ELS Midterm Long Quiz

What mineral property describes its ability to resists scratching?

• cleavage

• color

• hardness

• streak

Answer explanation

The mineral property that describes its ability to resist scratching is called hardness. Hardness measures how easily a mineral can be scratched, with harder minerals being more resistant to scratches compared to softer ones.

Which type of rocks are formed through the fast cooling and solidification of magma?

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Extrusive Igneous

• Intrusive Igneous

Answer explanation

Extrusive igneous rocks form from the fast cooling and solidification of magma on the Earth's surface, resulting in fine-grained textures. In contrast, intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly underground, leading to coarser textures.

Which type of rock accumulates on the Earth's surface?

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Extrusive Igneous

• Intrusive Igneous

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks accumulate on the Earth's surface through processes like erosion, deposition, and compaction of sediments. They form layers over time, distinguishing them from metamorphic and igneous rocks, which form under different conditions.

Which physical weathering occurs when the outer layers of rocks subsequently peel off from their main mass due to successive expansion and contraction?

• Hydration

• Exfoliation

• Frost action

• Block Disintegration

Answer explanation

Exfoliation is the physical weathering process where outer layers of rocks peel off due to temperature changes causing expansion and contraction. This distinguishes it from other processes like hydration or frost action.

What is NOT an agent of weathering?

• Erosion

• Hydration

• Frost Action

• Human Beings

Answer explanation

Erosion is the process of transporting weathered materials, not a weathering agent itself. Hydration and frost action are types of weathering, while human beings can contribute to weathering processes.

Which is NOT a consideration in generating magma?

• Addition of heat

• Addition of volatiles

• Increase in pressure through convective uplifting

• Decrease in pressure through convective uplifting

Answer explanation

Increasing pressure through convective uplifting does not generate magma; instead, it typically leads to solidification. Magma generation involves adding heat, volatiles, or decreasing pressure.

Which statement is TRUE for deformation of rocks to occur?

• Deformation must be applied abruptly.

• Pressure must exceed the internal strength of the rock.

• The lower the temperature of the rock, the more elastic it becomes.

• The rock material must have the ability to deform under pressure and heat.

Answer explanation

For deformation of rocks to occur, pressure must exceed the internal strength of the rock. This means that when the external forces surpass the rock's ability to withstand them, deformation will take place.

Which stress occurs when rock is squeezed until it folds or breaks in a convergent boundary?

• Compression

• Shear

• Tension

• Transform

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Compression, as it refers to the stress that occurs when rocks are squeezed together, leading to folding or breaking, which is characteristic of convergent boundaries.

Which stress results to anticlines and synclines?

• Compression

• Shear

• Tension

• Transform

Answer explanation

Compression stress causes the Earth's crust to fold, resulting in the formation of anticlines (upward folds) and synclines (downward folds). This is why compression is the correct answer.

Which plate boundary describes the occurrence of two tectonic plates moving away from each other?

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Convergent boundary

• None of the above

Answer explanation

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust. This is distinct from transform boundaries, where plates slide past each other, and convergent boundaries, where they collide.