5.7A TEKS Assessment

After weathering, erosion, and deposition break down solid rock into sediments, what processes must happen to form sandstone?

• precipitation and evaporation
• heat and pressure
• cooling and hardening
• compaction and cementation

Some students want to make a model to show the FIRST STEP in the formation of coal. Which of the following materials should the students use for the model? 

• metal minerals
• decaying plants
• atmospheric gases
• rocks

Which of the following is needed to form both fossil fuels and sedimentary rock?

• heat
• pressure
• wind
• rain

What feature is the same in the formation of many sedimentary rocks and all fossil fuels? Many sedimentary rocks and all fossil fuels -

• require material to be buried and exposed to heat and pressure
• are made out of organic material that stores the Sun's energy
• form where there are frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity
• are produced high in the mountains where temperatures are low

Sedimentary rocks form when broken bits of other rock are deposited and then –

• buried and squeezed and cemented together.
• melted by the heat of the Earth’s core.
• completely dissolved in salt water in the ocean.
• used by humans as a natural resource. 

Fossil fuels form in sedimentary rocks when –

• plants use the nutrients in sediments to grow.
• organic matter is buried along with sediments.
• rivers carry sediments down mountainsides.
• sediments are used by humans as a resource.

The characteristics of four different areas are displayed in the table. Based on the conditions needed for the formation of fossil fuels, which area is most likely to have fossil fuels present today?

• Area A
• Area B
• Area C
• Area D

Oil formation occurs where, millions of years ago, there were large oceans. This is because oceans have – 

• waves that are constantly moving.
• great numbers of microscopic organisms.
• currents that mix the water thoroughly.
• deep caverns where no light can reach.

What conditions in an ancient environment would make it suitable to the formation of fossil fuels? 

• Movement of surface water causing weathering of rock.
• Frequent volcanic eruptions and forest fires. 
• Extremes in high and low temperatures during the day. 
• Abundant plant life and rapid laying down of sediments.

The formation of fossil fuels is a process that takes millions of years and starts with energy from the Sun. The Sun contributes to the formation of fossil fuels by – 

• heating up the Earth's core where fossil fuels form.
• generating winds, so humans use less fossil fuels.
• giving energy to the living things that become fossil fuels.
• giving off heat, similar to burning fossil fuels.