Term
What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?
a)SiO2
b)(SiO2)-2
c)(SiO4)-4
d)(Si04)-2
e)Si04 |
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Definition
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Term
This type of seismic waive is characterized by back and forth movement of the rocks at right angles to the direction of energy propogation
a)S-waves
b)Rayleigh waves
c)Tsunami waves
d)Heat waves
e)P-waves |
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Definition
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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 genrate with seismic results from actaul 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 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 shear moduli of the different materials in the model Earth
3)The densities of the different materials in the model Earth
4)The distribution of the different materials in the model Earth
5)The seismic velocities withtin the different materials in the model Earth
a)3 and 2 b)4 and 2 c)1 and 2 d)5 and 2
e)4 and 5 |
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Definition
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Term
A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrisuve igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content of approx 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)banded iron formation
d)chromite
e)gold |
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Definition
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Term
The earth's crust includes the following five minerals. If you could mine evry last crystal of these five minerals from the crust, which one would end up providing you with the most lead (Pb)
a)Potassium feldspar
b)magnetite
c)chaclcopyrite
d)galena
e)pyrite |
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Definition
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Term
The hawaiian Islands are located where the pacific plate is
a)seperating from the north american plate
b)migrating over a hot spot
c)dividing under the North American plate
d)diving under Japan
e)being thrust over the North American plate |
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Definition
| b)migrating over a hot spot |
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Term
7) One way to minimize damage from the earthquakes is to build structures with appropriate building materials. Which of the following is the best material (of the five listed) to build a structure with, in order to minimize potential damage from ground shaking during an earthquake?
a)masonry
b)stucco
c)wood
d)un-reinforced concrete
e)adobe |
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Definition
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Term
In the sea-floor spreading hypothesis of harry hess, the conveyor belt carrying the continental crust was thought to be
a)ocean crust
b)the asthenosphere
c)the tectonic plate
d)the mantle convection cell
e)the lithosphere |
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Definition
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Term
Which one of the following was not evidence used by Alfred Wegener to support his theory of continental drift
a)fossils
b)ancient glacial features
c)polar wandering
d)fit of the continents
e)rock-type similarities on different continents |
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Definition
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Term
Which one of the following minerals would be least likely to occurs in an ultramafic rock?
a)Ca-rich feldpar
b)pyroxene
c)chromite
d)olivine
e)quartz |
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Definition
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Term
The most violent volcanic activity is associated with?
a)flood basalts
b)composite-cone volcanoes
c)cinder condes
d)fissure eruptions
e)shield volcanoes |
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Definition
| b)composite-cone volcanoes |
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Term
The ocean crust in the ocean basins is found closest to:
a)Japan
b)western United States
c)the Red Sea
d)Iceland
e)the East Pacific Mid-Ocean Ridge |
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Definition
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Term
Where do all earthquakes occur?It is in the:
a)mantle
b)continental crust
c)asthenosphere
d)lithosphere
e)ocean crust |
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Definition
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Term
The process of unloading can produce
a)leaching
b)mud cracks
c)pillows
d)cross-bedding
e)joints |
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Definition
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Term
The three most abundant elements in the continental crust are
a)O,Al,Fe
b)O,Fe,Mg
c)O,Si,Fe
d)O,Si,Al
e)K,Ca,Na |
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Definition
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Term
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 destructive plate boundary
e)at a transform plate boundary |
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Definition
| d)at a destructive plate boundary |
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Term
Abundant fossil evidence did not appear in the geological record until how long agao?
a)3 billion years
b)5 billion years
c)65 million years
d)300 million years
e)600 million years |
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Definition
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Term
Limonite can form by the chemical wetahering of which of the following minerals?
a)Quartz
b)olivine
c)K-rich clay
d)plagioclase feldspar
e)muscovite mica |
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Definition
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Term
Absolute ages have been attached to the relative time scale by the determination of
a)radiometic ages of fossil skeletons
b)radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than sedimentary formations
c)the nature of the superposition of the sedimentary layers
d)the nature of the biotic succession in the rocks
e)the cross-cutting relationships of igneous rocks and faults |
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Definition
| b)radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than sedimentary formations |
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Term
Which type of soil may eventually develop in a hot, wet region
a)lahar
b)pedocal
c)pedalfer
d)laterite
e)pedoxylite |
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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 carrries oil |
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Definition
| a)they form antiformal fold structures above them |
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Term
Which of the following minerals is closest to the average composition of the earth?
a)olivine
b)feldspar
c)quartz
d)calcite
e)pyrite |
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Definition
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Term
If you just begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced would have what composition?
a)gabbroic
b)granitic
c)ultramafic
d)dioritic
e)granodiorite |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most likely to generate acid mine-tailings?
a)chromite
b)bauxite
c)petroleum
d)prophyry copper
e)iron formation |
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Definition
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Term
A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrusive igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content of approximately 75%. Which one of the following types of ore deposit has the most chance of being found in this rock
a)porphyry copper
b)Ni-Cu sulfides
c)iron formation
d)chromite
e)placer gold |
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Definition
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Term
There are 2 parts to the core of the Earth: the inner core and the outer core. One is the liquid and the other is solid. The reason for the difference is:
a)because there is a difference in pressure between the two regions
b)because they have very different chemical compositions
c)because the liquid one has a magnetic field
d)because the liquid one is hotter than the solid one
e)because the liquid one is spinning at a different rate to a solid one |
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Definition
| a)because there is a difference in pressure between the two regions |
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Term
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the follwing magma types will generally be richest in water?
a)mafic
b)granitic
c)ultramafic
d)dioritic
e)porphyritic |
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Definition
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Term
The most common mineral in the earth's crust is
a)mica
b)olivine
c)feldspar
d)quartz
e)calcite |
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Definition
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Term
In order to assess recent human impact, we need to detemrine how the Earth's atmospheric temperatures varied in the recent geological past as a comparison to the potential human-induced warming of the last 200 years. How can we estimate what the atmospheric temperatures were like over the past fes million years?
a)by studying tree rings
b)by determining thicknesses of annual ice layers
c)by measuring the temperature change in drill holes
d)by determining oxygen isotope values in ice and in fossil shells
e)by determining the changes in life forms over time |
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Definition
| d)by determining oxygen isotope values in ice and in fossil shells |
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Term
A porphyritic igneous rock indicates:
a)a two-stage cooling history
b)the presence of an ore-deposit
c)a felsic comparison
d)cooling deep in the earth
e)a high content of dissolved volatiles in the magama |
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Definition
| a)a two-stage cooling history |
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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
Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically weather least rapidly?
a)diorite
b)gabbro
c)limestone
d)rock salt
e)granite |
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Definition
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Term
How many electrons are there in the outer shell of a silicon atom?
a)one
b)two
c)four
d)six
e)seven |
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Definition
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Term
At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?
a)central canada
b)subduction zones
c)mid-ocean ridges
d)the andes mountains
e)Mt. Pinatubo |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following rocks is not a chemical of biochemical sedimentary rock?
a)limestone
b)rock salt
c)potash
d)shale
e)gypsum |
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Definition
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Term
As a magma of diorite composition cools down from 1500 celsius, which of the following minerals would crystallize first?
a)biotite mica
b)olivine
c)quartz
d)Na-rich plagioclase
e)pyroxene |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following types of mass movement generally has the highest velocity?
a)rock slide
b)mudflow
c)solifluction
d)creep
e)earthflow |
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Definition
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Term
Brad Allenby, in his paper on Earth-Systems Engineering, argues that the desired goal, or end-point, of Earth-Systems Engineering should be:
a)Decreased population
b)inequity
c)climate change
d)economic growth
e)sustainability |
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Definition
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Term
Following a very shallow earthquake, as seismic P and S waves go deeper into the earth and cross the moho:
a)The waves increase in amplitude
b)the waves refract away from the normal
c)the s-waves stop and the p-waves continue
d)the waves slow down
e)the p-waves stop and the s-waves continue |
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Definition
| b)the waves refract away from the normal |
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Term
Which of the following lists is in correct order going from lower to higher grade of regional metamorphism?
a)slate, gneiss, mica schist
b)mica schist, slate, gneiss
c)slate, mica schist, gneiss
d)gneiss, slate, mica schist
e)mica schist, gneiss, slate |
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Definition
| c)slate, mica schist, gneiss |
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Term
Which one of the following will lahars most likely be associated?
a)earthquakes
b)felsic volcanoes
c)kimberlites
d)pillow lavas
e)gabbros |
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Definition
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Term
In a sequence of silicate mineral of progressively decreasing polymerization, which of the following is true (going in the direction of decreased polymerization)?
a)Mg generally decreases
b)Si decreases
c)Fe generally decreases
d)there is an increase in shared oxygen atoms
e)K increases |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following is true about plgioclase feldspar?
a)it has two directions of cleavage at 56 angle
b)it has a single-chain silicate structure
c)it has some replacement of Si by Ca in its structure
d)it is the hardest common silicate mineral in the earth's crust
e)it can have striations |
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Definition
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Term
the rock that can best neutralized acid rain is:
a)rock salt
b)a sulfide deposit
c)limestone
d)sandstone
e)granite |
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Definition
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Term
Polymerization in silicate minerals refers to:
a)covalent bonding of oxygen with positive cations
b)the sharing of silicon atoms with aluminum atoms
c)the sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrehedra
d)the replacement of some silicon atoms with aluminum
e)the joinin of chains with positive cations |
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Definition
| c)the sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrehedra |
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Term
The mian importance of mechanical weathering of rocks it to:
a)oxidize the feldspars
b)provide a weak acid solution
c)alter the feldspar to hematite
d)lower the temperature of the rock
e)increase the surface area of the rock |
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Definition
| e)increase the surface area of the rock |
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Term
Differentiation of igneous rocks by partial melting can only occur if
a)as crystals form, they react witht he liquid
b)the magma becomes less viscious during crystallization
c)the magma contains water
d)there is convection in the magama chamber
e)early-formed liquids are seperated from the remaining rock |
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Definition
| e)early-formed liquids are seperated from the remaining rock |
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Term
The textures and structures of sedimentary rocks can yield information onthe conditions of their deposition. Just by looking at the grain size of a sandstone at an outcrop, on can infer:
a)the number of times the sand has been reworked by successive currents
b)the composition of the rock from which sand weathered
c)the distance over which the sand has been transported
d)the grain size of the rocks 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
Quartz and feldspar are minerals that belong to the same silicate structural type. Their compositional difference is ude tot he replacement of some silicon atoms by another element to from feldspar. What is the element that replaces silicon?
a)K
b)Na
c)Ca
d)Al
e)Fe |
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Definition
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Term
A crystal of K-feldspar from a granite has been analysed 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 3 to 1. 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 os formation of the granite?
a)O.3 b.y
b)0.65 b.y
c)1.3 b.y
d)2.0 b.y
e)2.6 b.y |
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Definition
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Term
A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over which of the follwoing rocks?
a)ultramafic
b)gabbro
c)marble
d)syenite
e)sandstone |
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Definition
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Term
Very deep earthquakes occur only at:
a)destructive plate margins
b)hot spots
c)transform faults
d)contructive plate margins
e)accreting plate margins |
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Definition
| a)destructive plate margins |
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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)the sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies
d)paleomagnetic analysis of a rock would not give direction to the pole
e)continental drift would not have occured |
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Definition
| c)the sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies |
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Term
Which of these minerals is made up entirely of covalent bonds?
a)diamond
b)clay
c)quartz
d)gold
e)halite |
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Definition
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Term
The continents fit best together in Pangea configuration when:
a)the outer edges of the continental shelves are matched
b)the present shorlines are matched
c)earthquake zones are matched
d)shorelines that existed in the distant past are matched
e)the mid-ocean ridges are matched |
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Definition
| a)the outer edges of the continental shelves are matched |
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Term
Which of the following rocks is likely to have to lowest porosity?
a)quartz sandstone
b)greywacke
c)conglomerate
d)reef limestone
e)pumice |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following rocks is least likely to have a foliatio?
a)slate
b)marble
c)gneiss
d)schist
e)migmatite |
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Definition
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Term
Hubbert's peak refers to:
a)the highest global production level of crude oil
b)the total resource of a commodity
c)the first site for measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide
d)the highest average global population growth rate in the 20th century
e)highest continental mountain |
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Definition
| a)the highest global production level of crude oil |
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Term
Which of the following features is most likely to be associated with a paleo-lacer gold deposit?
a)submarine lava flows
b)granite porphyry
c)vesicularity
d)igneous layering
e)cross-bedding |
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Definition
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Term
Of the following rock types, which is most likely to be a trao(resevoir)rock for tapping oil and gas underground?
a)quartz sandstone
b)shale/mudstone
c)granite porphyry
d)salt dome
e)greywacke |
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Definition
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Term
A sample of baslt in which the remanent magnetic field is oriented vertically probably formed and cooled:
a)at the azimuth
b)near the equator
c)near the south or north pole
d)under sea water
e)at 45 degrees north or south latitude |
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Definition
| c)near the south or north pole |
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Term
You have carried out a careful chemical analysis of three rocks: granite, granodiorite and gabbro. You are now comparing the results of those analysis. As you go from granite to granodiorite to gabbro, which of the following increases?
a)quartz content
b)density
c)Si content
d)K content
e)feldspar content |
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Definition
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Term
An igneous rock consists of 50% pyroxene and 50% Ca-rich plagioclase. It is fine-grained. Which of the following geologic settings is it most likely associated with?
a)sratovolcano
b)kimberlite pipe
c)fissure eruption
d)batholith
e)loppolith |
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Definition
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Term
Weathering produces minerals that are mosre stable at the earth's surface. Of the five minerals listed below, which one is the most abundant product of the weathering process:
a)feldspar
b)hematite
c)limonite
d)quartz
e)clay |
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Definition
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Term
The production of a commodity has been growing exponentially with the time at a rate of 5% per year. The time required to quadruple the annual production at this growth rate is closest to:
a)10 years
b)20 years
c)30 years
d)40 years
e)50 years |
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Definition
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Term
Which ore-deposited type results from the developement in a magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible with the silicate liquid?
a)bauxite
b)chromite
c)Ni-Cu sulfide
d)porphyry copper
e)stratiform massive sulfide |
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Definition
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Term
The fact that, over time in the sedimentary rock record, fossil organism succeed one another in a definite and determinable order is the basis for:
a)principle of original horizontality
b)law of superposition
c)principle of biotic succession
d)doctrine of catastrophism
e)principle of cross-cutting relationships |
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Definition
| c)principle of biotic succession |
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Term
In the carbon cycle, which of the following resevoirs 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 |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following reasons is why felsic magams have a higher viscosity than mafic magmas?
a)high in Si content
b)slow rate of cooling
c)high % of dissolved water in the magma
d)melting point decreases with pressure
e)none of the above |
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Definition
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Term
With which rock type of structure do you associate the formation of karst topography?
a)glacial till
b)basalt
c)bauxite
d)stratovolcano
e)limestone |
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Definition
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Term
What is the main control on the size of crystals produced in an igneous rock?
a)shape of the igneous body
b)volatile content
c)viscosity of the magma
d)rate of cooling
e)temperature of the magma |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following lavas would likely have the highest velocity?
a)one that would crystallize to from a gabbro
b)one with an SiO2 content of 50%
c)one with less that 1% water
d)one with a surface temperature of 1200 celsius
e)one that produces pyroclastic flows |
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Definition
| e)one that produces pyroclastic flows |
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Term
Which of the soil types is generally the most suitable one for agriculture?
a)laterite
b)pedocal
c)padalfer
d)permafrost
e)lahar |
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Definition
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|
Term
Which one of the follwing two ions are very close in radius, thus allowing solid solution in olivine?
a)Ca and Mg
b)Si and Al
c)Na and Ca
d)K and Ca
e)Fe and Mg |
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Definition
|
|
Term
Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produced by:
a)steam flow
b)wind
c)ocean waves
d)slope instability
e)turbidity currents |
|
Definition
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|
Term
Of the following choices, which one is the most favourable site for oil accumulation?
a)mudstones
b)glacial deposits
c)mid-ocean ridges
d)placer deposits
e)passive continental margins |
|
Definition
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|
Term
Over the past two hundred years of human history, which of the following has been observed to be the most direct link to a reduction in the population growth rate of countries?
a)economic incentives
b)industrialization
c)education
d)use of contraceptives
e)decrease in per capita consumption |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Approx how many earthquakes of Richter magnitude 4 would it take to equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of Richter magnitude 8?
a)30
b)9000
c)27000
d)270000
e)800000 |
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Definition
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|
Term
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain olive grains?
a)mudstone
b)greywacke
c)banded iron formation
d)limestone
e)quartz sandstone |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Which of the following rock types is likely to be the most immature?
a)conglomerate
b)mudstone
c)breccia
d)limestone
e)quartz sandstone |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
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 |
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Definition
|
|
Term
Which heat source dominates in the biosphere:
a)external solar energy
b)internal energy from early differentiation of the earth
c)internal radioactive energy
d)external tidal energy
e)geothermal energy |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Which of the following situations would be most likely to provide an oil trap?
a)an antiform with quartz sandstone on top of salt
b)a salt dome surrounded by shale
c)mudstone and shale forming an antiform
d)a synform with shale on top of quartz sandstone
e)an antiform with shale on top of quartz sandstone |
|
Definition
| e)an antiform with shale on top of quartz sandstone |
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|
Term
A thin, planar igneous rock body that intrudes across pre-existing rock layers is a:
a)batholith
b)prophyry
c)dyke
d)sill
e)stock |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
The velocity of P seismic waves is:
a)zero is a liquid
b)directly proportional to the elasticity and density of the medium the pass through
c)Inversely proportional to the elasticity,a nd directly proportional to the density, of the medium they pass through
d)directly proportional to the elasticity, and inversely proportional to the density, of the medium they pass through
e)inversely proportional to the elasticity and density of the medium they pass through |
|
Definition
| d)directly proportional to the elasticity, and inversely proportional to the density, of the medium they pass through |
|
|
Term
In order to determine the mass of the earth by studying the dynamics of the earth-moon sytem, which of the following do we need to know about the moon?
a)average density
b)orbital velocity
c)its mass
d)centrifugal force
e)radius |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
What percentage of the earth's crust is composed of non-silicate minerals?
a)3%
b)10%
c)20%
d)75%
e)97% |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
You work for a mineral exploration company, and you are looking for a source of metals. If you find an ore deposit of a metal-bearing mineral you have found:
a)a local accumulation of a metal
b)an accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money from
c)a mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals
d)a porphyry-copper deposit
e)a mineral deposit that is colse to market |
|
Definition
| b)an accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money from |
|
|
Term
Where is the best place to look for vein type Cu-Mo-Ag-Au-Sn porphyry deposits?
a)destructive plate margins
b)shield volcanoes in the middle of plates
c)constructive plate margins
d)transform plate margins
e)kimberlite pipes in the middle of plates |
|
Definition
| a)destructive plate margins |
|
|
Term
The Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock deals with
a)the developement of the hydrological cycle
b)the physiology of the earth
c)the formation of the solar system
d)the rock cycle
e)the plate tectonic cycle |
|
Definition
| b)the physiology of the earth |
|
|
Term
In comparing the first billion years of earth history with the present, which of the following has increased between then and now?
a)level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
b)the rate of rotation of the earth about its N-S rotation axis
c)the near-surface average geothermal gradient
d)intensity of meteorite bombardment of the Earth
e)level of oxygen in the atmosphere |
|
Definition
| e)level of oxygen in the atmosphere |
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|
Term
The definition fo 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 amount of that commodity that is ultimately economically recoverable
e)the amount of the commodity that exists in the Earth |
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Definition
| d)the estimated amount of that commodity that is ultimately economically recoverable |
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Term
Which of the following pieces of evidence from geology around the Kingston area is evidence for a former mountain-building event?
a)stromatolites
b)migmatite
c)glacial grooves
d)mud cracks
e)cross beds |
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Definition
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Term
There are several ways that oil can be trapped underground to make an economic deposit. Which of the following would be most likely to provide an oil trap?
a)synform with shale on top of quartz sandstone
b)mudstone and shale faorming an antiform
c)an antiform with quartz sandstone on top of salt
d)s salt dome surrounded by shale
e)an antiform with shale on top of quartz sandstone |
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Definition
| e)an antiform with shale on top of quartz sandstone |
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Term
Which of the following rock types is most likely to be well-sorted?
a)graywacke
b)limestone
c)quartz sandstone
d)glacial till
e)arkose |
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Definition
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Term
Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following magama 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
On which material is damage to buildings from seismic vibration likely to be least?
a)granite
b)clay
c)sand and gravel
d)peat and muck
e)mud |
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Definition
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Term
Abundant evidence of fossils of life forms that made hard protective shells did not appear in the geologic record until how long ago?
a)3 billion years
b)5 billion years
c)65 million years
d)300 million years
e)600 million years
d) |
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Definition
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Term
The earth's magnetic field has 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 |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following decreases in going from the ocean crust to the mantle of the earth?
a)pressure
b)silicon content
c)density
d)temperature
e)P-wave velocity |
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Definition
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Term
A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over which of the following rocks?
a)syenite
b)gabbro
c)marble
d)ultramafic
e)sandstone |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following is used to describe what occurs to produce an earthquake?
a)elastic rebound
b)polymerization
c)liquefaction
d)compression-rerfaction
e)plastic deformation |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following lists magama types in order of increasing viscosity
a)basaltic,andesite,granitic
b)basaltic,granitic,andesite
c)andesite,granitic,basaltic
d)granitic,basaltic,andesite
e)granitic,andesite,basaltic |
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Definition
| a)basaltic,andesite,granitic |
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Term
What are 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 |
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Definition
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Term
With which of the following will lahars be most likely associated?
a)earthquakes
b)layered intrusions
c)felsic volcanoes
d)tsunamis
e)open-pit mines |
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Definition
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Term
In a sequence of silicate minerals of progressively decreasing polymerization, which of the following is true (going in the direction of decreased polymerization)?
a)Mg generally decreases
b)Fe generally decreases
c)Si decreases
d)There is an increase in shared oxygen atoms
e)K increases |
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Definition
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Term
A silicate mineral that is not in the presence of water is most likely to be above its melting point at:
a)a low temprature and a high pressure
b)a high temperature and a high pressure
c)a high temperature and a low pressure
d)a low temperature and a low pressure
e)the surface of the earth |
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Definition
| c)a high temperature and a low pressure |
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Term
Which of the following is true about tsunamis
a)they seldom cause damage when they reach shore
b)they have wavelengths of a few meters
c)They have amplitudes of 50m or more in deep ocean water
d)they are most commonly generated by earthquake activity under the continents
e)they travel at speeds of 500 to 800km per hour |
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Definition
| e)they travel at speeds of 500 to 800km per hour |
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Term
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 planes
c)hydraulic equivalence of the slope
d)angle of potential failure plane
e)angle of the slope wall |
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Definition
| d)angle of potential failure plane |
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Term
For which group do both minerals have a framework structure?
a)olivine, hornblende
b)feldspar, quartz
c)hornblende, pyroxene
d)plagioclase, pyroxene
e)muscovite, clay |
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Definition
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Term
If you just begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced would have what composition
a)gabbroic
b)dioritic
c)ultramafic
d)granitic
e)granodiorite |
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Definition
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Term
What is the main factor that controls the rate of weathering of rocks?
a)grain size of the rock
b)degree of unloading
c)topography
d)rock type
e)climate |
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Definition
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Term
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)galena
b)magnetite
c)chromite
d)chalcopyrite
e)pyrite |
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Definition
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Term
At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?
a)mid-oceans ridge
b)subduction zones
c)central Canada
d)the Andes mountains
e)Mt. Pinatubo |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following rocks would not be found as an essential constituent of plagiclase feldspar?
a)K
b)Na
c)Al
d)Ca
e)Si |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain olivine grains?
a)mudstone
b)banded iron formation
c)greywacke
d)limestone
e)quartz sandstone |
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Definition
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Term
Which ore deposit type results from the developement in a magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible witht he silicate liquid?
a)bauxite
b)chromite
c)porphyry copper
d)Ni-Cu sulphide
e)banded iron formation |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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Term
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)density
d)shear modulus
e)inverse modulus |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following rocks is the most immature?
a)shale
b)siltstone
c)breccia
d)quartz sandstone
e)conglomerate |
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Definition
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Term
Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produce by:
a)wind
b)ocean waves
c)stream flow
d)slope instability
e)turbidity currents |
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Definition
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Term
Which of the following minerals would be least likely to occur in granite
a)K-rich feldspar
b)muscovite mica
c)Na-rich plagioclase
d)quartz
e)olivine |
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Definition
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Term
In the building block of silicate minerals, which of the following atoms most often subsitutes for silicon?
a)Fe
b)Na
c)Ca
d)Mg
e)Al |
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Definition
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Term
For an exponential equation of the form y=e^(kt), 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 doubling time
c)a constant whose value is the base of the natural logarithm
d)the doubling time
e)one one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity y in percent |
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Definition
| e)one one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity y in percent |
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Term
Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most likely to generate acid minc tailings?
a)porphyry copper
b)bauxite
c)petroleum
d)chromite
e)iron formation |
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Definition
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Term
The sedimentary rocks immediately below and above an angular uncomformity record a history of:
a)erosion-folding-depostio-erosion
b)folding-erosion-deposition-folding
c)deposition-erosion-deposition-folding
d)erosion-deposition-folding-erosion
e)deposition-folding-erosion-deposition |
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Definition
| e)deposition-folding-erosion-deposition |
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Term
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 if 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 above, they all increase it |
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Definition
| b)angle of internal friction |
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Term
Which of the following is the most abundant sedimentary rock type in the earth's crust?
a)limestone
b)sandstone
c)shale
d)conglomerate
e)banded iron formation |
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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)setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a 20 year period
d)digging trenches and pits around the faults
e)studying human historical records of the region |
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Definition
| c)setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a 20 year period |
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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 law of superposition
c)the principle of biotic succession
d)the doctrine of catastrophism
e)the principle of cross-cutting relationships |
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Definition
| c)the principle of biotic succession |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| b)a two stage cooling history |
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Term
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 milllion years
e)13 000 million years |
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Definition
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Term
If a litre of sea-water is evaporated, which of the following evaporites that are precipated will occur in the greatest amount?
a)gypsum
b)halite
c)potash
d)limestone
e)chert |
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Definition
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Term
In a layered intrusion, which igneous rock type is most liekly to be at the bottom of the intrusion?
a)ultrmafic rock
b)baslt
c)granodiorite
d)gabbro
e)granite |
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Definition
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Term
When determining the risk of mass wasting in area, which of the following will provide the most valuable information?
a)installation of seismometers
b)the tracing of faults
c)carbon-14 dating of peat layers
d)analysis of air photographs
e)measurement of the acceleration due to gravity |
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Definition
| d)analysis of air photographs |
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Term
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 |
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Definition
| d)at a destructive plate boundary |
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Term
In the process of carrying out a risk assessment and risk management process, we calaculate the risk by multiplying the probability of the hazard occuring by:
a)the type of risk
b)the severity of the risk
c)the proximity of the hazard
d)the frequency of the risk
e)the length of the hazard |
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Definition
| b)the severity of the risk |
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Term
How many earthquakes of richter magnitude 5 would it take to equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of magnitude 7?
a)2
b)30
c)60
d)900
e)27000 |
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Definition
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Term
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 mouvement 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 arrrival of S-waves and the first arrival of the surface waves on the seismogram
e)measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on the seismogram |
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Definition
| e)measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on the seismogram |
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Term
If the current rate of exponential growth of population were to continue in the future, the earth's population will have doubled in about how many years?
a)5
b)10
c)30
d)60
e)90 |
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Definition
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Term
In an attempt to model the composition of deep layers in the interior of the Earth, we try to re-create conditions deep in the Earth's interior using:
a)a smelting furnace
b)the mineral composition of metamorphic rocks
c)a seismometer
d)a diamond anvil press
e)the inverse theory approach |
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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)contructive plate boundaries
b)transform plate boundaries
c)strike-slip boundaries
d)conductive plate boundaries
e)destructive plate boundaries |
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Definition
| e)destructive plate boundaries |
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Term
The production of a commodity has been growing exponentially with time at a rate of 3% per year. The time required to quadruple the annual production at this growth rate is closest to:
a)3 years
b)9 years
c)18 years
d)25 years
e)50 years |
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Definition
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Term
Seismic enerfy 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, look at sediments for evidenceof ancient tsunami
b)study seismic records to determine the recurrence interval of earthquakes
c)make a computer model of the earth and see if the travel-times measured at seismic stations fit model
d)locate and determine the nature of faults by the tachnique of seismic topography
e)determine the epicentres of earthquakes on a map of the world |
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Definition
| cc)make a computer model of the earth and see if the travel-times measured at seismic stations fit model |
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Term
Various studies have shown that the 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 |
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Definition
| e)lithosphere/asthenosphere |
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Term
There are 100 elements in the Earth, but amazingly only four elements constitue, 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 |
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Definition
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Term
An uncomformity, like the one in the Kingston area, is best defined as:
a)A layer of rocks with very unusual fossils
b)a basal conglomerate
c)a layer of sedimentary rocks
d)a thin, tabular or sheet-like, igneous intrusion
e)a gab in the rock record |
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Definition
| e)a gab in the rock record |
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Term
Which of the follwing 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
Which of the following types of seismic waves arrives first at a seismic station following an earthquake 500km away from the seismic station:
a)love waves
b)compression-rarefaction waves
c)tsunami waves
d)shear waves
e)Rayleigh waves |
|
Definition
| b)compression-rarefaction waves |
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|
Term
Which of the following minerals or mineral/element pairs is closest to the average composition of the continental crust?
a)calcite
b)Fe+Ni
c)pyrite
d)feldspar+quartz
e)olivine+pyroxene |
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Definition
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Term
Weathering produces minerals that are more stable at 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 |
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Definition
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Term
In the carbon cycle, which of the following resevoirs in the earth system contain the most carbon?
a)crustal rocks
b)living plants and animals
c)the oceans
d)oil and gas
e)the atmosphere |
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Definition
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Term
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 |
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Definition
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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)Fe content goes down
b)Si content goes down
c)density goes down
d)temperature goes down
e)seismic velocity goes down |
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Definition
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Term
At which of the following places are you mot likely to experience a lahar?
a)The Andes mountains
b)the Red Sea
c)Along the San Andreas fault
d)the South Nation River, Ontario
e)Iceland |
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Definition
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Term
A sample of basalt in which the remanent magnetic field is oriented horizontally probably formed and cooled:
a)at the azimuth
b)near the north and south pole
c)near the equator
d)under sea water
e)at 45 degrees north or south lattitude |
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Definition
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|
Term
Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain feldspar grains?
a)mudstone
b)banded iron formation
c)quartz sandstone
d)limestone
e)greywacke |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically weather least rapidly?
a)diorite
b)gabbro
c)limestone
d)rock salt
e)granite |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Which or the following decreases in going from the mantle to the outer-core?
a)P-wave velocity
b)temperature
c)density
d)iron content
e)proportion of liquid |
|
Definition
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|
Term
Which of the following is responsible for severe ground shaking following earthquakes?
a)surface waves
b)P-waves
c)tsunami
d)sea waves
e)S-waves |
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Definition
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|
Term
You are in Iceland witnessing a lava flow. What is most likely to be the composition of the lava?
a)felsic
b)iron
c)ultramafic
d)mafic
e)intermediate |
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Definition
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Term
What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?
a)release of sulphur gas
b)tsunami
c)earthquakes
d)mudflows
e)solifluction |
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Definition
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Term
When most rocks experience partial melting , the melted part is:
a)more felsic than the original rock
b)denser than the original rock
c)poorer in water that the original rock
d)darker in colour that the original rock
e)concentrated in iron compared to the original rock |
|
Definition
| a)more felsic than the original rock |
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|
Term
In which of these setting would one most likely find a pyroclastic flow
a)at the site of a fissure eruption
b)at a contructive plat boundary
c)in Hawaii
d)at a transform plate boundary
e)at a destructive plate boundary |
|
Definition
| e)at a destructive plate boundary |
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|
Term
The main importance of mechanical weathering of rocks is to:
a)oxidize the feldspars
b)provide a weak acid solution
c)alter the feldspar to hematite
d)increase the surface area of the rock
e)lower the temperature of the rock |
|
Definition
| d)increase the surface area of the rock |
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|
Term
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 |
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Definition
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|
Term
Which of the following approaches would be least likely to provide us with information to help predict, on both the short and the 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 |
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Definition
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