Symmetrical patterns of magnetic reversals (magnetic striping) on either side of mid-ocean ridges provide strong evidence for sea-floor spreading.
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7A 'Benioff zone' is associated with which geological feature?
A.Shield volcanoes
B.Rift valleys
C.Mid-ocean ridges
D.Subduction zones
Correct Answer: Subduction zones
Explanation:
A Benioff zone is a planar zone of seismicity corresponding with the down-going slab in a subduction zone.
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8The concept of 'Isostasy' refers to:
A.The flow of lava
B.The magnetic polarity of rocks
C.The cycle of erosion
D.The gravitational equilibrium of the Earth's crust
Correct Answer: The gravitational equilibrium of the Earth's crust
Explanation:
Isostasy describes the state of gravitational equilibrium between Earth's crust and mantle such that the crust 'floats' at an elevation that depends on its thickness and density.
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9According to the Geosynclinal Theory, the long, narrow, shallow water depressions where sediments accumulate are called:
A.Horsts
B.Grabens
C.Cratons
D.Geosynclines
Correct Answer: Geosynclines
Explanation:
Geosynclines are large-scale depressions in the earth's crust containing very thick deposits of sedimentary rocks, historically believed to be the precursors to fold mountains.
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10Which of the following mountain systems was formed during the Alpine Orogeny?
A.The Urals
B.The Alps
C.The Caledonian mountains
D.The Appalachians
Correct Answer: The Alps
Explanation:
The Alpine Orogeny is a mountain-building phase that occurred in the Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, forming the Alps, Himalayas, and Andes.
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11In the context of mountain building, what is a 'Nappe'?
A.A large-scale recumbent fold that has been thrust forward
B.A vertical fault
C.A basin formation
D.A type of volcanic intrusion
Correct Answer: A large-scale recumbent fold that has been thrust forward
Explanation:
A nappe is a sheet of rock that has moved sideways over neighboring strata as a result of an overthrust or recumbent fold.
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12Block mountains, such as the Vosges in France, are primarily formed by:
A.Folding
B.Erosion
C.Volcanism
D.Faulting
Correct Answer: Faulting
Explanation:
Block mountains (Horsts) are formed when large areas of bedrock are widely broken up by faults creating vertical displacements.
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13Kober’s theory of mountain building focuses on the contraction of:
A.The ocean floor
B.Continental shields
C.Geosynclines
D.The entire globe
Correct Answer: Geosynclines
Explanation:
Leopold Kober's theory involves the squeezing of geosynclinal sediments between rigid landmasses he called 'Kratogens'.
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14Which term describes a large-scale depression formed by the collapse of a volcano's magma chamber?
A.Caldera
B.Fissure
C.Crater
D.Vent
Correct Answer: Caldera
Explanation:
A caldera is a large cauldron-like hollow that forms shortly after the emptying of a magma chamber in a volcanic eruption, causing the overlying support to collapse.
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15Lava with a high silica content causes explosive eruptions because it is:
A.High viscosity
B.Low viscosity
C.Very hot
D.Rich in iron
Correct Answer: High viscosity
Explanation:
High silica content increases the viscosity (thickness) of magma, trapping gases and leading to pressure build-up and explosive eruptions.
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16Which intrusive volcanic landform is a horizontal sheet of solidified magma usually intruded between sedimentary layers?
A.Dyke
B.Batholith
C.Sill
D.Laccolith
Correct Answer: Sill
Explanation:
A sill is a tabular sheet intrusion that has intruded between older layers of sedimentary rock, beds of volcanic lava, or tuff.
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17A massive, deep-seated intrusion of igneous rock, often forming the core of mountain ranges, is called a:
A.Neck
B.Phacolith
C.Lopolith
D.Batholith
Correct Answer: Batholith
Explanation:
Batholiths are large emplacements of igneous intrusive rock (plutons) that form from cooled magma deep in the Earth's crust.
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18The Hawaiian Islands are an example of what type of volcanism?
A.Mid-ocean ridge volcanism
B.Hotspot volcanism
C.Subduction zone volcanism
D.Continental rift volcanism
Correct Answer: Hotspot volcanism
Explanation:
Hawaii is formed by a mantle plume or 'hotspot' located beneath the moving Pacific Plate.
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19What is a 'Pyroclastic Flow'?
A.A flow of groundwater heated by magma
B.A mudflow caused by volcanic melting of snow
C.A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter
D.A slow-moving stream of basaltic lava
Correct Answer: A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter
Explanation:
Pyroclastic flows are fluidized mixtures of hot rock fragments, hot gases, and entrapped air that move at high speeds.
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20Which scale is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake based on observed effects and damage?
A.Richter Scale
B.Mercalli Scale
C.Mohs Scale
D.Moment Magnitude Scale
Correct Answer: Mercalli Scale
Explanation:
The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale measures the intensity of shaking produced by an earthquake based on people's reports and observed damage.
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21The point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts is called the:
A.Shadow zone
B.Fault scarp
C.Focus (Hypocenter)
D.Epicenter
Correct Answer: Focus (Hypocenter)
Explanation:
The focus (or hypocenter) is the point of origin of an earthquake underground. The epicenter is the point directly above it on the surface.
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22Which seismic waves are the fastest and the first to arrive at a seismic station?
A.P-waves
B.L-waves
C.S-waves
D.Rayleigh waves
Correct Answer: P-waves
Explanation:
Primary waves (P-waves) are compressional waves and travel faster than other seismic waves.
S-waves are shear waves and require a medium with shear strength to propagate; therefore, they cannot pass through liquids (like the outer core).
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24The 'Elastic Rebound Theory' explains the mechanism of:
A.Earthquake generation
B.Mountain folding
C.Tsunami propagation
D.Volcanic eruptions
Correct Answer: Earthquake generation
Explanation:
Proposed by H.F. Reid, this theory explains how energy is stored in rocks as elastic strain and released suddenly during an earthquake.
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25Tsunamis are most commonly generated by:
A.Tides
B.Surface winds
C.Hurricanes
D.Vertical displacement of the ocean floor
Correct Answer: Vertical displacement of the ocean floor
Explanation:
Tsunamis are usually caused by underwater earthquakes at subduction zones that vertically displace a large volume of water.
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26In W.M. Davis's Cycle of Erosion, the three main factors controlling landscape development are:
A.Rock type, Slope, Rainfall
B.Climate, Vegetation, Time
C.Uplift, Erosion, Deposition
D.Structure, Process, Stage
Correct Answer: Structure, Process, Stage
Explanation:
Davis famously stated that landscape is a function of structure (geology), process (agents of erosion), and stage (time/age of the cycle).
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27The end product of the Davisian cycle of erosion is a low-lying surface called a:
A.Etchplain
B.Panplain
C.Pediplain
D.Peneplain
Correct Answer: Peneplain
Explanation:
A peneplain is a low-relief plain formed by protracted erosion, representing the 'old age' stage of the Davisian cycle.
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28Which geomorphologist proposed the concept of 'Slope Replacement' and criticized Davis's time-dependent model?
A.G.K. Gilbert
B.Walther Penck
C.L.C. King
D.J.T. Hack
Correct Answer: Walther Penck
Explanation:
Penck proposed that slopes retreat by replacing flatter lower slopes with steeper upper ones, a concept associated with his 'Morphological Analysis'.
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29According to L.C. King, the dominant process in landscape evolution in semi-arid and arid regions is:
A.Scarp retreat (Back-wearing)
B.Down-wearing
C.Solution
D.Glacial scouring
Correct Answer: Scarp retreat (Back-wearing)
Explanation:
L.C. King emphasized 'Pediplanation', where scarp retreat creates broad, flat surfaces called pediments.
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30A 'Monadnock' refers to:
A.A type of glacial deposit
B.A volcanic vent
C.A river terrace
D.An isolated hill of resistant rock on a peneplain
Correct Answer: An isolated hill of resistant rock on a peneplain
Explanation:
In the Davisian system, a monadnock is an isolated residual hill standing above a peneplain because the rock is more resistant to erosion.
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31The concept of 'Dynamic Equilibrium' in landscape development was proposed by:
A.Charles Lyell
B.J.T. Hack
C.Alfred Wegener
D.W.M. Davis
Correct Answer: J.T. Hack
Explanation:
J.T. Hack argued that landscapes adjust to reach a state of equilibrium where erosion balances uplift, independent of evolutionary 'stages'.
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32What landform is formed by the coalescence of pediments according to L.C. King?
A.Peneplain
B.Floodplain
C.Pediplain
D.Delta
Correct Answer: Pediplain
Explanation:
King theorized that as scarps retreat, the pediments at their bases merge to form an extensive flat surface known as a Pediplain.
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33The term 'Primarumpf', referring to an initial convex uplifted surface, is associated with:
A.Hutton
B.Penck
C.Davis
D.King
Correct Answer: Penck
Explanation:
Walther Penck used the term 'Primarumpf' to describe a primary peneplain or initial surface that is uplifted without significant relief initially.
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34Rejuvenation of a river cycle is often indicated by the presence of:
A.Knickpoints and river terraces
B.Meanders
C.Ox-bow lakes
D.Deltas
Correct Answer: Knickpoints and river terraces
Explanation:
Rejuvenation (renewed downcutting due to uplift or sea-level drop) creates breaks in the slope (knickpoints) and stranded floodplains (terraces).
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35Which theory suggests that landscapes are formed by the stripping of deeply weathered saprolite?
A.Peneplanation
B.Glaciation
C.Pediplanation
D.Etchplanation
Correct Answer: Etchplanation
Explanation:
Etchplanation involves the chemical weathering of bedrock underground and the subsequent stripping of the weathered material (saprolite) to expose the 'etch surface'.
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36The 'Base Level of Erosion' concept was first introduced by:
A.J.W. Powell
B.A. Penck
C.W.M. Davis
D.G.K. Gilbert
Correct Answer: J.W. Powell
Explanation:
J.W. Powell introduced the concept of base level, the lowest point to which a river can erode its channel (usually sea level).
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37An 'Inselberg' is most closely associated with which landscape cycle?
Inselbergs are isolated rock hills or knobs that rise abruptly from a gently sloping or virtually level surrounding plain, typical in King's pediplanation cycle.
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38Polycyclic or Multi-cyclic landscapes result from:
A.Volcanic deposition only
B.Wind erosion
C.Multiple interruptions by uplift or climate change
D.A single uninterrupted period of erosion
Correct Answer: Multiple interruptions by uplift or climate change
Explanation:
Polycyclic landscapes show evidence of multiple cycles of erosion, often due to tectonic uplift or sea-level changes interrupting the previous cycle.
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39The term 'Panplain', suggesting a surface formed by lateral planation of rivers, was proposed by:
A.Davis
B.Crickmay
C.Strahler
D.Penck
Correct Answer: Crickmay
Explanation:
C.H. Crickmay critiqued Davis and proposed that lateral erosion (planation) by migrating rivers is the primary agent in flattening landscapes, forming a Panplain.
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40Which drainage pattern is likely to form on a dome or volcanic cone?
A.Trellis
B.Dendritic
C.Rectangular
D.Radial
Correct Answer: Radial
Explanation:
Radial drainage occurs when streams flow outward from a central high point, like a volcano or dome.
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41A 'Graben' is a feature associated with:
A.Tensional forces
B.Compressional forces
C.Shear forces
D.Glacial erosion
Correct Answer: Tensional forces
Explanation:
A Graben is a depressed block of the crust bordered by parallel faults, formed by tensional forces pulling the crust apart.
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42Which of the following is an example of an antecedent river?
A.A river that flows underground
B.A river that maintains its course despite the uplift of land across its path
C.A river that changes course frequently
D.A river formed after the landscape was uplifted
Correct Answer: A river that maintains its course despite the uplift of land across its path
Explanation:
Antecedent rivers existed before the uplift of the structure they cross and eroded vertically fast enough to maintain their course (e.g., the Indus crossing the Himalayas).
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43In the context of erosion surfaces, a 'Summit Accordance' often indicates:
A.Glacial deposition
B.Recent volcanic activity
C.Random erosion
D.A former extensive erosion surface (Peneplain) that has been dissected
Correct Answer: A former extensive erosion surface (Peneplain) that has been dissected
Explanation:
When mountain tops are at roughly the same elevation (accordant summits), it often suggests they are remnants of an uplifted ancient flat surface.
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44What is the specific term for the boundary between the crust and the mantle?
A.Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho)
B.Conrad Discontinuity
C.Gutenberg Discontinuity
D.Lehmann Discontinuity
Correct Answer: Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho)
Explanation:
The Moho is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle, defined by a distinct change in seismic wave velocity.
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45Lapilli and Volcanic Bombs are examples of:
A.Lava flows
B.Tephra / Pyroclasts
C.Chemical precipitates
D.Intrusive rocks
Correct Answer: Tephra / Pyroclasts
Explanation:
These are airborne fragments ejected during an eruption. Lapilli are pebble-sized, while bombs are larger.
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46The 'Ring of Fire' is located around which ocean?
A.Arctic Ocean
B.Pacific Ocean
C.Indian Ocean
D.Atlantic Ocean
Correct Answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation:
The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped area around the Pacific Ocean basin where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
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47Which type of volcano has gentle slopes and is formed by low-viscosity basaltic lava?
A.Composite Cone
B.Lava Dome
C.Shield Volcano
D.Cinder Cone
Correct Answer: Shield Volcano
Explanation:
Shield volcanoes (like Mauna Loa) are broad and gently sloping because runny basaltic lava travels long distances before cooling.
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48In plate tectonics, what is a 'constructive margin'?
A.Where plates collide
B.Where plates slide past each other
C.Where plates are destroyed
D.Where plates move apart and new crust is formed
Correct Answer: Where plates move apart and new crust is formed
Explanation:
A constructive margin (divergent boundary) is where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.
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49The term 'Denudation' includes:
A.Only weathering
B.Volcanism and earthquakes
C.Only erosion
D.Weathering, mass wasting, and erosion
Correct Answer: Weathering, mass wasting, and erosion
Explanation:
Denudation is the long-term sum of processes that cause the wearing away of the Earth's surface, including weathering, mass movement, and erosion.
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50Exfoliation domes are primarily the result of which weathering process?
A.Carbonation
B.Pressure release (Unloading)
C.Frost action
D.Oxidation
Correct Answer: Pressure release (Unloading)
Explanation:
Exfoliation domes form when overlying rock is removed by erosion, reducing pressure and allowing the rock to expand and crack in sheets.