Formation of Stalactites and Stalagmites

The finger-like formations in the cavern shown above are called stalactites and stalagmites. Which process most likely formed these stalactites and stalagmites?

• Slow deposition of minerals

• Fast erosion of soil

• Fast rising of water

• Slow cooling of air

The diagram below shows the sequence of the processes that turn solid rock into sandstone. Which two processes best complete this diagram?

• Melting and cooling

• Erosion and compaction

• Compaction and cementation

• Evaporation and dissolving

All of these are related to the formation of oil or natural gas EXCEPT —

• decomposed animals

• decayed plants

• sedimentary rocks

• active volcanoes

Which of the following best explains how these layers can become rock over many years?

• Sand in the sediment melts and turns into rock.

• The weight of the water compacts the sediment into rock.

• Changing water temperatures turn sand in the sediment into rock.

• Pollution caused by humans turns the sediment into rock.

Fossil fuels formed over long periods of time after particles in water settled to the sea floor and formed marine mud. What kinds of particles needed to be present in the marine mud in order for fossil fuels to form?

• Mostly sand and a few small bits of wood

• Mostly decaying organisms

• Mostly lava and a few sedimentary rocks

• Mostly metal minerals

Which characteristic of sedimentary rock does the model best show?

• Sedimentary rock is made of layers.

• Sedimentary rock is cemented bits of rock.

• Sedimentary rock is often limestone.

• Sedimentary rock is common in Texas.

Which of these best describes the process of erosion?

• Rocks are broken into smaller pieces that remain in the same location.

• Pressure compacts layers of sediment and turns them into rock.

• Pieces of rock or soil are carried from one place to another.

• Sediment grains fall to the bottom of a lake to form sedimentary layers.

How do plants like these form fossil fuels?

• The dead plants sink to the bottom of the pond and get buried by sediment for millions of years.

• The dead plants get buried for millions of years and form fossils that attract carbon.

• The dead plants sink to the bottom of the pond and are consumed by decomposers.

• The dead plants produce carbon that is consumed by fish, which form fossils.

Which list contains only processes that must occur in order for fossil fuels to form?

• Formation of faults, burial, glacier formation

• Organism growth, burial, volcanic eruptions

• Organism growth, burial, compaction

• Erosion, burial, earthquakes

Which diagram models the process of compaction leading to the formation of sedimentary rock?

• Diagram F

• Diagram H

• Diagram G

• Diagram J