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GLY1000 Intro to Geology LATEST EXAM w/ RATIONALES 2024
1) What is the primary force that drives plate tectonics?
a) Gravity
b) Magnetism
c) Wind
d) Volcanic activity
Answer: a) Gravity
Rationale: Plate tectonics is primarily driven by the force
of gravity, which causes the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates.
2) Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of lava?
a) Sedimentary rock
b) Metamorphic rock
c) Igneous rock
d) Conglomerate
Answer: c) Igneous rock
Rationale: Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and
solidification of molten material (lava or magma).
3) What is an unconformity in geology?
a) A type of rock formation
b) A fossilized organism
c) A boundary between rock layers that represents a gap in
the geologic record
d) A geological fault line
Answer: c) A boundary between rock layers that represents
a gap in the geologic record
Rationale: An unconformity is a surface or boundary
between rock layers that indicates a significant gap in the geologic record due to erosion or non-deposition.
4) Which type of earthquake wave causes the most damage at the Earth's surface?
a) P-waves
b) S-waves
c) Love waves
d) Rayleigh waves
Answer: d) Rayleigh waves
Rationale: Rayleigh waves are the most damaging seismic
waves as they cause the ground to move in an elliptical path, resulting in significant shaking at the Earth's surface.
5) What is the process by which loose sediment is transformed into solid rock?
a) Erosion
b) Deposition
c) Compaction
d) Volcanism
Answer: c) Compaction
Rationale: Compaction is the process where loose sediment
is compressed and squeezed together, removing excess water and air to form solid rock.
6) Which type of volcano has a broad, gently sloping profile and is typically formed by basaltic lava flows?
a) Shield volcano
b) Composite volcano
c) Cinder cone volcano
d) Dome volcano
Answer: a) Shield volcano
Rationale: Shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping
profile due to the basaltic lava flows that are more fluid and less explosive compared to other types of volcanoes.
7) Which geologic era spans the longest period of time in Earth's history?
a) Precambrian era
b) Paleozoic era
c) Mesozoic era
d) Cenozoic era
Answer: a) Precambrian era
Rationale: The Precambrian era spans approximately 4
billion years, making it the longest era in Earth's history.
8) What is the primary source of energy for the Earth's climate system?
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