Geology - Final Quiz

includes 5 units: volcanoes, weathering, metamorphic rocks, geologic time.

Describe the 3 types of volcanoes.

The three types of volcanoes are shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, and cinder cone volcanoes.

Explain what causes eruptions to be more or less volatile.

Eruptions can be more or less volatile based on factors such as magma composition, gas content, and the viscosity of the magma.

High silica, more gas content, basically.

How are pahoehoe and a’a lava flows formed?

Pahoehoe lava flows are formed from low-viscosity basaltic lava that flows smoothly, while a’a lava flows are formed from more viscous lava that breaks apart as it moves.

List the four types of pyroclastic materials.

The four types of pyroclastic materials are ash, pumice, volcanic rock fragments, and volcanic bombs.

Explain the location and significance of the Ring of Fire.

The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.

Define a lahar.

A lahar is a destructive volcanic mudflow or debris flow that occurs when volcanic ash, debris, and water flow down the slopes of a volcano, often during heavy rainfall or melting snow.

Describe dissolution in geological terms.

Dissolution is the process by which minerals dissolve in water.

Identify the sediment types that create different detrital sedimentary rocks.

Detrital sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of pre-existing rocks, including clay, silt, sand, and gravel.

Explain the classifications of detrital rocks.

Detrital rocks are classified based on grain size, such as claystone, siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate.

Differentiate between breccia and conglomerate.

Breccia consists of angular fragments, while conglomerate is made up of rounded fragments.

Define carbonization in the context of sedimentary rocks.

Carbonization is a process where organic material is transformed into carbon-rich substances, often seen in the formation of coal.

Describe different depositional environments that create sedimentary rock.

Depositional environments include riverbeds, lakes, deserts, and ocean floors, each contributing different sediments.

Explain the characteristics and parent rocks of metamorphic rocks.

Metamorphic rocks are characterized by changes in texture, mineralogy, and chemical composition, typically formed from parent rocks like igneous or sedimentary rocks.They undergo processes like heat and pressure that alter their original state.

Describe the texture of metamorphic rocks.

The texture of metamorphic rocks can be foliated, where minerals are aligned, or non-foliated, where minerals are not aligned.

List different types of metamorphic rocks.

Different types of metamorphic rocks include schist, gneiss, slate, and marble.

Explain how chemically active fluids alter parent rock.

Chemically active fluids can introduce new minerals and change the composition of the parent rock during metamorphism.

Define the principle of uniformitarianism.

The principle of uniformitarianism states that the processes shaping the Earth today are the same as those that occurred in the past.

Identify the four divisions of the geologic time scale from longest to shortest.

The four divisions are eons, eras, periods, and epochs.

In which era were dinosaurs present?

Dinosaurs were present during the Mesozoic Era.

Describe dissolution in geological terms.

Dissolution is the process by which minerals dissolve in water.

What is calcite in geological terms?

Calcite is a common mineral that can form through the process of dissolution.

Divergent Plate Boundary

two plates move AWAY from eachother

Convergent Plate Boundary

two plates collide/move towards eachother

Description of GRAVEL (grain size, description, and rocks it forms

Large, coarse fragments like pebbles
Congolomerate (rounded)
Breicca (angular)

Description of SAND (grain size, description, and rock it forms)

Gritty, visible grains

Sandstone

Description of Silt

Fine particles

Smooth, but gritty

Description of Clay

Very fine
Smooth when wet/dry
Shale / Claystone

Mixed fine particles

Alternating silt and clay layers

Mudstone / Shale

Breccia description + environment example

Angular fragment - little transport
landslides, fault zones

Congolomerate description + environment example

Rounded rock fragments ; more transport
Rivers / beaches

Sandstone description + environment example

Mostly quartz/feldspar grains

Deserts, beaches, river channels

Low-grade metamorphism makes what rocks, and what temperature is low-grade metamorphism?

Slate → Phyllite
200-400 degrees

Medium-grade metamorphism makes what rock? And what temperature is medium-grade metamorphism?

Schist - 400-600 degrees

High grade metamorphism produces what rock, and what temperature range is it?

>600 degrees
Gneiss (foliation present)