GEOL1030 Study Questions: "Rocks and the Rock cycle"


Instructions: These questions cover material presented in "Rocks and the Rock cycle" (annotated version available on-line).  Answer the following questions by choosing the BEST one of the available answers.

1. Based on the most-widely accepted scientific theory of Earth's origin, which major rock group formed before any other? (if you don't know the modern theory, just make an educated guess -- or go on-line in search of the answer.)
[A] igneous        [B] sedimentary        [C] metamorphic

2. Choose the term that DOES NOT fit -- Metamorphic rocks and _________.
[A] shield        [B] orogen        [C] basement         [D] platform

3. Which of the three major rock types covers the largest surface area of the U.S.?
[A] igneous        [B] sedimentary        [C] metamorphic

4. Which rock group composes most of the Earth's crust?
[A] igneous        [B] sedimentary        [C] metamorphic

5. Platform rocks were deposited in shallow marine water bodies called _________.
[A] salinas    [B] salt lakes    [C] continental lagoons    [D] epicontinental seas

6. Division of solid Earth materials into the three rock groups (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) is an example of  a(n) _______ classification. The method you used in lab to identify minerals is an example of a(n) ________ classification.
[A] empirical, genetic    [B] genetic, empirical    [C] genetic, genetic    [D] empirical, empirical

7. Grain size in a rock is a useful indicator of genesis (origin). For example, if molten rocks cools slowly, the resulting rocks have mineral crystals that are more coarse-grained (i.e. larger). Grain size is one of the three characteristics of ________.
[A] rocks             [B] minerals            [C] texture            [D] genesis

8. An important mechanism for producing widespread (global) regression is _______.
[A] sea level fall    [B] development of widespread glaciers    [C] increased evaporation    [D] decreased precipitation

9. According to the rock cycle, what processes would produce sediment from an extrusive igneous rock?
[A] uplift and intrusion    [B] transport, deposition and lithification    [C] chemical and physical weathering
[D] application of heat and pressure

10. Due to ________, diagrams often overestimate the _______ of large Earth features.
[A] vertical exaggeration, height or depth    [B] lateral exaggeration, width or height
[C] vertical exaggeration, width or length    [D] lateral exaggeration, height or depth