Questions about Geology

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, including its composition, structure, processes, and history. This fascinating field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including mineralogy, paleontology, seismology, and more. Geology trivia questions are a great way to test your knowledge of this important subject and to learn more about the fascinating world that lies beneath our feet.

 

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#1. The oil window (temperature range wherein organic matter is converted to petroleum without destroying it) lies between

100 to 250 °C

200 to 350 °C

90 to 160 °C

30 to 60 °C

#2. Chemically, oil and gas are both

Pure forms of carbon

Carbohydrates

Carbonate minerals

Hydrocarbons

#3. Shale, salt, and fine-grained limestone that is not fractured are all good candidates to serve as ____________ within an oil field.

A reservoir rock

A seal rock

Either a source or reservoir rock

A source rock

#4. U-235, the isotope of uranium commonly utilized in nuclear power plants, is

The most common of the naturally occurring isotopes of that element

Rare even in uranium oxide deposits, and thus usable reactor fuel must be enriched with respect to this isotope

Heavier than the other well-known isotope of uranium

#5. Earthquakes that occur in a band called a ____________ can be used to track the motion of subducted oceanic lithosphere

Wadati-Benioff zone

Seismic gap

Wegener belt

Trench

#6. Which mineral resources are considered renewable?

Iron and aluminum ores

Nonmetallic minerals only

Base metals only

No mineral resources are renewable

#7. As suggested by the name “earthquake” the release of seismic energy as waves is unique to our planet and has not been found to occur in any other body of our solar system.

False

True

#8. Seismologist know that the outer core is liquid due to the presence of

C- low-velocity zone (LVZ) at a depth of 200 km where about 2% of the rock may be melted

Both D and B

A- high-velocity zone for seismic waves traveling in the outer core

D- S-wave "shadow" zone for seismometers situated on the far side of the Earth from earthquake hypocenters

B- P-wave "shadow" zone for seismometers situated between 104° and 140° from earthquake hypocenters

#9. Seismic rays follow curve paths in Earth’s interior due to

The spheroidal nature of the Earth itself

The arcuate nature of trenches at subduction zones, where most earthquakes are generated

Gradual changes in density with depth beneath the surface

The influence of abrupt changes in density associated with major contrasts in rock type at depth

#10. Commercial ore deposits are most likely to be found associated with

Evaporite sequences

Thick basinal sandstones and shales

Blueschists

Igneous rocks

#11. The word “metamorphism” literally refers to

Change

Change in the chemical composition of a rock.

A concept in existential philosophy.

Moving toward the middle

#12. The first ores which were widely smelted by humans to produce metal were those of

Bronze

Copper

Iron

Gold

#13. Surface waves

Travel more rapidly than body waves

Are the first waves to arrive at a seismograph station after an earthquake

Produce most of the damage to buildings during earthquakes

Are the first waves initially produced in an earthquake

#14. The United States has active mines within its boundaries that are sufficient to maintain a steady supply of all strategically important metals.

False

True

#15. Long-term prediction of earthquake behavior

Works on the principle that zones of past seismicity will be active in the future

All options

Includes the notion of seismic gaps—places where an earthquake is “overdue

Is based on past earthquake activity

#16. Which ore minerals are commonly found in ancient sedimentary deposits that are 2 billion years old?

iron oxides

Copper oxides

Aluminum oxides

Copper sulfides

#17. Which fossil fuel, oil or natural gas, is found at greater depths within Earth, and why?

Gas, because it is more stable at low pressures

Oil, because it is more stable at high temperatures

Gas, because it is more stable at high temperatures

Oil, because it is more stable at low pressures

#18. Earthquake waves which pass through the interior of Earth are termed

Body waves

R-waves

Interior waves

Surface waves

#19. If, during an earthquake, a hanging wall slides upward relative to a footwall, the fault is termed ____________ if the fault is steep (closer to vertical than horizontal)

Abnormal

Normal

Reverse

Thrust

#20. Mineral-rich veins within plutons, deposited by hot groundwater into fractures within the rock, characterize

Residual mineral deposits

Sedimentary deposits

Hydrothermal deposits

Placer deposits

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