5 years 14 years 20 years 28 years 50 years

The production of a commodity has been growing exponentially with time at a rate of 5% per year. The time

required to QUADRUPLE the annual production at this growth rate is closest to:

a) 5 yearsb) 14 yearsc) 20 yearsd) 28 yearse) 50 years

* The percentage growth rate value changes from year to year. *

The production of a commodity has been growing exponentially with time at a rate of 5% per year. The time

required to QUADRUPLE the annual production at this growth rate is closest to:


* The percentage growth rate value changes from year to year. *

Although it is probably impossible to predict precisely when an earthquake will occur, one of the following features may indicate that an area is at high risk of a major earthquake:

a) A seismic gap along an active fault zoneb) aftershocks

c) Ground subsidenced) Electrical storms

e) Low levels of radon in wells

Although it is probably impossible to predict precisely when an earthquake will occur, one of the following features may indicate that an area is at high risk of a major earthquake:

a) A seismic gap along an active fault zoneb) aftershocks

c) Ground subsidenced) Electrical storms

e) Low levels of radon in wells

We can sample rocks at the surface of the Earth to determine their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE density of Earth. We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the moon. In doing that determination, you would need all but one

of the following. Which one don’t you need?

a) The Earth’s moment of inertiab) The radius of the Earth

c) The gravitational constant (G)d) The orbital velocity of the moon

e) The distance from the Earth to the Moon

We can sample rocks at the surface of the Earth to determine their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE density of Earth. We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the moon. In doing that determination, you would need all but one

of the following. Which one don’t you need?

a) The Earth’s moment of inertiab) The radius of the Earth

c) The gravitational constant (G)d) The orbital velocity of the moon


There are over 100 elements in the Earth, but amazingly, only four elements constitute, in total 90% (by weight) of the

entire Earth. These four elements are:

a) Fe, O, Si, Mgb) Fe, Mg, Ni, Oc) O, Si, Al, Fed) O, Fe, Si, Nie) Fe, Ni, S, O

There are over 100 elements in the Earth, but amazingly, only four elements constitute, in total 90% (by weight) of the

entire Earth. These four elements are:

a) Fe, O, Si, Mgb) Fe, Mg, Ni, Oc) O, Si, Al, Fed) O, Fe, Si, Nie) Fe, Ni, S, O

The Earth’s crust includes the following five minerals. If you could mine every last crystal of these five minerals from the

crust, which one would end up providing the most lead?

a) pyriteb) Potassium Feldspar

c) Chalcopyrited) Magnetite

e) Galena

The Earth’s crust includes the following five minerals. If you could mine every last crystal of these five minerals from the

crust, which one would end up providing the most lead?

a) pyriteb) Potassium Feldspar

c) Chalcopyrited) Magnetite

e) Galena

Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals involve polymerization. The polymerization is achieved by:

a) The covalent bonding of oxygen with positive cationsb) The joining of single chains with positive cations

c) The sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedrad) The replacement of some silicon atoms with aluminum

e) The sharing of silicon atoms with aluminum atoms

Four of the five main structural groups of silicate minerals involve polymerization. The polymerization is achieved by:

a) The covalent bonding of oxygen with positive cationsb) The joining of single chains with positive cations

c) The sharing of oxygen atoms between silica tetrahedrad) The replacement of some silicon atoms with aluminum

e) The sharing of silicon atoms with aluminum atoms

As seismic energy waves travel deeper and deeper in the lower mantle of the Earth, the P-wave velocity increases with

depth because:

a) The compressibility modulus decreases with depth in the mantleb) The chemical composition of the mantle changes with depth

c) The density increases with depth in the mantled) The elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth

e) The lower mantle becomes more plastic

As seismic energy waves travel deeper and deeper in the lower mantle of the Earth, the P-wave velocity increases with

depth because:

a) The compressibility modulus decreases with depth in the mantleb) The chemical composition of the mantle changes with depth

c) The density increases with depth in the mantled) The elasticity increases more rapidly than the density with increase in depth

e) The lower mantle becomes more plastic

The sketch below is a plan map view of a series of sedimentary strata which have been folded and eroded to the

horizontal. Strike and dip directions are shown. Which way does the fold

plunge?a) west

b) Southc) northd) east

e) It does not plunge

The sketch below is a plan map view of a series of sedimentary strata which have been folded and eroded to the

horizontal. Strike and dip directions are shown. Which way does the fold

plunge?a) west

b) Southc) northd) east

e) It does not plunge

Weathering produces minerals that are more stable at the Earth’s surface. Which of the following is the most abundant

product of the weathering process?

a) clayb) hematitec) limonited) quartz

e) feldspar

Weathering produces minerals that are more stable at the Earth’s surface. Which of the following is the most abundant

product of the weathering process?

a) clayb) hematitec) limonited) quartz

e) feldspar

Which of the following features is most likely to be associated with a palco-placer gold deposit?

a) Submarine lava flowsb) Granite porphyry

c) Cross beddingd) Igneous layering

e) Vesicularity

Which of the following features is most likely to be associated with a palco-placer gold deposit?

a) Submarine lava flowsb) Granite porphyry

c) Cross beddingd) Igneous layering

e) Vesicularity

To generate a computer model of Earth, we must specify two things to the computer. Which of the following are they?

1. the compressibility moduli of the different materials in Earth2. the distribution of the different materials in the model Earth

3. the densities of the different materials in the model Earth4. the shear moduli of the different materials in the model Earth

5. the seismic velocities within the different materials in the model Earth

a) 5 and 2b) 4 and 2c) 1 and 2d) 3 and 2e) 4 and 5

To generate a computer model of Earth, we must specify two things to the computer. Which of the following are they?

1. the compressibility moduli of the different materials in Earth2. the distribution of the different materials in the model Earth

3. the densities of the different materials in the model Earth4. the shear moduli of the different materials in the model Earth

5. the seismic velocities within the different materials in the model Earth

a) 5 and 2b) 4 and 2c) 1 and 2d) 3 and 2e) 4 and 5

If you were in the Kingston area about 450 million years ago, what would you have seen?

a) Desert sandsb) Ice sheets like in Greenland

c) An oceanic island-arcd) A Himalayan-like mountain range

e) Shallow seas

If you were in the Kingston area about 450 million years ago, what would you have seen?

a) Desert sandsb) Ice sheets like in Greenland

c) An oceanic island-arcd) A Himalayan-like mountain range

e) Shallow seas

Of the following five rocks, which one can best neutralize acid rain?

a) Rock saltb) A sulfide deposit

c) A granited) A sandstonee) A limestone

Of the following five rocks, which one can best neutralize acid rain?

a) Rock saltb) A sulfide deposit

c) A granited) A sandstonee) A limestone

On a semi-log plot of annual production of a commodity versus time, the plot for the commodity that is being

produced at an exponential rate is:

On a semi-log plot of annual production of a commodity versus time, the plot for the commodity that is being

produced at an exponential rate is:

In carrying out a risk assessment and risk management process, we calculate the risk by multiplying the probability

of the hazard occurring by:

a) The type of riskb) The frequency of the risk

c) The severity of the riskd) The length of the hazard

e) The proximity of the hazard

In carrying out a risk assessment and risk management process, we calculate the risk by multiplying the probability

of the hazard occurring by:

a) The type of riskb) The frequency of the risk

c) The severity of the riskd) The length of the hazard

e) The proximity of the hazard

What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?

a) Release of sulfur dioxide gasb) tsunami

c) earthquakesd) mudflows

e) solifluction

What is the major danger from fissure eruptions?

a) Release of sulfur dioxide gasb) tsunami

c) earthquakesd) mudflows

e) solifluction

When exploring for oil, seismic reflection studies provide the most effective way to search for suitable sedimentary rock structures that might host the oil. What kind of structure is

most likely to be a prime target for oil?

a) An up-arch antiformb) A moraine

c) An unconformityd) A strike-slip fault

e) Mud-cracks

When exploring for oil, seismic reflection studies provide the most effective way to search for suitable sedimentary rock structures that might host the oil. What kind of structure is

most likely to be a prime target for oil?

a) An up-arch antiformb) A moraine

c) An unconformityd) A strike-slip fault

e) Mud-cracks

If we want to determine whether humans have been responsible for dramatically changing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases since the Industrial

Revolution, we need to know what their values were before that time. Which of the following approaches can give us

that information?

a) Drilling and analyzing ice cores from glaciersb) Analyzing the composition of gas in mud layers on the ocean floor

c) Analyzing atmospheric gas collected in Hawaiid) Analyzing the carbonates in fossil shells

e) Analyzing the tree rings in bristlecone pines

If we want to determine whether humans have been responsible for dramatically changing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases since the Industrial

Revolution, we need to know what their values were before that time. Which of the following approaches can give us

that information?

a) Drilling and analyzing ice cores from glaciersb) Analyzing the composition of gas in mud layers on the ocean floor

c) Analyzing atmospheric gas collected in Hawaiid) Analyzing the carbonates in fossil shells

e) Analyzing the tree rings in bristlecone pines

Roughly what percentage of the world’s human population currently lives in urban areas?

a) 10%b) 25%c) 50%d) 75%e) 90%

Roughly what percentage of the world’s human population currently lives in urban areas?

a) 10%b) 25%c) 50%d) 75%e) 90%

San Francisco, California, sits right on the San Andreas fault. This fault marks a tectonic plate boundary. At this plate

boundary:

a) Plates are moving towards each otherb) One plate is sliding under another plate

c) Plates are moving away from one anotherd) Continents are colliding

e) Plates are sliding past each other

San Francisco, California, sits right on the San Andreas fault. This fault marks a tectonic plate boundary. At this plate

boundary:

a) Plates are moving towards each otherb) One plate is sliding under another plate

c) Plates are moving away from one anotherd) Continents are colliding

e) Plates are sliding past each other

If the Earth’s magnetic field did not occasionally reverse polarity:

a) Polar-wander curves would not existb) Compasses would not work

c) Paleomagnetic analysis of a rock would not give the direction of the poled) The sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies

e) Continental drift would not have occurred

If the Earth’s magnetic field did not occasionally reverse polarity:

a) Polar-wander curves would not existb) Compasses would not work

c) Paleomagnetic analysis of a rock would not give the direction of the poled) The sea floor would not produce linear magnetic anomalies

e) Continental drift would not have occurred

What is the main control on the size of crystals produced in igneous rocks?

a) Viscosity of the magmab) Volatile content

c) Temperature of the magmad) Shape of the igneous body

e) Rate of cooling

What is the main control on the size of crystals produced in igneous rocks?

a) Viscosity of the magmab) Volatile content

c) Temperature of the magmad) Shape of the igneous body

e) Rate of cooling

What type of fault is most likely to be associated with a constructive plate margin?

a) Reverse dip-slipb) Normal dip-slip

c) Nobody’sd) strike-slip

e) Transverse

What type of fault is most likely to be associated with a constructive plate margin?

a) Reverse dip-slipb) Normal dip-slip

c) Nobody’sd) strike-slip

e) Transverse

Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following magmas will generally be the riches in water?

a) maficb) ultramafic

c) granited) dioritic

e) porphyrytic

Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following magmas will generally be the riches in water?

a) maficb) ultramafic

c) granited) dioritic

e) porphyrytic

There is no single “one-model-fits-all” solution to problems of population growth rates that are too high. However, one of the following is MOST directly linked to a reduction in the

population growth rate of countries. Which one is it?

a) Economic incentivesb) Use of contraceptives

c) industrializationd) Decrease in per capita consumption

e) Education of men

There is no single “one-model-fits-all” solution to problems of population growth rates that are too high. However, one of the following is MOST directly linked to a reduction in the

population growth rate of countries. Which one is it?

a) Economic incentivesb) Use of contraceptives

c) industrializationd) Decrease in per capita consumption

e) Education of men

I have hired you to help my exploration company find a vein-type Cu-Mo-Ag-Au porphyry deposit. Where, of the following

possibilities, is the best place to look for such a deposit?

a) Shield volcanoes in the middles of platesb) Destructive plate margins

c) Constructive plate marginsd) Transform plate margins

e) Kimberlite pipes in the middle of plates

I have hired you to help my exploration company find a vein-type Cu-Mo-Ag-Au porphyry deposit. Where, of the following

possibilities, is the best place to look for such a deposit?

a) Shield volcanoes in the middles of platesb) Destructive plate margins

c) Constructive plate marginsd) Transform plate margins

e) Kimberlite pipes in the middle of plates

Of the following rock types, which is the most likely to be a trap rock for trapping oil and gas underground?

a) Granite porphyryb) greywacke

c) Shale/mudstoned) Salt dome

e) Quartz sandstone

Of the following rock types, which is the most likely to be a trap rock for trapping oil and gas underground?

a) Granite porphyryb) greywacke

c) Shale/mudstoned) Salt dome

e) Quartz sandstone

Which strike and dip symbol best represents the orientation of the coal

bed in space?

Note: the orientation and numbers in the diagram are known to change

Which strike and dip symbol best represents the orientation of the coal

bed in space?

Note: the orientation and numbers in the diagram are known to change

In determining the recurrence interval for large earthquakes along faults, we make use of the “Law of Cross-Cutting

Relationships”. This law is related to:

a) The fact that pieces of the Earth’s crust are constantly moving up and downb) The order in which sediments are deposited

c) The fact that the focus Is always above the epicenter of the earthquaked) The fact that, as a result of a tsunami, a peat layer is thrown on top of a sand layer

e) The fact that layers are shifted when a fault motion takes place

In determining the recurrence interval for large earthquakes along faults, we make use of the “Law of Cross-Cutting

Relationships”. This law is related to:

a) The fact that pieces of the Earth’s crust are constantly moving up and downb) The order in which sediments are deposited

c) The fact that the focus Is always above the epicenter of the earthquaked) The fact that, as a result of a tsunami, a peat layer is thrown on top of a sand layer

e) The fact that layers are shifted when a fault motion takes place

Which meteorite type is a best approximation to the AVERAGE composition of the Earth?

a) A basaltic achondrite meteoriteb) A Leonid meteorite

c) A chondrite meteorited) An ultramafic meteorite

e) An iron meteorite

Which meteorite type is a best approximation to the AVERAGE composition of the Earth?

a) A basaltic achondrite meteoriteb) A Leonid meteorite

c) A chondrite meteorited) An ultramafic meteorite

e) An iron meteorite

As a magma of Granodiorite composition cools down from 1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystalize first?

a) Biotite micab) Pyroxene

c) Olivine d) Na-rich Plagioclase

e) Quartz

As a magma of Granodiorite composition cools down from 1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystalize first?


c) Olivine d) Na-rich Plagioclase

e) Quartz

The Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock deals with:

a) The development of the hydrological cycleb) The Plate Tectonic cycle

c) The formation of the Solar Systemd) The “physiology” of the Earth

e) The Rock Cycle

The Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock deals with:

a) The development of the hydrological cycleb) The Plate Tectonic cycle

c) The formation of the Solar Systemd) The “physiology” of the Earth

e) The Rock Cycle

Which of the following rocks would be most likely to contain feldspar grains?

a) Greywackeb) Banded Iron Formation

c) Quartz Sandstoned) Limestonee) Mudstone




Water wells have been sunk in the region shown in the plan map. The

height of the water table is indicated. Which way is the ground water

dominantly flowing in the region?

a) East to westb) West to East

c) North to Southd) South to North

e) Up and Down like a yo-yo, and circling like a tornado

Note: the numbers on the diagram are known to vary from year to year

Water wells have been sunk in the region shown in the plan map. The

height of the water table is indicated. Which way is the ground water

dominantly flowing in the region?

a) East to westb) West to East

c) North to Southd) South to North

e) Up and Down like a yo-yo, and circling like a tornado

Note: the numbers on the diagram are known to vary from year to year







From the sketch below showing a cross-section of cross-bedding sandstone layers, which way was the water that

produced them moving?

a) Uni-directionally, from left to rightb) Bi-directionally, back and forth

c) From up to downd) Uni-directionally from right to left

e) From down to up

Note: the direction of the asymmetrical wave pattern is known to vary from year to year

From the sketch below showing a cross-section of cross-bedding sandstone layers, which way was the water that

produced them moving?

a) Uni-directionally, from left to rightb) Bi-directionally, back and forth

c) From up to downd) Uni-directionally from right to left

e) From down to up

Note: the direction of the asymmetrical wave pattern is known to vary from year to year

A silicate mineral that is not in the presence of water is most likely to be above its melting point at:

a) A low temperature and a high pressureb) A high temperature and high pressurec) A low temperature and low pressured) A high temperature and low pressure

e) The surface of the Earth

A silicate mineral that is not in the presence of water is most likely to be above its melting point at:

a) A low temperature and a high pressureb) A high temperature and high pressurec) A low temperature and low pressured) A high temperature and low pressure

e) The surface of the Earth

The average temperature at the surface of the Earth is currently approximately 16°centigrade. However, what

would the average surface temperature of the Earth be if the Earth had no atmosphere.

a) Greater than 100°Cb) 50°Cc) 15°Cd) 0°C

e) - 20°C

The average temperature at the surface of the Earth is currently approximately 16°centigrade. However, what

would the average surface temperature of the Earth be if the Earth had no atmosphere.

a) Greater than 100°Cb) 50°Cc) 15°Cd) 0°C

e) - 20°C

Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically weather LEAST rapidly?

a) Diorite b) Gabbro

c) Limestoned) Granite

e) Rock Salt

Which of the following rock types would tend to chemically weather LEAST rapidly?

a) Diorite b) Gabbro

c) Limestoned) Granite

e) Rock Salt

Differentiation of igneous rocks by partial melting can only occur if:

a) There is convection in the magma chamberb) The magma becomes less viscous during crystallization

c) The magma contains waterd) Early-formed liquids are separated from the remaining rock

e) As crystals form, they react with the liquid.

Differentiation of igneous rocks by partial melting can only occur if:

a) There is convection in the magma chamberb) The magma becomes less viscous during crystallization

c) The magma contains waterd) Early-formed liquids are separated from the remaining rock

e) As crystals form, they react with the liquid.

Brad R. Allenby, in his paper on Earth-Systems Engineering, argues that the desired goal, or end point, of Earth Systems

Engineering should be:

a) Economic growthb) Sustainability

c) Climate changed) Equity

e) Decreased population

Brad R. Allenby, in his paper on Earth-Systems Engineering, argues that the desired goal, or end point, of Earth Systems

Engineering should be:

a) Economic growthb) Sustainability

c) Climate changed) Equity

e) Decreased population

Which of the following features of an igneous rock can be used to get an idea of its chemical composition?

a) Size b) Type of rock structure

c) Proximity to Earth’s surfaced) Colour

e) All of the above

Which of the following features of an igneous rock can be used to get an idea of its chemical composition?

a) Size b) Type of rock structure

c) Proximity to Earth’s surfaced) Colour

e) All of the above

Which of the following rock types is most likely to be well-sorted?

a) Greywackeb) Limestone

c) Quartz Sandstoned) Glacial till

e) Arkose

Which of the following rock types is most likely to be well-sorted?

a) Greywackeb) Limestone

c) Quartz Sandstoned) Glacial till

e) Arkose

Quartz and Feldspar are minerals that belong to the same silicate structural type. Their compositional difference is due

to the replacement of some silicon atoms by another element to form the feldspars. What is the element that

replaces silicon?

a) Aluminumb) Sodiumc) Calcium

d) Irone) Potassium

Quartz and Feldspar are minerals that belong to the same silicate structural type. Their compositional difference is due

to the replacement of some silicon atoms by another element to form the feldspars. What is the element that

replaces silicon?

a) Aluminumb) Sodiumc) Calcium

d) Irone) Potassium

A mafic dyke would most likely be associated with:

a) A pyroclastic flowb) A fissure eruptionc) A strike-slip fault

d) A tsunamie) A translation slip

A mafic dyke would most likely be associated with:

a) A pyroclastic flowb) A fissure eruptionc) A strike-slip fault

d) A tsunamie) A translation slip

Hubbert’s Peak refers to:a) The first site, in the early 1950’s, for measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide

b) The total resource of a commodityc) The highest average global population growth rate in the 20th century

d) The highest global production of crude oile) The highest continental mountain

Hubbert’s Peak refers to:a) The first site, in the early 1950’s, for measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide

b) The total resource of a commodityc) The highest average global population growth rate in the 20th century

d) The highest global production of crude oile) The highest continental mountain

Absolute ages have been attached to the Relative Time Scale by determination of:

a) The nature of superposition of the sedimentary layersb) Radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than

sedimentary formationsc) Radiometric ages of fossil skeletons

d) The nature of the biotic succession of rockse) The cross-cutting relationships of igneous rocks and faults

Absolute ages have been attached to the Relative Time Scale by determination of:

a) The nature of superposition of the sedimentary layersb) Radiometric ages of igneous rocks younger and older than

sedimentary formationsc) Radiometric ages of fossil skeletons

d) The nature of the biotic succession of rockse) The cross-cutting relationships of igneous rocks and faults

Which of the following types of mass movement generally has the highest velocity?

a) Earthflow b) Mudflow

c) Solifluction d) Creep

e) Translational rock slip

Which of the following types of mass movement generally has the highest velocity?

a) Earthflow b) Mudflow

c) Solifluction d) Creep

e) Translational rock slip

Limonite can form by the chemical weathering of which of the following minerals?

a) Quartzb) Olivine

c) Potassium-rich Clayd) Feldspar

e) Muscovite Mica

Limonite can form by the chemical weathering of which of the following minerals?

a) Quartzb) Olivine

c) Potassium-rich Clayd) Feldspar

e) Muscovite Mica

Salt Domes are important for oil exploration because:

a) They form antiformal fold structures about themb) Salt is the source rock for oil

c) Salt rock squeezes oil out of the source rocksd) Oil is trapped in the salt dome

e) Water flowing out from the salt carries oil

Salt Domes are important for oil exploration because:

a) They form antiformal fold structures about themb) Salt is the source rock for oil

c) Salt rock squeezes oil out of the source rocksd) Oil is trapped in the salt dome

e) Water flowing out from the salt carries oil

In an attempt to model the composition of the deep layers of the interior of the Earth we re-create conditions deep in the

Earth’s interior using:

a) A smelting furnaceb) A diamond anvil press

c) A seismometerd) The mineral composition of metamorphic rock

e) The inverse theory approach

In an attempt to model the composition of the deep layers of the interior of the Earth we re-create conditions deep in the

Earth’s interior using:

a) A smelting furnaceb) A diamond anvil press

c) A seismometerd) The mineral composition of metamorphic rock

e) The inverse theory approach

The texture and structures of sedimentary rocks can yield information on the conditions of their deposition. Just by looking

at the grain size of a sandstone at an outcrop, one can infer:

a) The number of times the sand has been reworked by successive currentsb) The grain size of the rocks from which the sane weathered

c) The distance over which the sand has been transportedd) The composition of the rock from which the sand weathered

e) The velocity of the current by which it was deposited

The texture and structures of sedimentary rocks can yield information on the conditions of their deposition. Just by looking

at the grain size of a sandstone at an outcrop, one can infer:

a) The number of times the sand has been reworked by successive currentsb) The grain size of the rocks from which the sane weathered

c) The distance over which the sand has been transportedd) The composition of the rock from which the sand weathered

e) The velocity of the current by which it was deposited

Which of the following diagrams is the most probable description of the future production of a non-renewable resource that has been produced exponentially up to the

present time?

Which of the following diagrams is the most probable description of the future production of a non-renewable resource that has been produced exponentially up to the

present time?

The Earth’s carrying capacity refers to:

a) The number of “sinks” available for human needsb) The fact that humans move more material annually than all other Earth processes

c) The ultimate total amount of a non-renewable resource available to usd) How large a human population the Earth can sustainably support

e) The level of overshoot and oscillation

The Earth’s carrying capacity refers to:

a) The number of “sinks” available for human needsb) The fact that humans move more material annually than all other Earth processes

c) The ultimate total amount of a non-renewable resource available to usd) How large a human population the Earth can sustainably support

e) The level of overshoot and oscillation

The thickness of the lithospheric plates was determined by:

a) Discovering the low-velocity zoneb) Detecting an increase in seismic velocity of seismic waves crossing the MOHO

c) Detecting the shadow zone for seismic P and S-Wavesd) Noting that seismic S-waves are stopped at the base of the plates

e) Noting the refraction of seismic P-waves at the mantle-core boundary

The thickness of the lithospheric plates was determined by:

a) Discovering the low-velocity zoneb) Detecting an increase in seismic velocity of seismic waves crossing the MOHO

c) Detecting the shadow zone for seismic P and S-Wavesd) Noting that seismic S-waves are stopped at the base of the plates

e) Noting the refraction of seismic P-waves at the mantle-core boundary

When seismologists try to find ways to predict earthquakes, they are faced with the fact that earthquake behavior follows a Power Law relationship. Which of the graphs below shows the correct relationship between the number of earthquakes

as a function of the Richter magnitude?

When seismologists try to find ways to predict earthquakes, they are faced with the fact that earthquake behavior follows a Power Law relationship. Which of the graphs below shows the correct relationship between the number of earthquakes

as a function of the Richter magnitude?

When we are assessing the future of a commodity, we refer to the reserves and resources of that commodity. The

definition of a reserve of a commodity is:

a) The amount of the commodity already removed from the ground but not soldb) The estimated total amount of the commodity in the whole Earth

c) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extractedd) The estimated total amount of the commodity that is ultimately economically

available to us from the Earth’s cruste) The shyness of commodity experts when bidding on the stock-market

When we are assessing the future of a commodity, we refer to the reserves and resources of that commodity. The

definition of a reserve of a commodity is:

a) The amount of the commodity already removed from the ground but not soldb) The estimated total amount of the commodity in the whole Earth

c) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extractedd) The estimated total amount of the commodity that is ultimately economically

available to us from the Earth’s cruste) The shyness of commodity experts when bidding on the stock-market

In February 2008, S. Self and S. Blake called one of the following “probably the greatest natural hazard of mankind in terms of the severity and longevity of impact – the ultimate geologic

hazard”. Which one were they referring to?

a) A caldera collapse and super-eruptionb) A Richter-magnitude nine earthquake

c) A mega-landslide in the Himalayasd) An earthquake-generated tsunami

e) Enhanced global warming and resultant climate change

In February 2008, S. Self and S. Blake called one of the following “probably the greatest natural hazard of mankind in terms of the severity and longevity of impact – the ultimate geologic

hazard”. Which one were they referring to?

a) A caldera collapse and super-eruptionb) A Richter-magnitude nine earthquake

c) A mega-landslide in the Himalayasd) An earthquake-generated tsunami

e) Enhanced global warming and resultant climate change

Which of the following minerals is closest to the AVERAGE composition of the Earth?

a) Pyriteb) Feldsparc) Quartzd) Calcitee) Olivine

Which of the following minerals is closest to the AVERAGE composition of the Earth?

a) Pyriteb) Feldsparc) Quartzd) Calcitee) Olivine

Which of the following rocks is least likely to have a foliation?

a) Schistb) Slate

c) Gneissd) Migmatitee) Quartzite

Which of the following rocks is least likely to have a foliation?

a) Schistb) Slate

c) Gneissd) Migmatitee) Quartzite

An unconformity, like the one in the Kingston area, is best defined as:

a) A gap in the rock recordb) A basal conglomerate

c) A layer of sedimentary rocksd) A thin, tabular or sheet-like, igneous intrusion

e) A layer of rocks with very unusual fossils

An unconformity, like the one in the Kingston area, is best defined as:

a) A gap in the rock recordb) A basal conglomerate

c) A layer of sedimentary rocksd) A thin, tabular or sheet-like, igneous intrusion

e) A layer of rocks with very unusual fossils

For an exponential equation of the form y=-ekt, where “y” is growing as a function of time, the “k” term is:

a) The growth rate of quantity “y” in percentb) One one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity “y” in percent

c) A constant whose value is the base of the natural logarithmd) The doubling time

e) One one-hundredth of the doubling time

For an exponential equation of the form y=-ekt, where “y” is growing as a function of time, the “k” term is:

a) The growth rate of quantity “y” in percentb) One one-hundredth of the growth rate of quantity “y” in percent

c) A constant whose value is the base of the natural logarithmd) The doubling time

e) One one-hundredth of the doubling time

When determining the risk of a “landslide” in a particular region, which of the following will provide the most valuable

information?

a) Installation of seismometersb) The tracing out of faults

c) Carbon-14 dating peat layersd) Analysis of air photographs

e) Measurement of acceleration due to gravity

When determining the risk of a “landslide” in a particular region, which of the following will provide the most valuable

information?

a) Installation of seismometersb) The tracing out of faults

c) Carbon-14 dating peat layersd) Analysis of air photographs

e) Measurement of acceleration due to gravity

The MOHO is a boundary in the Earth across which, as one goes deeper in the Earth, a number of changes occur. Only one of

the five changes listed below is correct. Which one is it?

a) The Fe content goes downb) The temperature goes down

c) The density goes downd) The Si content goes down

e) The seismic velocity goes down

The MOHO is a boundary in the Earth across which, as one goes deeper in the Earth, a number of changes occur. Only one of

the five changes listed below is correct. Which one is it?

a) The Fe content goes downb) The temperature goes down

c) The density goes downd) The Si content goes down

e) The seismic velocity goes down

Evidence of abundant fossils of life-forms that made hard protective shells did not appear in the geological record until

how long ago?

a) 3.5 billion years agob) 5 billion years ago

c) 65 million years agod) 600 million years agoe) 300 million years ago

Evidence of abundant fossils of life-forms that made hard protective shells did not appear in the geological record until

how long ago?

a) 3.5 billion years agob) 5 billion years ago

c) 65 million years agod) 600 million years agoe) 300 million years ago

Which of the following will NOT help to determine the recurrence history of large (greater than magnitude 7.5)

earthquakes in a region?

a) Looking for evidence of ancient tsunamis in the soil recordb) Determining the age of peat layers

c) Studying human historical records of the regiond) Digging trenches and pits around the faults

e) Setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a 20 year period

Which of the following will NOT help to determine the recurrence history of large (greater than magnitude 7.5)

earthquakes in a region?

a) Looking for evidence of ancient tsunamis in the soil recordb) Determining the age of peat layers

c) Studying human historical records of the regiond) Digging trenches and pits around the faults

e) Setting up seismic stations to record the foci of earthquakes over a 20 year period

The process of unloading can produce:

a) Amygdules b) Mud cracks

c) Jointsd) Cross-bedding

e) Leaching

The process of unloading can produce:

a) Amygdules b) Mud cracks

c) Jointsd) Cross-bedding

e) Leaching

The three most abundant elements in the continental crust are:

a) O, Al, Feb) O, Si, Fe

c) O, Fe, Mgd) O, Si, Al

e) K, Ca, Na

The three most abundant elements in the continental crust are:

a) O, Al, Feb) O, Si, Fe

c) O, Fe, Mgd) O, Si, Al

e) K, Ca, Na

A crystal of Potassium Feldspar from a granite has been analyzed by the K-Ar method of geochronology. The ratio in

the crystal of the number of 40K atoms to the number of 40Ar atoms is 1 to 3. Given that the half life for the decay of parent to daughter is 1.3 billion years, which of the following

values is closest to the age of formation of the granite?

a) 0.30 billion yearsb) 0.65 billion yearsc) 1.3 billion yearsd) 2.0 billion yearse) 2.6 billion years

A crystal of Potassium Feldspar from a granite has been analyzed by the K-Ar method of geochronology. The ratio in

the crystal of the number of 40K atoms to the number of 40Ar atoms is 1 to 3. Given that the half life for the decay of parent to daughter is 1.3 billion years, which of the following

values is closest to the age of formation of the granite?

a) 0.30 billion yearsb) 0.65 billion yearsc) 1.3 billion yearsd) 2.0 billion yearse) 2.6 billion years

A sample of basalt in which the remnant magnetic field is oriented vertically probably formed and cooled:

a) At the azimuthb) Under sea waterc) Near the equator

d) At 45 degrees north or south latitudee) Near the north or south pole

A sample of basalt in which the remnant magnetic field is oriented vertically probably formed and cooled:

a) At the azimuthb) Under sea waterc) Near the equator

d) At 45 degrees north or south latitudee) Near the north or south pole

You are in Iceland, witnessing a lava flow. What is most likely to be the colour of the rock formed when the lava has

crystallized and cooled?

a) pinkb) yellowc) blackd) whitee) green

You are in Iceland, witnessing a lava flow. What is most likely to be the colour of the rock formed when the lava has

crystallized and cooled?

a) pinkb) yellowc) blackd) whitee) green

The fact that, over time in the sedimentary rock record, fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and

determinable order is the basis for:

a) The principle of original horizontalityb) The principle of biotic succession

c) The Law of Superpositiond) The doctrine catastrophism

e) The principle of cross-cutting relationships

The fact that, over time in the sedimentary rock record, fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and

determinable order is the basis for:

a) The principle of original horizontalityb) The principle of biotic succession

c) The Law of Superpositiond) The doctrine catastrophism

e) The principle of cross-cutting relationships

We wish to put the foundations of our building into solid rock, but we need to know the thickness of the soil layer sitting above

the rock. We can carry out a seismic refraction study, but this requires the knowledge of the velocity of the seismic P-waves in

the soil and in the rock. We obtain these by:

a) Taking the inverse of the slopes on the travel-time curvesb) Measuring the critical distance

c) Calculating the path taken by the seismic wavesd) Determining the difference between the focus and epicenter of the earthquake

e) Measuring the difference in arrival time of the first P and the first S seismic wave

We wish to put the foundations of our building into solid rock, but we need to know the thickness of the soil layer sitting above

the rock. We can carry out a seismic refraction study, but this requires the knowledge of the velocity of the seismic P-waves in

the soil and in the rock. We obtain these by:

a) Taking the inverse of the slopes on the travel-time curvesb) Measuring the critical distance

c) Calculating the path taken by the seismic wavesd) Determining the difference between the focus and epicenter of the earthquake

e) Measuring the difference in arrival time of the first P and the first S seismic wave

If you are exploring for a bauxite ore deposit, which of the following is most likely to be associated with it?

a) A lateriteb) A porphyritic rockc) an ultramafic rock

d) A salt domee) Sandstone

If you are exploring for a bauxite ore deposit, which of the following is most likely to be associated with it?

a) A lateriteb) A porphyritic rockc) an ultramafic rock

d) A salt domee) Sandstone

In carrying out a risk analysis and risk management plan to minimize damage from a natural or anthropogenic hazard, which of the following is a step that needs to be done after

we assess the risk from the hazard in the are under consideration, but before we undertake any risk-control

solutions?

a) A poll to determine the wishes of the publicb) Further collection of scientific data over a sufficiently long time period

c) Refinement of the emergency measures organizationsd) Public education

e) A cost-benefit analysis

In carrying out a risk analysis and risk management plan to minimize damage from a natural or anthropogenic hazard, which of the following is a step that needs to be done after

we assess the risk from the hazard in the are under consideration, but before we undertake any risk-control

solutions?

a) A poll to determine the wishes of the publicb) Further collection of scientific data over a sufficiently long time period

c) Refinement of the emergency measures organizationsd) Public education

e) A cost-benefit analysis

In order to have an ore deposit, you need:

a) An accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money fromb) A local accumulation of metal

c) A porphyry-copper depositd) A mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals

e) A mineral deposit that is close to market

In order to have an ore deposit, you need:

a) An accumulation of a mineral that you can extract and make money fromb) A local accumulation of metal

c) A porphyry-copper depositd) A mineral deposit of non-silicate minerals

e) A mineral deposit that is close to market

At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?

a) Subduction zonesb) Central Canada

c) Mid-ocean ridgesd) The Andes Mountains

e) Mount Pinatubo

At which of these locations are fissure eruptions most prominent?

a) Subduction zonesb) Central Canada

c) Mid-ocean ridgesd) The Andes Mountains

e) Mount Pinatubo

In carrying out seismic modeling to determine the structure of the Earth, we make use of the “Ocean’s Razor”. With this, we:

a) Obtain a measure of the difference in arrival times of seismic wavesb) Determine the refraction patterns of seismic waves

c) Locate the focus of the earthquaked) Determine the magnitude of the earthquakee) Choose the simples solution that fits the data

In carrying out seismic modeling to determine the structure of the Earth, we make use of the “Ocean’s Razor”. With this, we:

a) Obtain a measure of the difference in arrival times of seismic wavesb) Determine the refraction patterns of seismic waves

c) Locate the focus of the earthquaked) Determine the magnitude of the earthquakee) Choose the simples solution that fits the data

Which of the following types of seismic waves arrives first at a seismic station following an earthquake 500 kilometres

away from the seismic station?

a) Love Wavesb) Rayleigh Wavesc) Tsunami Waves

d) Shear Wavese) Compression-rarefaction Waves

Which of the following types of seismic waves arrives first at a seismic station following an earthquake 500 kilometres

away from the seismic station?

a) Love Wavesb) Rayleigh Wavesc) Tsunami Waves

d) Shear Wavese) Compression-rarefaction Waves

Which of the following lists is in correct order going from lower to higher grade of regional metamorphism?

a) Slate, gneiss, mica schistb) Slate, mica schist, gneissc) Mica schist, gneiss, slated) Gneiss, slate, mica schiste) Mica schist, slate, gneiss

Which of the following lists is in correct order going from lower to higher grade of regional metamorphism?

a) Slate, gneiss, mica schistb) Slate, mica schist, gneissc) Mica schist, gneiss, slated) Gneiss, slate, mica schiste) Mica schist, slate, gneiss

Which of the following materials best represents the behavior of the mantle of the earth?

a) Water b) Wood

c) An India Rubber Balld) Silly Puttye) Plasticene

Which of the following materials best represents the behavior of the mantle of the earth?

a) Water b) Wood

c) An India Rubber Balld) Silly Puttye) Plasticene

What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?

a) (SiO4)4-

b) (SiO2)2-

c) SiO4

d) SiO2

e) (SiO4)2-

What is the basic building block in the silicate minerals?

a) (SiO4)4-

b) (SiO2)2-

c) SiO4

d) SiO2

e) (SiO4)2-

Which of the following rock types has provided evidence for a change over Earth history in the levels of oxygen in the

atmosphere?

a) Greywacke b) Rhyolite

c) Chert d) Iron formation

e) Rock Salt

Which of the following rock types has provided evidence for a change over Earth history in the levels of oxygen in the

atmosphere?

a) Greywacke b) Rhyolite

c) Chert d) Iron formation

e) Rock Salt

When most rocks experience partial melting, the melted part is:

a) Denser than the original rockb) More felsic than the original rock

c) Poorer in water than the original rockd) Darker in colour than the original rock

e) Concentrated in iron compared to the original rock

When most rocks experience partial melting, the melted part is:

a) Denser than the original rockb) More felsic than the original rock

c) Poorer in water than the original rockd) Darker in colour than the original rock

e) Concentrated in iron compared to the original rock

In a layered intrusion, which igneous rock type is most likely to be at the top of the intrusion?

a) Gabbrob) Granite

c) Ultramafic Rockd) Basalt

e) Granodiorite

In a layered intrusion, which igneous rock type is most likely to be at the top of the intrusion?

a) Gabbrob) Granite

c) Ultramafic Rockd) Basalt

e) Granodiorite

If the current rate of exponential growth of human population were to continue in the future, the Earth’s human

population will have doubled in about how many years?


If the current rate of exponential growth of human population were to continue in the future, the Earth’s human

population will have doubled in about how many years?


Which of the following types of faults is likely to be connected with the most dangerous earthquakes?

a) Nobody’s b) Transform c) Strike slip

d) Reverse Dip-Slipe) Normal Dip-Slip

Which of the following types of faults is likely to be connected with the most dangerous earthquakes?

a) Nobody’s b) Transform c) Strike slip

d) Reverse Dip-Slipe) Normal Dip-Slip

Very deep (greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur


Very deep (greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur


Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most likely to generate acid mine-tailings?

a) Iron formationb) bauxite

c) Porphyry copperd) chromite

e) petroleum

Which of the following ore-deposit types would be most likely to generate acid mine-tailings?

a) Iron formationb) bauxite

c) Porphyry copperd) chromite

e) petroleum

It is only in the last 40 years that geologists have developed the Plate tectonic theory. One of the most important consequences of this theory is that it has provided an

explanation of how continental mountain ranges are formed. In the framework of the Plate Tectonic Theory, where are the

major continental mountain ranges produced?

a) Constructive plate boundariesb) Destructive plate boundaries

c) Strike-slip boundariesd) Conductive plate boundariese) Transform plate boundaries

It is only in the last 40 years that geologists have developed the Plate tectonic theory. One of the most important consequences of this theory is that it has provided an

explanation of how continental mountain ranges are formed. In the framework of the Plate Tectonic Theory, where are the

major continental mountain ranges produced?

a) Constructive plate boundariesb) Destructive plate boundaries

c) Strike-slip boundariesd) Conductive plate boundariese) Transform plate boundaries

The development of the Himalayas was probably partly responsible for a cooling of the Earth’s climate that led us

into the recent Ice Ages over the last 2 million years. Which of the following best explains this effect of the Himalayas on

the climate.

a) The energy used to uplift the mountains led to atmospheric coolingb) The uplift of the mountains shut off the ocean “conveyor belt”

c) The uplifted mountains absorbed most of the solar radiation, thus cooling the atmosphered) The uplifted mountains experienced an increased rate of erosion, and that increased

weathering process extracted carbon dioxide from the atmospheree) Uplifting of the mountains changed the tilt

The development of the Himalayas was probably partly responsible for a cooling of the Earth’s climate that led us

into the recent Ice Ages over the last 2 million years. Which of the following best explains this effect of the Himalayas on

the climate.

a) The energy used to uplift the mountains led to atmospheric coolingb) The uplift of the mountains shut off the ocean “conveyor belt”

c) The uplifted mountains absorbed most of the solar radiation, thus cooling the atmosphered) The uplifted mountains experienced an increased rate of erosion, and that increased

weathering process extracted carbon dioxide from the atmospheree) Uplifting of the mountains changed the tilt

Seismic energy waves allow us to essentially x-ray the Earth’s interior. To do this, we use the inverse theory method. For

this method, we must:

a) Dig trenches and pits, and look at sediments for evidence of ancient tsunamisb) Study seismic records to determine the recurrence interval of earthquakes

c) Make a computer model of the Earth and see if the travel-time measured at the seismic stations fit the model

d) Locate and determine the nature of faults by the technique of seismic topographye) Determine the epicenters of the Earthquakes on a map of the world

Seismic energy waves allow us to essentially x-ray the Earth’s interior. To do this, we use the inverse theory method. For

this method, we must:

a) Dig trenches and pits, and look at sediments for evidence of ancient tsunamisb) Study seismic records to determine the recurrence interval of earthquakes

c) Make a computer model of the Earth and see if the travel-time measured at the seismic stations fit the model

d) Locate and determine the nature of faults by the technique of seismic topographye) Determine the epicenters of the Earthquakes on a map of the world

Various studies have shown that Earth consists of layers that differ from each other. These are either differences in

physical properties, or differences in chemical composition. For the boundaries between layers that are listed below, only

one is a boundary across which there is ONLY a change in physical properties. Which one?

a) Mantle/outer coreb) crust/mantle

c) Continental crust/oceanic crustd) Crust/atmosphere

e) Lithosphere/asthenosphere

Various studies have shown that Earth consists of layers that differ from each other. These are either differences in

physical properties, or differences in chemical composition. For the boundaries between layers that are listed below, only

one is a boundary across which there is ONLY a change in physical properties. Which one?

a) Mantle/outer coreb) crust/mantle

c) Continental crust/oceanic crustd) Crust/atmosphere

e) Lithosphere/asthenosphere

Which of the following mineral/element pairs is closest in composition of the continental crust?

a) Calciteb) Fe + Nic) Pyrite

d) Feldspar + Quartze) Olivine +Pyroxene

Which of the following mineral/element pairs is closest in composition of the continental crust?

a) Calciteb) Fe + Nic) Pyrite

d) Feldspar + Quartze) Olivine +Pyroxene

W can sample rocks at the surface of Earth to determine their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE

density of the Earth. We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the Moon. In doing that

determination, you would need all but one of the following. Which one don’t you need?

a) Earth’s moment of inertiab) The radius of the Earth

c) The Gravitational constant (G)d) The orbital velocity of the moon


W can sample rocks at the surface of Earth to determine their density, but to place limits on the nature of materials deeper in the Earth, we need to determine the AVERAGE

density of the Earth. We can do that by studying the interaction of the Earth with the Moon. In doing that

determination, you would need all but one of the following. Which one don’t you need?

a) Earth’s moment of inertiab) The radius of the Earth

c) The Gravitational constant (G)d) The orbital velocity of the moon


In the carbon cycle, which of the following reservoirs in the Earth system contains the most Carbon?

a) Crustal rocksb) Living plants and animals

c) The oceansd) Oil and gas

e) The atmosphere

In the carbon cycle, which of the following reservoirs in the Earth system contains the most Carbon?

a) Crustal rocksb) Living plants and animals

c) The oceansd) Oil and gas

e) The atmosphere

Which of the following soil types is generally the most suitable one for agriculture?

a) Lateriteb) Pedalferc) Pedocal

d) Permafroste) Lahar

Which of the following soil types is generally the most suitable one for agriculture?

a) Lateriteb) Pedalferc) Pedocal

d) Permafroste) Lahar

For which group do both minerals have a sheet structure?

a) Muscovite, clayb) Feldspar, Quartz

c) Hornblende, Pyroxened) Plagioclase, Pyroxenee) Olivine , Hornblende

For which group do both minerals have a sheet structure?

a) Muscovite, clayb) Feldspar, Quartz

c) Hornblende, Pyroxened) Plagioclase, Pyroxenee) Olivine , Hornblende

Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following places are you most likely to experience a Lahar?

a) The Andes Mountainsb) The Red Sea

c) Along the San Andres Faultd) The South Nation River, Ontario

e) Iceland

Magmas contain dissolved volatiles. Which of the following places are you most likely to experience a Lahar?

a) The Andes Mountainsb) The Red Sea

c) Along the San Andres Faultd) The South Nation River, Ontario

e) Iceland

A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over which of the following rocks?

a) Marble b) Gabbroc) Syenite

d) Ultramafice) Sandstone

A bauxite ore deposit would be most likely to occur over which of the following rocks?

a) Marble b) Gabbroc) Syenite

d) Ultramafice) Sandstone

One of the following rock types is most likely to be a trap (i.e reservoir) rock for trapping oil and gas underground. Which

of the following is it?

a) Granite Porphyryb) Quartz Sandstonec) Shale/Mudstone

d) Salt Domee) Greywacke

One of the following rock types is most likely to be a trap (i.e reservoir) rock for trapping oil and gas underground. Which

of the following is it?

a) Granite Porphyryb) Quartz Sandstonec) Shale/Mudstone

d) Salt Domee) Greywacke

Which of the following lists magma types in order of increasing velocity?

a) Basaltic, andesitic, graniticb) Basaltic, granitic, andesiticc) Andesitic, granitic, basalticd) Granitic, basaltic, andesitice) Granitic, andesitic, basaltic

Which of the following lists magma types in order of increasing velocity?

a) Basaltic, andesitic, graniticb) Basaltic, granitic, andesiticc) Andesitic, granitic, basalticd) Granitic, basaltic, andesitice) Granitic, andesitic, basaltic

As a magma of diorite composition cools down from 1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystallize first?


c) Quartzd) Na-rich Plagioclase

e) Olivine

As a magma of diorite composition cools down from 1500° C, which of the following minerals would crystallize first?


c) Quartzd) Na-rich Plagioclase

e) Olivine

What is the main factor that controls the rate of weathering of rocks?

a) Grain size of rockb) Degree of unloading

c) Topographyd) Rock Type

e) Climate

What is the main factor that controls the rate of weathering of rocks?

a) Grain size of rockb) Degree of unloading

c) Topographyd) Rock Type

e) Climate

The velocity of seismic S-waves is inversely proportional to which of the following parameters of the material they are

passing through?

a) Viscosity b) Elasticity

c) Inverse Modulusd) Shear Modulus

e) Density

The velocity of seismic S-waves is inversely proportional to which of the following parameters of the material they are

passing through?

a) Viscosity b) Elasticity

c) Inverse Modulusd) Shear Modulus

e) Density

Which of the following decreases in going from the mantle into the outer core?

a) P-wave Velocityb) Temperature

c) Density d) Iron content

e) Proportion of Liquid

Which of the following decreases in going from the mantle into the outer core?

a) P-wave Velocityb) Temperature

c) Density d) Iron content

e) Proportion of Liquid

Which of the following is most likely to have the lowest porosity?

a) Quartz Sandstoneb) Reef Limestonec) Conglomerate

d) Greywackee) Pumice

Which of the following is most likely to have the lowest porosity?

a) Quartz Sandstoneb) Reef Limestonec) Conglomerate

d) Greywackee) Pumice

Very deep (i.e greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur only at:

a) Transform faultsb) Hot spots

c) Constructive plate marginsd) Accreting Plate Margins

e) Destructive Plate Margins

Very deep (i.e greater than 200 km) earthquakes occur only at:

a) Transform faultsb) Hot spots

c) Constructive plate marginsd) Accreting Plate Margins

e) Destructive Plate Margins

Which type of soil may eventually develop in a very hot, wet region, such as the Amazon River Bason?

a) Laharb) Pedocalc) Laterite

d) Pedoxylitee) Pedalfer

Which type of soil may eventually develop in a very hot, wet region, such as the Amazon River Bason?

a) Laharb) Pedocalc) Laterite

d) Pedoxylitee) Pedalfer

The Hawaiian Islands are located where the Pacific plate is:

a) Separating from the North American plateb) Diving under Japan

c) Diving under the North American Plated) Migrating over a hot spot

e) Being thrust over the North American Plate

The Hawaiian Islands are located where the Pacific plate is:

a) Separating from the North American plateb) Diving under Japan

c) Diving under the North American Plated) Migrating over a hot spot

e) Being thrust over the North American Plate

In which of these settings would one most likely find a pyroclastic flow?

a) At the site of a fissure eruptionb) At a constructive plate boundary

c) In Hawaiid) At a transform plate boundary

e) At a destructive plate boundary

In which of these settings would one most likely find a pyroclastic flow?

a) At the site of a fissure eruptionb) At a constructive plate boundary

c) In Hawaiid) At a transform plate boundary

e) At a destructive plate boundary

On which material is damage to buildings from seismic vibrations likely to be the least?

a) Clayb) Granite

c) Sand and Graveld) Peat and Muck

e) Mud

On which material is damage to buildings from seismic vibrations likely to be the least?

a) Clayb) Granite

c) Sand and Graveld) Peat and Muck

e) Mud

Which of the following rocks is most immature?

a) Shaleb) Breccia

c) Siltstoned) Quartz Sandstone

e) Conglomerate

Which of the following rocks is most immature?

a) Shaleb) Breccia

c) Siltstoned) Quartz Sandstone

e) Conglomerate

Which of these minerals is made up entirely of covalent bonds?

a) Clayb) Quartzc) Halite

d) Diamonde) Pure Copper

Which of these minerals is made up entirely of covalent bonds?

a) Clayb) Quartzc) Halite

d) Diamonde) Pure Copper

If you begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced would have what composition?

a) Gabbroicb) Dioritic

c) Ultramaficd) Granodioritic

e) Granitic

If you begin to partially melt a shale, the liquid produced would have what composition?

a) Gabbroicb) Dioritic

c) Ultramaficd) Granodioritic

e) Granitic

The Atlantic Ocean is opening up at a rate closest to:

a) 0.05 cm/yearb) 5 cm/year

c) 50 cm/yeard) 5 metres/year

e) 50 metres/year

The Atlantic Ocean is opening up at a rate closest to:

a) 0.05 cm/yearb) 5 cm/year

c) 50 cm/yeard) 5 metres/year

e) 50 metres/year

Which of the following approaches would be least likely to provide us with information to help predict, on both the

short and long term, the eruption of a stratovolcano?

a) Look for seismic gapsb) Set up seismometers to detect earthquakes

c) Measure ground tiltd) Determine recurrence intervals

e) Monitor Gas release

Which of the following approaches would be least likely to provide us with information to help predict, on both the

short and long term, the eruption of a stratovolcano?

a) Look for seismic gapsb) Set up seismometers to detect earthquakes

c) Measure ground tiltd) Determine recurrence intervals

e) Monitor Gas release

Unlike most other bodies in the Solar System, the Earth has a strong magnetic field. Which of the following features of the

Earth is responsible for the Earth having such a magnetic field?

a) Flattening along the rotation axisb) A convection mantle

c) A liquid outer core of irond) An axial dipole magnete) An iron-rich inner core

Unlike most other bodies in the Solar System, the Earth has a strong magnetic field. Which of the following features of the

Earth is responsible for the Earth having such a magnetic field?

a) Flattening along the rotation axisb) A convection mantle

c) A liquid outer core of irond) An axial dipole magnete) An iron-rich inner core

I have hired you to explore for ore deposits that would provide us with the metal copper (Cu). Which of the

following minerals should you be looking for?

a) Pyriteb) Magnetitec) Chromite

d) Galenae) Chalcopyrite

I have hired you to explore for ore deposits that would provide us with the metal copper (Cu). Which of the

following minerals should you be looking for?

a) Pyriteb) Magnetitec) Chromite

d) Galenae) Chalcopyrite

In the sea floor spreading hypothesis of Harry Hess, the conveyor belt carrying the continental crust was thought to be:

a) The asthenosphereb) The mantle convection cell

c) The ocean crustd) The tectonic plate

e) The lithosphere

In the sea floor spreading hypothesis of Harry Hess, the conveyor belt carrying the continental crust was thought to be:

a) The asthenosphereb) The mantle convection cell

c) The ocean crustd) The tectonic plate

e) The lithosphere

The definition of the “resource” of a commodity is:

a) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extractedb) A local accumulation of a specific mineral that contains that commodity

c) The total number of mineral deposits of that commodityd) The estimated total amount of that commodity that is ultimately economically

recoverablee) The amount of the commodity that exists in the Earth

The definition of the “resource” of a commodity is:

a) The economic amount of the commodity discovered but not yet extractedb) A local accumulation of a specific mineral that contains that commodity

c) The total number of mineral deposits of that commodityd) The estimated total amount of that commodity that is ultimately economically

recoverablee) The amount of the commodity that exists in the Earth

Which of the following pieces of evidence from the geology around the Kingston area is evidence for a former mountain-

building event?

a) Stromatolitesb) Migmatite

c) Glacial Groovesd) Mud Crackse) Cross Beds

Which of the following pieces of evidence from the geology around the Kingston area is evidence for a former mountain-

building event?

a) Stromatolitesb) Migmatite

c) Glacial Groovesd) Mud Crackse) Cross Beds

The Earth’s magnetic field has been shown to reverse itself on average about every:

a) 5000 yearsb) 0.5 million yearsc) 10 million years

d) 100 million yearse) 1 billion years

The Earth’s magnetic field has been shown to reverse itself on average about every:

a) 5000 yearsb) 0.5 million yearsc) 10 million years

d) 100 million yearse) 1 billion years

Which one of the following DECREASES in going from the oceanic crust to the mantle of the Earth?

a) pressureb) Silicon content

c) Density d) Temperature

e) P-wave Velocity

Which one of the following DECREASES in going from the oceanic crust to the mantle of the Earth?

a) pressureb) Silicon content

c) Density d) Temperature

e) P-wave Velocity

Which of the following is used to describe what occurs to produce an earthquake?

a) Elastic Reboundb) Polymerization

c) Liquefactiond) Compression-Rarefaction

e) Plastic Deformation

Which of the following is used to describe what occurs to produce an earthquake?

a) Elastic Reboundb) Polymerization

c) Liquefactiond) Compression-Rarefaction

e) Plastic Deformation

What are the two elements that can replace one another in the olivine solid solution?

a) Ca, Nab) Si, Alc) K, Na

d) Mg, Fee) Si, O

What are the two elements that can replace one another in the olivine solid solution?

a) Ca, Nab) Si, Alc) K, Na

d) Mg, Fee) Si, O

With which one of the following will Lahars most likely be associated?

a) Earthquakes b) Layered intrusions

c) Felsic volcanoesd) Tsunamis

e) Open-Pit Mines

With which one of the following will Lahars most likely be associated?

a) Earthquakes b) Layered intrusions

c) Felsic volcanoesd) Tsunamis

e) Open-Pit Mines

What percentage of the Earth’s crust is composed of non-silicate minerals?

a) 3%b) 10%c) 20%d) 75%e) 97%

What percentage of the Earth’s crust is composed of non-silicate minerals?

a) 3%b) 10%c) 20%d) 75%e) 97%

Following a very shallow earthquake, as seismic P and S waves go deeper into the Earth and cross the MOHO:

a) The S-Waves stop and P-Waves continueb) The waves speed up

c) The waves increase in amplituded) The waves refract towards the normal

e) The P-waves stop and S-waves continue

Following a very shallow earthquake, as seismic P and S waves go deeper into the Earth and cross the MOHO:

a) The S-Waves stop and P-Waves continueb) The waves speed up

c) The waves increase in amplituded) The waves refract towards the normal

e) The P-waves stop and S-waves continue

Which of the following is true about Tsunamis?

a) They seldom cause damage when they reach the shoreb) They have wavelengths of a few metres

c) They have amplitudes of 50 metres or more in deep ocean waterd) They are most commonly generated by earthquakes under the continents

e) They travel at speeds of 500 to 800 kilometres per hour

Which of the following is true about Tsunamis?

a) They seldom cause damage when they reach the shoreb) They have wavelengths of a few metres

c) They have amplitudes of 50 metres or more in deep ocean waterd) They are most commonly generated by earthquakes under the continents

e) They travel at speeds of 500 to 800 kilometres per hour

The oldest ocean crust in the ocean basin is found closest to:

a) Icelandb) Western United States

c) The Red Sead) Japan

e) The East Pacific Mid-Ocean Ridge

The oldest ocean crust in the ocean basin is found closest to:

a) Icelandb) Western United States

c) The Red Sead) Japan

e) The East Pacific Mid-Ocean Ridge

What kind of fault is illustrated in the diagram below?

a) Normal Dip-Slipb) Reverse Dip-Slip

c) Transformd) Thrust

e) Strike-Slip

What kind of fault is illustrated in the diagram below?

a) Normal Dip-Slipb) Reverse Dip-Slip

c) Transformd) Thrust

e) Strike-Slip

The most important factor controlling slope stability, of the ones listed below, is:

a) Weight of material on the slopeb) Cohesion on the potential failure plane

c) Hydraulic equivalence of the sloped) The angle of potential failure plane

e) Angle of the slope wall

The most important factor controlling slope stability, of the ones listed below, is:

a) Weight of material on the slopeb) Cohesion on the potential failure plane

c) Hydraulic equivalence of the sloped) The angle of potential failure plane

e) Angle of the slope wall

You have carried out a careful chemical analysis of three rocks: granite, granodiorite and gabbro. Which of the

following increases?

a) Quartz contentb) Si contentc) Density

d) Potassium contente) Feldspar content

You have carried out a careful chemical analysis of three rocks: granite, granodiorite and gabbro. Which of the

following increases?

a) Quartz contentb) Si contentc) Density

d) Potassium contente) Feldspar content

Which of the following elements is NOT found as an essential constituent of plagioclase feldspar?

a) Potassiumb) Sodium

c) Aluminumd) Calciume) Silicon

Which of the following elements is NOT found as an essential constituent of plagioclase feldspar?

a) Potassiumb) Sodium

c) Aluminumd) Calciume) Silicon

All earthquakes occur in the:

a) Mantleb) Continental Crustc) Asthenosphere

d) Lithospheree) Ocean crust

All earthquakes occur in the:

a) Mantleb) Continental Crustc) Asthenosphere

d) Lithospheree) Ocean crust

Which ore deposit type results from the development in a magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible with the

silicate liquid?

a) Bauxiteb) Chromite

c) Porphyry Copperd) Ni-Cu Sulfide

e) Banded Iron Formation

Which ore deposit type results from the development in a magma chamber of a liquid that is immiscible with the

silicate liquid?

a) Bauxiteb) Chromite

c) Porphyry Copperd) Ni-Cu Sulfide


Which of the following is a highly favourable site for oil formation and accumulation?

a) Mudstonesb) Glacial Deposits

c) Swampsd) Deltas

e) Mid-Ocean Ridges

Which of the following is a highly favourable site for oil formation and accumulation?

a) Mudstonesb) Glacial Deposits

c) Swampsd) Deltas

e) Mid-Ocean Ridges

Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produced by:

a) Windb) Ocean Wavesc) Stream Flow

d) Slope Instabilitye) Turbidity Currents

Symmetrical sand ripples are most likely produced by:

a) Windb) Ocean Wavesc) Stream Flow

d) Slope Instabilitye) Turbidity Currents

Which one of the following minerals would be LEAST likely to occur in a granite?

a) K-rich Feldsparb) Muscovite Mica

c) Na-rich Plagioclased) Quartze) Olivine

Which one of the following minerals would be LEAST likely to occur in a granite?

a) K-rich Feldsparb) Muscovite Mica

c) Na-rich Plagioclased) Quartze) Olivine

A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrusive igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content of approximately 45%. Which one of the following types of

ore deposit has the most chance of being found in this rock?

a) Porphyry copperb) Bauxite

c) Iron Formationd) Placer Golde) Chromite

A chemical analysis has been conducted on an intrusive igneous rock, and the rock was found to have an SiO2 content of approximately 45%. Which one of the following types of

ore deposit has the most chance of being found in this rock?

a) Porphyry copperb) Bauxite

c) Iron Formationd) Placer Golde) Chromite

One way to minimize damage from earthquakes is to build structures with appropriate building materials. Which of the

following is the best material to build a structure with in order to minimize potential damage from ground shaking

during an earthquake?

a) Steelb) Stucco

c) Masonryd) Unreinforced Concrete

e) Adobe

One way to minimize damage from earthquakes is to build structures with appropriate building materials. Which of the

following is the best material to build a structure with in order to minimize potential damage from ground shaking

during an earthquake?

a) Steelb) Stucco

c) Masonryd) Unreinforced Concrete

e) Adobe

The sedimentary rocks immediately below and above an angular unconformity record a history of:

a) Erosion-folding-deposition-erosionb) Folding-erosion-deposition-folding

c) Deposition-erosion-deposition-foldingd) Erosion-deposition-folding-erosion

e) Deposition-folding-erosion-deposition

The sedimentary rocks immediately below and above an angular unconformity record a history of:

a) Erosion-folding-deposition-erosionb) Folding-erosion-deposition-folding

c) Deposition-erosion-deposition-foldingd) Erosion-deposition-folding-erosion

e) Deposition-folding-erosion-deposition

For a mass of rock on a potential failure plane, which of the following terms in the safety factor equation will DECREASE

the safety factor it is decreased?

a) Weight of potential failure blockb) Angle of internal friction

c) Angle of potential failure planed) Water content

e) None of the above, they all increase it

For a mass of rock on a potential failure plane, which of the following terms in the safety factor equation will DECREASE

the safety factor it is decreased?

a) Weight of potential failure blockb) Angle of internal friction

c) Angle of potential failure planed) Water content

e) None of the above, they all increase it

Which of the following is the most abundant sedimentary rock in the Earth’s crust?

a) Limestoneb) Sandstone

c) Shaled) Conglomerate


Which of the following is the most abundant sedimentary rock in the Earth’s crust?

a) Limestoneb) Sandstone

c) Shaled) Conglomerate


A porphyritic igneous rock indicates:

a) The presence of an ore depositb) A two-stage cooling history

c) A felsic compositiond) Cooling deep in the Earth

e) A high content of dissolved volatiles in the magma

A porphyritic igneous rock indicates:

a) The presence of an ore depositb) A two-stage cooling history

c) A felsic compositiond) Cooling deep in the Earth

e) A high content of dissolved volatiles in the magma

The age of the solar system and the Earth is closest to:

a) 500 million yearsb) 1000 million yearsc) 2500 million yearsd) 4500 million years

e) 13000 million years

The age of the solar system and the Earth is closest to:

a) 500 million yearsb) 1000 million yearsc) 2500 million yearsd) 4500 million years

e) 13000 million years

If a litre of sea water is evaporated, which of the following evaporites that precipitated will occur in the greatest

amount?

a) Gypsumb) Halitec) Potash

d) Limestonee) Chert

If a litre of sea water is evaporated, which of the following evaporites that precipitated will occur in the greatest

amount?

a) Gypsumb) Halitec) Potash

d) Limestonee) Chert

In which of these settings would one most likely find a nuee ardente?

a) At the site of a fissure eruption b) At a constructive plate boundary

c) In Hawaiid) At a destructive plate boundarye) At a transform plate boundary

In which of these settings would one most likely find a nuee ardente?

a) At the site of a fissure eruption b) At a constructive plate boundary

c) In Hawaiid) At a destructive plate boundarye) At a transform plate boundary

How many earthquakes of Richter magnitude 5 would it take to equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of Richter

magnitude 7?

a) 2b) 30c) 60

d) 900e) 27 000

How many earthquakes of Richter magnitude 5 would it take to equal the output of energy from a single earthquake of Richter

magnitude 7?

a) 2b) 30c) 60

d) 900e) 27 000

In order to determine the seismic risk of an area, we need to determine the Richter magnitude of earthquakes that occur in

that region. The Richter magnitude is determined by:

a) Measuring the amount of movement on the fault that caused the earthquakeb) Measuring the intensity of earthquake damage

c) Measuring the length of time of the ground-shaking eventd) Measuring the time between the first arrival of S waves and the first arrival of

surface waves on the seismograme) Measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on a seismogram

In order to determine the seismic risk of an area, we need to determine the Richter magnitude of earthquakes that occur in

that region. The Richter magnitude is determined by:

a) Measuring the amount of movement on the fault that caused the earthquakeb) Measuring the intensity of earthquake damage

c) Measuring the length of time of the ground-shaking eventd) Measuring the time between the first arrival of S waves and the first arrival of

surface waves on the seismograme) Measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves on a seismogram

For seismic P and S waves received by seismographs at various distances from an earthquake focus, a plot of first arrival times

against distance would look like:

For seismic P and S waves received by seismographs at various distances from an earthquake focus, a plot of first arrival times

against distance would look like:

Documents

5 years 14 years 20 years 28 years 50 years