Geography · General Awareness

Geology and Earth Structure

1,268 Questions

Geology and Earth Structure explores the physical composition of the planet, including its layers, tectonic plates, and seismic activity. This topic is a core component of geography and general science sections in various competitive exams. Reviewing these concepts builds a solid foundation for answering questions related to natural phenomena.

Layers of the EarthTectonic PlatesEarthquakes and VolcanoesGeomagnetism ApplicationsGeophysical MethodsLandform Formation

Geology and Earth Structure Questions

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

'X' is a vent in Earths surface that periodically ejects a column of hot water and steam. The formation of it is a rare phenomenon because it is due to particular hydrogeological conditions which exist at few places on Earth. Taupo volcanic zone in New Zealand is one of its examples. Identify 'X'.

  1. Geyser

  2. Aquifer

  3. Uluru

  4. Spring
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  • A geyser is a vent in Earth's surface that periodically ejects a column of hot water and steam. They are a quite rare phenomenon on Earth due to the precise conditions that are required for them to form. They are mainly clustered near active volcanic areas. 
  • The Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand is 350 km long and 50 km wide and contains volcanoes, hot springs and geysers. The largest geyser ever known, the Waimangu Geyser, sat in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

An earthquake of magnitude $3$ on Richter scale is ________.

  1. Three times as strong as an earthquake of magnitude $1$
  2. Nine times as strong as an earthquake of magnitude $1$
  3. Ninety times are strong as an earthquake of magnitude $1$
  4. Hundred times as strong as an earthquake of magnitude $1$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Richter scale is logarithmic. Each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. Therefore, a magnitude 3 earthquake is 10 * 10 = 100 times stronger than a magnitude 1 earthquake.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

The weak zones of Earth's crust which are more prone to earthquakes are called _________.

  1. Seismic zones

  2. Fault zones

  3. Danger zones

  4. Both (A) and (B)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Weak zones in the Earth's crust where tectonic plates meet or shift are known as both seismic zones and fault zones. These areas are highly susceptible to earthquake activity.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Which of the following statements relating to earthquakes is/are correct?
(1) The point of origin of earthquake is called epicentre.
(2) The lines joining the places which were affected earthquakes at the same point of time are called homoseismal lines.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The point of origin of an earthquake is the focus (or hypocenter), not the epicenter (which is the point on the surface directly above). Homoseismal lines connect places that experience earthquake shocks at the same time.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Statement I: There is a large-scale fluctuation of oil flow from oil wells prior to earthquakes.
Statement II: Tectonic stress accumulates to a certain level, the pore pressure within a deep oil bearing stratum reaches its breaking strength causing oil to sprout along the oil wells.

  1. Both statements are true and statement II is correct explanation of statement I

  2. Both the statements are true, but Statement I is not the correct explanation of Statement II

  3. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false

  4. Statement I is false, but Statement II is true
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Both statements are scientifically observed phenomena. Tectonic stress changes can indeed affect pore pressure in deep strata, leading to fluctuations in oil flow from wells, which is sometimes used as a precursor indicator for earthquakes.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Ocean basin has been divided into number of types. Abyssal plain is one of them. Choose correct statement.
1. It lies immediately after continental slope.
2. They are among flattest, smoothest surface on Earth.
3. It covers more than 50% of Earth's surface.

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 1 and 3

  3. 2 and 3

  4. All of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Abyssal plains are vast, flat, and smooth areas of the ocean floor. They are found between the continental rise and the mid-ocean ridges and cover a significant portion of the Earth's surface (roughly 40-50%).

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Which one among the following best explains the reason for the Eastern and Western boundaries of the Pacific Ocean experiencing frequent earthquake?

  1. There are deep ocean trenches along these margins

  2. High mountain stretch along the continental margins adjacent to this ocean

  3. These margins coincide with the plate margins

  4. The currents of the vast Pacific Ocean continue to dash against the continental margins
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Pacific Ocean is surrounded by the Ring of Fire, where major tectonic plates meet. These plate boundaries are the primary source of the frequent seismic and volcanic activity observed along the Pacific margins.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Which of the following statements relating to earthquakes is/are correct?
(1) The point of origin of earthquake is called epicentre.
(2) The lines joining the places which were affected earthquake at the same point of time are called homoseismal lines.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The point of origin inside the Earth is the focus (or hypocenter), not the epicenter (which is on the surface). Homoseismal lines join places affected at the same time.

Multiple choice landforms of the earth and internal forces general physical geography general knowledge

Surface waves in earthquake are considered more disastrous. Pick correct statements regarding it.
(1) S-waves are shear waves.
(2) S-waves can travel only through solids.
(3) S-waves are slower than P-waves.
(4) Speed is typically around 60% of that of P-waves.

  1. Only 1

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1, 2 and 3

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All statements are correct: S-waves are shear waves, travel only through solids, are slower than P-waves, and have a speed roughly 60% of P-waves.