In the first 500 million years of the Earth's history, the Earth's atmosphere was probably:
(a) similar to today's atmosphere
(b) rich in oxygen, but poor in nitrogen
(c) rich in oxygen and methane
(d) rich in carbon dioxide, and poor in oxygen
(e) rich in oxygen and carbon dioxide |
|
Definition
| (d) rich in carbon dioxide, and poor in oxygen |
|
|
Term
The seismic wave velocities are lowered in the region of the Earth called the "low velocity zone" because:
(a) that region is liquid
(b) that region has a higher density than the regions around it
(c) that region has a higher elasticity than the regions around it
(d) that region contains about 10% partial melt
(e) that region is more viscous than the regions around it |
|
Definition
(d) that region contains about 10% partial melt
The low-velocity zone is 90% solid and 90% liquid, which means lower elasticity and lower velocity for seismic waves. |
|
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Term
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 (Pb)?
(a) pyrite
(b) potassium feldspar
(c) chalcopyrite
(d) magnetite
(e) galena |
|
Definition
(b) potassium feldspar
While galena contains lead in higher CONCENTRATIONS, potassium feldspar is much more abundant in Earth's crust. |
|
|
Term
Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals provide polymerization. This 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 |
|
Definition
| (c) the sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedra |
|
|
Term
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 |
|
Definition
(d) the elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth
Velocity of P-waves = sqrt((k+4u/3)/p) |
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Term
Weathering produces minerals that are more stable to the Earth's surface. Of the five minerals listed below, which one is the most abundant product of the weathering process:
(a) clay
(b) hematite
(c) limonite
(d) quartz
(e) feldspar |
|
Definition
(a) clay
Silicates most often weather to form clays, and silicates are the most abundant on Earth's surface. As such, clays are the most abundant product of the weathering process. |
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Term
In building up an understanding of a system in science or engineering, we develop and continually refine, a model of the system. To develop a model of the interior of the Earth, we compare the computer models that we generate with seismic results from earthquakes to see if they match. The more closely the two match, the greater the confidence we have in the model. For our computer model of the Earth that we generate, we must specify to the computer two of the following. Which two are they?
1. the compressibility moduli of the different materials in the model "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) 5 and 2
(b) 4 and 2
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 2
(e) 4 and 5 |
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Definition
(a) 5 and 2
the distribution and seismic velocities within the different materials in the model "Earth" |
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Term
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
(d) a Himalayan-like mountain range
(e) shallow seas |
|
Definition
|
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
(e) a limestone
The calcite in limestone reacts with hydrogen ions to neutralize. This neutralization of acid is why calcite "fizzes" when combined with hydrochloric acid. |
|
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
(c) the severity of the risk
Risk = probability x severity |
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Term
What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?
(a) release of sulphur dioxide gas
(b) tsunami
(c) earthquakes
(d) mudflows
(e) solifluction |
|
Definition
| (a) release of sulphur dioxide gas |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
If we want to determine whether humans have been responsible for dramatically changing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) 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 tree rings in bristlecone pines |
|
Definition
| (e) analyzing tree rings in bristlecone pines |
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Term
Roughly what percentage of the world's human population currently lives in urban areas?
(a) 10%
(b) 25%
(c) 50%
(d) 75%
(e) 90% |
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Definition
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Term
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 each other
(d) continents are colliding
(e) plates are sliding past each other |
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Definition
| (e) plates are sliding past each other |
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Term
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 to the pole
(d) the sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies
(e) continental drift would not have occurred |
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Definition
| (c) the sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies |
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Term
What is the MAIN control on the size of crystals produced in an igneous rock?
(a) viscosity of the magma
(b) volatile content
(c) temperature of the magma
(d) shape of the igneous body
(e) rate of cooling |
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Definition
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Term
What type of fault is most likely to be associated with a constructive plate boundary?
(a) reverse dip-slip
(b) normal dip-slip
(c) nobody's
(d) strike-slip
(e) transverse |
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Definition
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Term
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following magma types will generally be richest in water?
(a) mafic
(b) ultramafic
(c) granitic
(d) dioritic
(e) porphyritic |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| (c) a chondrite meteorite |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
(d) the physiology of the Earth
Lovelock likens the entire Earth system to a massive, self-regulating organism that attempts to maintain conditions necessary for the continuation of life. |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
A silicate material 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 a high pressure
(c) a low temperature and a low pressure
(d) a high temperature and a low pressure
(e) the surface of the Earth |
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Definition
| (d) a high temperature and a low pressure |
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Term
The average temperature at the surface of the Earth is currently approximately 16 degrees Celsius. However, what would the average surface temperature of the Earth be if the Earth had NO atmosphere?
(a) greater than 100 degrees Celsius
(b) 50 degrees Celsius
(c) 15 degrees Celsius
(d) 0 degrees Celsius
(e) -20 degrees Celsius |
|
Definition
(e) -20 degrees Celsius
The generally cited value for the surface temperature of the Earth without an atmosphere is -18 degrees Celsius. This is similar to the surface temperature of the moon, which, at -23 degrees Celsius, is at a similar distance from the sun and has no atmosphere. |
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Term
Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically weather LEAST rapidly?
(a) diorite
(b) gabbro
(c) limestone
(d) granite
(e) rock salt |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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 the silicon?
(a) Al
(b) Na
(c) Ca
(d) Fe
(e) K |
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Definition
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Term
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 translational slip |
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Definition
(b) a fissure eruption
A dyke is a sheet intrusive that cuts perpendicular to the surface. |
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Term
Hubbert's Peak refers to:
(a) the first site, in the early 1950's, for measurement 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 level of crude oil
(e) the highest continental mountain |
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Definition
(d) the highest global production level of crude oil
Hubbert's Peak, also known as "peak oil", is the point in time at which the maximum rate of crude oil extraction is reached. |
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Term
Limonate can form by the chemical weathering of which of the following minerals?
(a) quartz
(b) olivine
(c) K-rich clay
(d) feldspar
(e) muscovite mica |
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Definition
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Term
Salt domes are important for oil exploration because:
(a) they form antiformal fold structures above them
(b) salt is the source rock for oil
(c) salt rock squeezes oil out of the source rock
(d) oil is trapped in the salt dome
(e) water fluxing out from the salt carries oil |
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Definition
| (a) they form antiformal fold structures above them |
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Term
In an attempt to model the composition of the deep layers in 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 rocks
(e) the inverse-theory approach |
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Definition
| (b) a diamond anvil press |
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Term
The textures 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 sand 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 |
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Definition
| (e) the velocity of the current by which it was deposited |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| (d) how large a human population the Earth can sustainably support |
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Term
The thickness of 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 |
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Definition
| (b) detecting an increase in seismic velocity of seismic waves crossing the Moho |
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Term
In February 2008, S. Self and S. Blake called one of the following "probably the greatest natural hazard to 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-9 earthquake
(c) a mega-landslide in the Himalayas
(d) an earthquake-generated tsunami
(e) enhanced global warming and resultant climate change |
|
Definition
(a) a caldera collapse and super-eruption
The abstract of Stephen Self and Stephen Blake's 2008 paper, Consequences of Explosive Supereruptions:
Rare but extremely large explosive supereruptions lead to the catastrophic formation of huge calderas, devastation of substantial regions by pyroclastic flow deposits, and ash falls that cover continent-sized areas. The effects of future supereruptions will be felt globally or at least by a whole hemisphere. The most widespread effects are likely to derive from the volcanic gases released, particularly sulfur gases that are converted into sulfuric acid aerosols in the stratosphere. These will remain for several years, promoting changes in atmospheric circulation and causing surface temperatures to fall dramatically in many regions, bringing about temporary reductions in light levels and producing severe and unseasonable weather ('volcanic winter'). Major disruptions to global societal infrastructure can be expected for periods of months to years, and the cost to global financial markets will be high and sustained. |
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Term
Which of the following minerals is closest to the AVERAGE composition of the Earth?
(a) pyrite
(b) feldspar
(c) quartz
(d) calcite
(e) olivine |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| (a) a gap in the rock record |
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Term
For an exponential equation of the form y=e^(kt), where "y" is growing as a function of time "t", 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 logarithms (i.e. 2.78182818...)
(d) the doubling time
(e) one one-hundredth of the doubling time |
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Definition
(b) one one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity "y" in percent
e.g. With a growth rate of 5%, k would be 0.05
More on exponential growth rates on page 52 of lab manual. |
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Term
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, however. Which one is the correct one?
(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 |
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Definition
| (d) the Si content goes down |
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Term
Evidence of abundant fossils of life-forms (an "explosion") that made hard protective shells did not appear in the geologic record until how long ago?
(a) 3.5 billion years
(b) 5 billion years
(c) 65 million years
(d) 600 million years
(e) 300 million years |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
| (e) setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a 20-year period |
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Term
The process of unloading can produce:
(a) amygdules
(b) mud cracks
(c) joints
(d) cross bedding
(e) leaching |
|
Definition
(c) joints
As rocks are brought to earth's surface by the erosion of overlying rocks, pressure is released and the rock expands by cracking to form JOINTS. A joint is a crack or break in a rock where there has been no movement of one block of rock past the other; if there has been movement, then it is called a fault. |
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
(d) O, Si, Al
The top 6 elements in Earth's continental crust are oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, and sodium, in that order. |
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Term
A crystal of K-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 is closest to the age of formation of the granite?
(a) 0.30 billion years
(b) 0.65 billion years
(c) 1.3 billion years
(d) 2.0 billion years
(e) 2.6 billion years |
|
Definition
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Term
A sample of basalt in which the remanent 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 |
|
Definition
| (e) near the north or south pole |
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Term
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 of catastrophism
(e) the principle of cross-cutting relationships |
|
Definition
| (b) the principle of biotic succession |
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
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 area 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 |
|
Definition
| (e) a cost-benefit analysis |
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Term
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 a metal
(c) a porphyry-copper deposit
(d) a mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals
(e) a mineral deposit that is close to market |
|
Definition
| (a) an accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money from |
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Term
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 |
|
Definition
|
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Term
In carrying out seismic modeling to determine the structure of the Earth, we make use of "Occam'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 simplest solution that fits the data |
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Definition
| (e) choose the simplest solution that fits the data |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| (e) compression-rarefaction waves |
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Term
Which of the following materials best represents the behaviour of the mantle of the Earth?
(a) water
(b) wood
(c) an India Rubber ball
(d) Silly Putty
(e) plasticene |
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Definition
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Term
What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?
(a) (SiO4)^(-4)
(b) (SiO2)^(-2)
(c) SiO4
(d) SiO2
(e) (SiO4)^(-2) |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| (b) more felsic than the original rock |
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Term
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) 5 years
(b) 10 years
(c) 30 years
(d) 60 years
(e) 90 years |
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Definition
(d) 60 years
With a current population growth rate of 1.1%...
2=e^(0.011t)
t =(ln2)/0.011
t = 63 --> 60 years |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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 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 |
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Definition
| (b) destructive plate boundaries |
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Term
In the more-industrialized parts of the world, countries are looking for ways to manage the problems generated by population decline. Which of the following approaches is least likely to have an impact on these problems?
(a) change our economic model
(b) raise retirement age
(c) promote immigration
(d) increase rates of urbanization
(e) encourage women to have more children |
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Definition
| (d) increase rates of urbanization |
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Term
Which of the following is the first (in order of importance) of the principles for doing Earth Systems Engineering, according to Brad Allenby?
(a) engineered changes should be incremental and reversible
(b) know what the objectives of intervention are from the beginning
(c) must accept high level of uncertainty
(d) at all stages, the project must have inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders
(e) only intervene when required, and to the extent required |
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Definition
| (e) only intervene when required, and to the extent required |
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Term
What is the present human population of the Earth (approximately)?
(a) 1 billion
(b) 3 billion
(c) 7 billion
(d) 10 billion
(e) 14 billion |
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Definition
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Term
The rotation axis of the Earth is tilted approximately 23 degrees to the plane of the solar system. This results in:
(a) ocean crust that is distinct in height from continental crust
(b) seasons
(c) a moment of inertia value of the Earth less than 1
(d) flattening of the poles of the Earth
(e) the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis |
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Definition
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Term
Approximately what fraction of the crude (i.e., conventional) oil resources are estimated to be in the Middle-East?
(a) 1/10
(b) 1/4
(c) 1/2
(d) 2/3
(e) 8/10 |
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Definition
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Term
In road construction, a fill structure is used:
(a) to keep the water table at an adequate depth
(b) to spread out the load from traffic
(c) to reduce the cost of road construction
(d) to maintain a constant elevation of the road
(e) to prevent rock falls from obstructing the highway |
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Definition
| (b) to spread out the load from traffic |
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Term
Which of the following is a unique feature about the Earth with respect to other planetary bodies in the solar system?
(a) a bi-modal distribution of ground heights
(b) seasons
(c) a magnetic field
(d) presence of water or ice
(e) rotation about a rotation axis |
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Definition
| (a) a bi-modal distribution of ground heights |
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