SOL BIG Review VA ES 2018

Front

What is the hardness of a mineral and how is it measured?

Back

Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching. It is measured using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What is the significance of finding whale fossils in desert regions?

Back

Whale fossils in desert regions indicate that these areas were once underwater, as the fossils settled at the bottom of ancient oceans.

Front

What is the process of fossilization involving tree resin?

Back

Fossilization can occur when insects are trapped in tree resin, which hardens over time to preserve the insect, creating amber.

Front

How does acidification affect karst topography?

Back

Acidification accelerates the formation of caves and sinkholes by dissolving limestone, which is a key component of karst landscapes.

Front

What planetary alignment occurred in 1982?

Back

In 1982, all planets were on the same side of the sun, with Earth positioned between Venus and Mars.

Front

Define calcite and its properties.

Back

Calcite is a carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO3. It is characterized by its hardness (3 on the Mohs scale), rhombohedral cleavage, and reaction with dilute acid.

Front

What is the role of luster in mineral identification?

Back

Luster describes how a mineral reflects light, which can be metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull, aiding in mineral identification.

Front

Explain the significance of streak in mineral identification.

Back

Streak is the color of a mineral in powdered form, obtained by rubbing it on a porcelain plate. It helps identify minerals, especially when color varies.

Front

What is the geological process that leads to the formation of sinkholes?

Back

Sinkholes form when underground limestone is dissolved by water, creating voids that eventually collapse, leading to surface depressions.

Front

Describe the process of sedimentary rock formation.

Back

Sedimentary rocks form through the accumulation and compaction of sediments, which can include minerals, organic matter, and fragments of other rocks.