Earth Structure and Geological Processes - Question Bank
1. The Richter scale and the Moment Magnitude scale are used to measure:
2. What is the measure of the energy released at the source of an earthquake, often represented by a single number?
3. The study of earthquakes and seismic waves is called:
4. What is the term for a block of crust that is uplifted between two normal faults?
5. A reverse fault where the fault plane has a low angle of dip is called a:
6. What type of fault occurs when the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall, typically due to tensional stress?
7. A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock where there has been significant displacement is called a:
8. A bend or wave-like deformation in rock layers, usually caused by compressional stress, is called a:
9. What is the term for the force that tends to deform rocks, often leading to folding and faulting?
10. The continuous process by which rocks are created, changed from one form to another, and destroyed is called the:
11. Slate is a metamorphic rock formed from which type of parent rock?
12. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from which type of parent rock?
13. Rocks that have been transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions are known as:
14. Granite and basalt are examples of:
15. Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava)?
16. Rocks that are formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral fragments or organic matter are called:
17. What is the term for the process where sediments are compacted and cemented together to form new rocks?
18. The deposition of sediment by wind is called:
19. What agent of erosion is responsible for carving out valleys and transporting large amounts of sediment?
20. The process of wearing away and transporting rock and soil by agents like water, wind, or ice is known as:
21. Which type of weathering involves the direct chemical alteration of minerals in rocks?
22. The process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by physical or chemical means is called:
23. What is a large, basin-shaped volcanic depression that can form after a major eruption causes the ground to collapse?
24. Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, are typically built from:
25. What type of volcano is characterized by broad, gently sloping sides formed by layers of fluid lava flows?
26. A volcano that is currently erupting or has erupted in recorded history is classified as:
27. Magma that erupts onto the Earth's surface is called:
28. What is the primary cause of volcanic eruptions?
29. The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake is called the:
30. Earthquakes are most commonly associated with which type of geological process?
31. The San Andreas Fault in California is a famous example of which type of plate boundary?
32. What type of plate boundary is characterized by plates sliding past each other horizontally?
33. The Himalayas are a prime example of mountains formed by the collision of:
34. When two continental plates converge, what is the most common geological feature formed?
35. The Andes Mountains are an example of a mountain range formed by the convergence of which two types of plates?
36. What feature is typically formed when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate?
37. A convergent plate boundary where one tectonic plate slides beneath another is known as:
38. What geological feature is formed at a divergent oceanic plate boundary where magma rises to form new crust?
39. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of which type of plate boundary?
40. What type of plate boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other?
41. Which geological theory explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere plates?
42. The asthenosphere is a region within the Earth's mantle that is characterized by its:
43. What is the name for the rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle?
44. S-waves (Secondary waves) are unable to travel through which state of matter?
45. Which seismic wave travels through the Earth's interior and can pass through both solids and liquids?
46. The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten metal in which layer?
47. What is the state of matter of the Earth's outer core?
48. The Earth's mantle is largely composed of what type of rock?
49. Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of silicate rocks and is relatively thin?
50. What is the innermost layer of the Earth called?