Geology
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100
A major problem with depending on fossil fuels as primary energy sources is that they are a) overabundant b) nonpolluting c) nonrenewable d) deep underground
c) nonrenewable
100
A student hypothesizes that water from infrequently used school faucets contains more chemical impurities than the water from frequently used faucets. At the same time of day, the student uses a water test kit to measure the water impurities from the different faucets. Which is the manipulated variable in this investigation? a) The chemicals used to test the water b) The amount of water per sample c) The time of day when the water is collected d) The locations of water collection
d) The locations of water collection
100
A star begins it formation as gravitational forces cause instability within a___? a) Black Hole b) Red Giant c) Supernova d) Nebula
d) Nebula
100
A volcanic eruption can affect the atmosphere by a) reducing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere b) adding large quantities of several gases, such as sulfur dioxide, to the atmosphoere c) clearing away nearby clouds, increasing the amount of sunshine d) increasing the amount of oxygen due to escaping gases
b) adding large quantities of several gases, such as sulfur dioxide, to the atmosphoere
100
Which mineral is easily identified by smell? a) galena b) pyrite c) quartz d) sulfur
d) sulfur
200
Most modern geologists have argued that a global catastrophe may have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. According to these scientists, what was this catastrophe? a) an asteriod impact with the Earth b) melting of the polar ice caps c) a shift in the tilt of the Earth d) earthquakes and volcanoes
a) an asteroid impact with the Earth
200
Which provides the best evidence for the theory that faults and volcanoes are results of tectonic plate interactions? a) faults on tectonic plates are in constant motion, but volcanoes may not erupt for many years b) faults and volcanoes existed long before there were tectonic plates c) tectonic plates that have many faults do not usually have volcanoes d) faults and volcanoes are often found at tectonic plate boundaries
d) faults and volcanoes are often found at tectonic plate boundaries
200
Which characteristic do all the planets in our solar system have in common? a) Angle of axial tilt b) Direction of revolution c) Percentages of atmospheric gases d) Features of a rocky crust
b) Direction of revolution
200
The Earth's mantle is made up of very hot material that rises to the top of the mantle, cools, the sinks, reheats, and rises again, constantly repeating the cycle. This action, which causes the Earth's crust to move, is known as a) convection currents b) magnetic fields c) hot spots d) advection forces
a) convection currents
200
Scientists use the rock cycle to describe the processes by which a) all different types of fossils were transformed into rock b) one type of rock can be changed into another type of rock c) tectonic plates shift around the earth's surface d) mineral crystals and compositions are identified
b) one type of rock can be changed into another type of rock
300
Which of these is the best indication of the relative age of a rock layer? a) the thickness of the layer b) the chemical makeup of the layer c) the position of the layer compared to other layers d) the distance the layer extends over the Earth
c) the position of the layer compared to other layers
300
Identical rock types, identical fossils, and very similar mountain ranges are found on different continents that are separated by a wide ocean. Which of these best explains these observations? a) organisms traveled between these continents on land bridges b) the same forces erode mountains in different locations c) these continents were joined together at one time in the past d) some rock types are very common and are found everywhere
c) these continents were joined together at one time in the past
300
Which of the following best describes Earth's orbital position in our solar system? a) outside of three smaller planets b) outside of the gas giants c) an outer planet d) an inner planet
d) an inner planet
300
The cleavage properties of mica result from the___? a) Alternating layers of silica and aluminum b) weak bonds between flat layers c) Strong covalent bonds with dense carbon clusters d) Metallic bonds between all elements present
b) weak bonds between flat layers
300
Which of the following natural resources makes the largest contribution to Virginia's economy? a) plutonium b) aluminum c) coal d) feldspar
c) coal
400
In which type of rock are fossils most likely to be found? a) igneous intrusive b) igneous extrusive c) sedimentary d) metamorphic
c) sedimentary
400
Which of these provides the best estimate of how long it took a thick layer of sedimentary rock to form? a) using a microscope to closely examine the size of particles that make up the rock layer b) making a model that creates a sedimentary rock layer at a constant rate c) calculating the age of the top and bottom of the layer d) measuring the rate at which similar layers of sediments collect
c) calculating the age of the top and bottom of the layer
400
Which of these are caused primarily by the gravitational force between Earth and the Moon? a) tides b) seasons c) prevailing winds d) magnetic poles
a) tides
400
People have tried many methods to artifically produce rain. One method, called cloud seeding, involves airplanes dropping particles of silver iodide onto clouds to help the clouds produce rain droplets. These silver iodide particles act as a) hailstones b) dew points c) electrical charges d) condensation nuclei
d) condensation nuclei
400
Which of the following most likely results in the formation of a fossil? a) a Mesozoic clam lies exposed on the surface of the sea floor b) a Mesozoic lcam is washed up onton the beach c) a Mesozoic clam is eaten by a large predatory fish d) a Mesozoic clam is buried by a mudslide
d) a Mesozoic clam is buried by a mudslide
500
Crushed stone is an economic resource that is second only to coal in Virginia. How is crushed stone mainly used? a) As building insulation b) In steel production c) For cola mine reclimation d) As construction material
d) As construction material
500
Which coordinates identify a location north of a city that has a latitude of 38.0 N and a longitude of 25.0 W? a) 0.0 and 0.0 b) 25.0 N and 38.0 W c) 38.0 N and 47.0 W d) 47.0 N and 25.0 W
d) 47.0 N and 25.0 W
500
Which of these best describes the composition of a nebula such as the Crab Nebula? a) large asteroids b) clouds of dust and gas c) ice crystals d) planets and moons
b) clouds of dust and gas
500
Ozone molecules protect Earth from the harmful effects of the sun by a) insulating the temperature at the poles b) condensing water particles in clouds c) regulating the heat from the sun d) absorbing ultraviolet radiation
d) absorbing ultraviolet radiation
500
Which is a characteristic of all nonfoliated metamorphic rocks? a) Presence of fossils b) Cleavage planes c) Lack of banding d) Metallic luster
c) Lack of banding
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