#1
Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of solid iron and nickel?
Inner core
ExplanationThe inner core is composed of solid iron and nickel.
#2
Which of the following geological phenomena is responsible for the formation of mountains?
Plate tectonics
ExplanationMountains form due to the movement of tectonic plates.
#3
What is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles by physical or chemical means?
Weathering
ExplanationWeathering is the process of breaking down rocks through physical or chemical means.
#4
What is the name of the theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates?
Plate tectonics
ExplanationPlate tectonics explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
#5
Which layer of the Earth is the thinnest?
Crust
ExplanationThe Earth's crust is the thinnest layer.
#6
What is the term for a circular depression formed at the top of a volcano?
Crater
ExplanationA crater is a circular depression formed at the top of a volcano.
#7
What is the term for a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often causing great destruction?
Earthquake
ExplanationAn earthquake is a sudden and violent ground shaking.
#8
Which type of rock is formed by the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?
Igneous
ExplanationIgneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
#9
Which type of fault occurs when the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall?
Normal fault
ExplanationA normal fault involves the hanging wall moving downward relative to the footwall.
#10
Which of the following is NOT a type of plate boundary?
Intrusive boundary
ExplanationAn intrusive boundary is not a recognized type of plate boundary.
#11
What is the term for the bending of seismic waves as they pass from one material to another?
Refraction
ExplanationRefraction is the bending of seismic waves when passing through different materials.
#12
What is the name of the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle?
Moho
ExplanationThe Moho is the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle.
#13
What is the name of the supercontinent that existed during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, before breaking apart into the continents we know today?
Pangaea
ExplanationPangaea was the supercontinent that later separated into today's continents.
#14
Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the rate of weathering?
Elevation
ExplanationElevation is not a factor influencing the rate of weathering.
#15
Which of the following is NOT a type of seismic wave?
L-wave
ExplanationL-wave is not a type of seismic wave.
#16
Which mineral is the hardest naturally occurring substance known?
Diamond
ExplanationDiamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance.