Question 1

Which of the following best describes a mineral?

Accepted Answer

A naturally occurring, inorganic combination of elements having a definite crystalline structure, chemical composition, and physical properties.

Question 2

Which type of igneous rock is most likely to be found in the continental crust and why?

Accepted Answer

Felsic, because it is lighter colored, lower density, and rich in Si, O, Al, and K.

Question 3

Which process in the rock cycle directly leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Accepted Answer

Exposure of rocks to heat and pressure.

Question 4

At which type of plate boundary would you expect to find mid-ocean ridges?

Accepted Answer

Divergent boundaries

Question 5

Which of the following volcanic landforms is formed by effusive eruptions and is characterized by broad, gently sloping sides?

Accepted Answer

Shield volcano

Question 6

What is the main difference between magma and lava?

Accepted Answer

Lava is molten rock that has reached the Earth's surface; magma is molten rock stored under the surface.

Question 7

Which physical weathering process is most likely responsible for the breakdown of rocks in cold climates with frequent temperature fluctuations?

Accepted Answer

Frost action (freeze-thaw)

Question 8

Which chemical weathering process involves the reaction of water with minerals to form new, softer minerals such as clay?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 9

A stream erodes its bedrock by dissolving soluble minerals such as limestone. Which process is responsible for this type of erosion?

Accepted Answer

Solution

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why oceanic crust is denser than continental crust?

Accepted Answer

Oceanic crust is composed mainly of mafic rocks, which contain heavier elements like Fe and Mg.

Question 11

Which landform is most likely to result from a continent-continent convergent plate boundary?

Accepted Answer

Mountain range

Question 12

Which type of volcanic eruption is associated with high-viscosity, gas-rich magma and produces steep-sided volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Explosive eruption

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a process included in denudation?

Accepted Answer

Crystallization

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of salt crystal growth in physical weathering?

Accepted Answer

Salt crystals form and expand in rock pores, pushing against the rock and causing it to crack and flake.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of clastic sedimentary rocks?

Accepted Answer

Formed by physical weathering and have varying grain sizes.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of carbonation in chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ \rightarrow H_2CO_3$$

Question 17

Which stream transport process involves the movement of sediment by bouncing along the river bed?

Accepted Answer

Saltation

Question 18

Which of the following best describes permeability in the context of groundwater?

Accepted Answer

The ability of water to flow through a material, depending on pore size and connectedness.

Question 19

Which volcanic landform is formed after the collapse of an emptied magma chamber?

Accepted Answer

Caldera

Question 20

Which plate boundary is associated with the San Andreas Fault in California?

Accepted Answer

Transform boundary

Earth Science Fundamentals: Lithosphere, Rocks, Plate Tectonics, and Surface Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions