Geography ยท Science General
Rocks and Earth Materials
1,176 Questions
Study geographical questions centered around rocks, minerals, and earth materials. The focus is on the formation and identification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. These earth science topics are commonly tested in civil services and state level examinations.
Igneous rocksSedimentary rocksMetamorphic processEarth materialsGeomorphic symbols
Rocks and Earth Materials Questions
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of plants?
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Mechanical weathering
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Chemical weathering
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Biological weathering
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Exfoliation weathering
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Biological weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by the action of plants, which release acids that dissolve minerals in the rock.
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of microorganisms?
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Mechanical weathering
-
Chemical weathering
-
Biological weathering
-
Exfoliation weathering
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Biological weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down by the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which release acids that dissolve minerals in the rock.
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of gravity?
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Mechanical weathering
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Chemical weathering
-
Biological weathering
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Exfoliation weathering
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Mechanical weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by the action of gravity, such as landslides and rockfalls.
Aquifers are typically composed of sand, gravel, or fractured rock. True or False?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aquifers are typically composed of sand, gravel, or fractured rock, which have high porosity and permeability, allowing for the storage and movement of groundwater.
What is the most common type of rock on the Moon?
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Basalt
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Granite
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Sandstone
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Limestone
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Basalt is the most common type of rock on the Moon, formed from the cooling of lava flows.
What is the term used to describe a rock unit that is composed of fragments of pre-existing rocks?
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Igneous rock
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Sedimentary rock
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Metamorphic rock
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Extrusive rock
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and consolidation of sediment, which can be derived from pre-existing rocks, organic matter, or chemical precipitation.
What is the term used to describe a rock unit that is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock?
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Sedimentary rock
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Metamorphic rock
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Igneous rock
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Extrusive rock
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, either at the Earth's surface (extrusive) or within the Earth's crust (intrusive).
What is the term used to describe a rock unit that is formed from the alteration of pre-existing rocks by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions?
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Sedimentary rock
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Metamorphic rock
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Igneous rock
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Extrusive rock
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of pre-existing rocks by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of new minerals and textures.
What is the composition of Kuiper Belt objects?
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Primarily rock and metal
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Primarily ice and rock
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Primarily gas and dust
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Primarily water and carbon dioxide
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Kuiper Belt objects are composed primarily of ice and rock, with varying amounts of other materials such as methane, ammonia, and carbon monoxide.
What is the term for a rock that is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock?
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Igneous rock
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Sedimentary rock
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Metamorphic rock
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Fossils
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies, either above or below the Earth's surface.
Which of the following is NOT a type of sedimentary rock?
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Sandstone
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Limestone
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Granite
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Shale
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Granite is an igneous rock, not a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, such as sand, mud, and organic matter.
What is the term for a rock that has been changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions?
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Igneous rock
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Sedimentary rock
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Metamorphic rock
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Fossils
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures, pressures, or chemical reactions, causing them to change their mineral composition and texture.
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of living organisms?
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Physical weathering
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Chemical weathering
-
Biological weathering
-
Mechanical weathering
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Biological weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by the action of living organisms, such as plants and animals.
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of temperature changes?
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Physical weathering
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Chemical weathering
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Biological weathering
-
Mechanical weathering
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by the action of temperature changes, which can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to cracking and disintegration.
Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by the action of ice?
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Physical weathering
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Chemical weathering
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Biological weathering
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Mechanical weathering
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by the action of ice, which can cause rocks to freeze and thaw, leading to cracking and disintegration.