p.5
Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift Hypothesis
What did Edward Bullard contribute to the study of continental drift?
A) He discovered fossils of Mesosaurus
B) He constructed a map piecing together continental shelves
C) He proposed the theory of plate tectonics
D) He studied the Himalayan mountains
E) He developed the scientific method
B) He constructed a map piecing together continental shelves
Explanation: Edward Bullard is known for constructing a map that pieced together the edges of the continental shelves of South America and Africa, providing visual evidence supporting the concept of continental drift.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the primary composition of the outer core?
A) Solid rock
B) Liquid iron-nickel alloy
C) Basalt
D) Granodiorite
E) Peridotite
B) Liquid iron-nickel alloy
Explanation: The outer core is composed of a liquid iron-nickel alloy, which is crucial for generating Earth's magnetic field.
p.2
Earth's Spheres: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere
What is the primary source of energy that drives external processes on Earth?
A) Earth's interior
B) The Moon
C) The Sun
D) Ocean currents
E) Wind patterns
C) The Sun
Explanation: The Sun is the primary source of energy that drives external processes occurring in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and at Earth's surface, influencing weather, climate, and ocean circulation.
p.5
Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
What significant geological feature is associated with the Himalayas?
A) They are the oldest mountains on Earth
B) They are the highest mountains on Earth
C) They are composed mainly of sedimentary rocks
D) They are stable platforms
E) They are located in North America
B) They are the highest mountains on Earth
Explanation: The Himalayas are noted for being the highest mountains on Earth and are considered geologically young, which highlights their recent formation in geological terms.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the average density of oceanic rocks?
A) 2.7 g/cm3
B) 3.0 g/cm3
C) 1.0 g/cm3
D) 4.0 g/cm3
E) 5.5 g/cm3
B) 3.0 g/cm3
Explanation: Oceanic rocks have an average density of 3.0 g/cm3, which is denser than continental rocks that average 2.7 g/cm3.
p.2
Earth's Internal Structure
What elements are considered 'oxygen-seeking' in Earth's composition?
A) Iron and nickel
B) Silicon and aluminum
C) Hydrogen and helium
D) Carbon and nitrogen
E) Calcium and magnesium
B) Silicon and aluminum
Explanation: Silicon and aluminum are referred to as 'oxygen-seeking' elements, which play a significant role in the chemical composition of Earth's crust and its formation.
p.5
Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift Hypothesis
What was Alfred Wegener known for?
A) The theory of plate tectonics
B) The continental drift hypothesis
C) The scientific method
D) The rock cycle
E) The study of sedimentary rocks
B) The continental drift hypothesis
Explanation: Alfred Wegener is recognized for his continental drift hypothesis, which proposed that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
p.4
Earth's Internal Structure
What is magma?
A) Solid rock found on the surface
B) Molten rock that forms deep beneath the Earth's surface
C) A type of sediment
D) A mineral compound
E) A type of fossil
B) Molten rock that forms deep beneath the Earth's surface
Explanation: Magma is defined as molten rock that forms deep beneath the Earth's surface, which can eventually cool and solidify to form igneous rocks.
p.4
Major Features of Ocean Floor and Continents
What are abyssal plains?
A) Steep mountain ranges
B) Flat features on the ocean floor
C) Volcanic islands
D) Coastal regions
E) Shallow waters near the shore
B) Flat features on the ocean floor
Explanation: Abyssal plains are characterized by their incredibly flat features on the ocean floor, representing some of the most level areas on Earth.
p.2
Earth's Spheres: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere
What is the hydrologic cycle?
A) The process of soil formation
B) The circulation of Earth's water among different spheres
C) The movement of tectonic plates
D) The formation of clouds
E) The process of photosynthesis
B) The circulation of Earth's water among different spheres
Explanation: The hydrologic cycle refers to the unending circulation of Earth's water among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, highlighting the interconnectedness of these systems.
p.5
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the Canadian Shield primarily composed of?
A) Sedimentary rocks
B) Deformed igneous and metamorphic rocks
C) Volcanic rocks
D) Sandstone
E) Limestone
B) Deformed igneous and metamorphic rocks
Explanation: The Canadian Shield is described as an expansive region composed largely of deformed igneous and metamorphic rocks, showcasing its geological history and stability over millions of years.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
How thick is the lithosphere on average?
A) 50 kilometers
B) 100 kilometers
C) 250 kilometers
D) 410 kilometers
E) 2900 kilometers
B) 100 kilometers
Explanation: The lithosphere averages about 100 kilometers thick and includes the entire crust plus the uppermost mantle, forming Earth's cool, rigid outer shell.
p.5
Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift Hypothesis
What is Pangaea?
A) A type of sedimentary rock
B) A supercontinent that existed 200 million years ago
C) A mountain range in North America
D) A theory of ocean currents
E) A type of fossil
B) A supercontinent that existed 200 million years ago
Explanation: Pangaea refers to a single supercontinent that consisted of all of Earth's landmasses and existed during the Mesozoic era, before fragmenting into smaller landmasses.
p.2
Earth's Spheres: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere
What percentage of the atmosphere is below 16 km?
A) 50%
B) 90%
C) 75%
D) 25%
E) 100%
B) 90%
Explanation: It is stated that 90% of the atmosphere is below 16 km (10 mi), indicating that most atmospheric phenomena occur within this range.
p.2
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the circumference of Earth?
A) 20,000 km
B) 40,000 km
C) 60,000 km
D) 80,000 km
E) 100,000 km
B) 40,000 km
Explanation: The circumference of Earth is slightly more than 40,000 km (nearly 25,000 mi), which is a fundamental measurement of our planet's size.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the average thickness of the oceanic crust?
A) 10 kilometers
B) 7 kilometers
C) 35 kilometers
D) 22 kilometers
E) 40 kilometers
B) 7 kilometers
Explanation: The oceanic crust is approximately 7 kilometers thick and is primarily composed of basalt, a dark igneous rock.
p.4
Earth's Internal Structure
What are minerals primarily composed of?
A) Only single elements
B) Chemical compounds or single elements
C) Organic materials
D) Gases and liquids
E) Only metals
B) Chemical compounds or single elements
Explanation: Minerals are defined as chemical compounds or sometimes single elements, each with its own unique composition and physical properties.
p.4
Major Features of Ocean Floor and Continents
What is a continental shelf?
A) A steep drop-off from the continent
B) A flat feature that extends seaward from the shore
C) The deepest part of the ocean
D) A mountain range under the ocean
E) A type of sedimentary rock
B) A flat feature that extends seaward from the shore
Explanation: The continental shelf is a gently sloping platform that extends seaward from the shore, forming part of the continental margin.
p.4
Major Features of Continents
What are cratons?
A) Coastal regions
B) The interiors of continents
C) Oceanic ridges
D) Volcanic islands
E) Mountain belts
B) The interiors of continents
Explanation: Cratons refer to the stable interiors of continents, which are typically ancient and geologically inactive regions.
p.2
Earth's Internal Structure
What is a light-year?
A) A measure of time
B) A unit for measuring distances to stars
C) The speed of light
D) A type of star
E) A measure of Earth's circumference
B) A unit for measuring distances to stars
Explanation: A light-year is defined as the distance that light travels in one Earth year, approximately 9.5 trillion km (5.8 trillion mi), making it a crucial unit in astronomy.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
What characterizes the asthenosphere?
A) It is solid and rigid
B) It is the outermost layer of the Earth
C) It is a weak sphere with some melting
D) It is composed entirely of basalt
E) It is the densest layer of the Earth
C) It is a weak sphere with some melting
Explanation: The asthenosphere is characterized as a weak sphere where the top portion has a temperature/pressure regime that results in a small amount of melting.
p.4
Rock Cycle and Erosional Processes
What is the process of crystallization?
A) The breakdown of rocks
B) The cooling and solidifying of magma
C) The formation of sediment
D) The erosion of minerals
E) The melting of ice
B) The cooling and solidifying of magma
Explanation: Crystallization refers to the process where magma cools and solidifies, leading to the formation of crystalline structures in igneous rocks.
p.4
Major Features of Continents
What is the circum-Pacific belt?
A) A region of flat plains
B) A mountain range surrounding the Atlantic Ocean
C) A region surrounding the Pacific Ocean with mountain ranges
D) A type of oceanic trench
E) A volcanic island arc
C) A region surrounding the Pacific Ocean with mountain ranges
Explanation: The circum-Pacific belt is a region surrounding the Pacific Ocean, known for its mountain ranges and seismic activity, including the mountains of the western Americas.
p.5
Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism
What was one of the main objections to Wegener's hypothesis?
A) Lack of fossil evidence
B) Inability to identify a credible mechanism for continental drift
C) Incorrect mapping of continental shelves
D) Lack of geological data
E) Disagreement among paleontologists
B) Inability to identify a credible mechanism for continental drift
Explanation: One of the main objections to Wegener's hypothesis was his inability to propose a credible mechanism for how continents could drift, which led to skepticism in the scientific community.
p.4
Rock Cycle and Erosional Processes
What is lithification?
A) The process of weathering
B) The conversion of sediment into rock
C) The melting of rocks
D) The formation of magma
E) The erosion of mountains
B) The conversion of sediment into rock
Explanation: Lithification is the geological process that converts loose sediment into solid rock, typically through compaction and cementation.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
Which rock type is dominant in the uppermost mantle?
A) Basalt
B) Granodiorite
C) Peridotite
D) Granite
E) Limestone
C) Peridotite
Explanation: Peridotite is the dominant rock type in the uppermost mantle and is richer in magnesium and iron compared to the minerals found in the continental or oceanic crust.
p.4
Rock Cycle and Erosional Processes
What does the term 'texture' refer to in geology?
A) The color of a rock
B) The size, shape, and arrangement of minerals
C) The age of a rock
D) The hardness of a mineral
E) The temperature of magma
B) The size, shape, and arrangement of minerals
Explanation: In geology, 'texture' refers to the size, shape, and arrangement of the constituent minerals within a rock, which can provide insights into its formation.
p.2
Earth's Spheres: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere
What is the height of noctilucent clouds?
A) 10 km
B) 50 km
C) 80 km
D) 100 km
E) 20 km
C) 80 km
Explanation: Noctilucent clouds are located at a height of 80 km (50 mi), which is significantly higher than most weather phenomena that occur in the dense troposphere.
p.3
Earth's Internal Structure
What is the average density of the Earth's core?
A) 3.0 g/cm3
B) 5.5 g/cm3
C) 8.0 g/cm3
D) Nearly 11 g/cm3
E) 14 g/cm3
D) Nearly 11 g/cm3
Explanation: The average density of the Earth's core is nearly 11 g/cm3, which is significantly higher than that of the crust and mantle.
p.4
Major Features of Ocean Floor and Continents
What is the average depth of ocean basins?
A) 1.5 kilometers
B) 2.4 kilometers
C) 3.8 kilometers
D) 4.5 kilometers
E) 5.0 kilometers
C) 3.8 kilometers
Explanation: The average depth of ocean basins is about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) below sea level, which highlights the significant depth of the ocean floor compared to continental elevations.
What percentage of Earth's freshwater is contained in glaciers?
A) 69%
B) 1.72%
C) 0.75%
D) 0.03%
E) 2.5%
B) 1.72%
Explanation: Glaciers contain nearly 69% of Earth's freshwater, making them a crucial reservoir for freshwater resources and highlighting their significance in the Earth's water cycle.
What is the theory that provided geologists with the first comprehensive model of Earth’s internal workings?
A) Catastrophism
B) Theory of plate tectonics
C) Continental drift
D) Theory of relativity
E) Theory of evolution
B) Theory of plate tectonics
Explanation: The theory of plate tectonics provided geologists with the first comprehensive model of Earth’s internal workings, revolutionizing the understanding of the Earth's structure and processes.
Who proposed the theory of uniformitarianism in geology?
A) Aristotle
B) James Ussher
C) James Hutton
D) Edward J. Tarbuck
E) Frederick K. Lutgens
C) James Hutton
Explanation: James Hutton proposed the theory of uniformitarianism in geology, emphasizing the idea that present-day processes and their results are key to understanding ancient rocks, which has become a fundamental concept in the field of geology.
What is the most prominent feature of the hydrosphere?
A) Glaciers
B) Saline groundwater
C) Oceans
D) Freshwater
E) Atmosphere
C) Oceans
Explanation: The most prominent feature of the hydrosphere is the global ocean, which blankets nearly 71 percent of Earth’s surface and contains about 97 percent of Earth’s water, making it a significant component of the Earth's system.
Who played a major role in creating the Grand Canyon?
A) James Ussher
B) James Hutton
C) Aristotle
D) Colorado River
E) Edward J. Tarbuck
D) Colorado River
Explanation: The Colorado River played a major role in creating the Grand Canyon, showcasing the significant impact of natural processes, particularly river erosion, in shaping the Earth's landscape over time.
