Geology 101 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How do flood basalts form?

Flood basalts form as a result of an eruption above a mantle plume.

Which of the following islands is the oldest in Hawaii?

Kaua'i

From where do scientists think that mantle plumes originate?

Shallow locations within the mantle; the outer core-mantle boundary

What are hot spots best described as?

Localized areas of volcanic activity not associated with plate boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Hawaiian Islands form in the Pacific Ocean?

Magma generated from a hot spot burned through the overlying plate to create volcanoes. Signup and view all the answers

Which materials in Hawaii's lava help keep it fluid for longer?

Iron and magnesium Signup and view all the answers

Which of Hawaii's five volcanoes are still considered active?

Mauna Loa and Kilauea Signup and view all the answers

What has the single most immediate effect on lava's ability to solidify?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

In what direction was the tectonic plate moving based on the ages of volcanic islands?

Toward the West Signup and view all the answers

What is piled up along the cone of SP Crater that causes it to be steep?

Cinders Signup and view all the answers

What causes vesicles to form in lava?

Trapped gas bubbles Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aa lava and pahoehoe lava?

Aa lava has a prickly texture; pahoehoe has a smooth, ropy texture. Signup and view all the answers

How do cinder cones differ from composite and shield volcanoes?

Cinder cones are smaller than composite and shield volcanoes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is NOT true about andesite and basalt?

Basaltic lava is thicker than andesitic lava. Signup and view all the answers

What geologic process is related to caldera formation?

Volcanism Signup and view all the answers

How do calderas form?

Calderas form when the summit of a volcano collapses. Signup and view all the answers

What lies underneath volcanic features at Earth's surface?

Magma chambers and volcanic conduits Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a dike and a sill?

A dike intrudes across sedimentary layers, and a sill intrudes between sedimentary layers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a volcanic conduit called after solidification and erosion?

Volcanic neck Signup and view all the answers

Why are volcanic rocks often exposed as hills, ridges, and mountains?

Volcanic rocks often create elevated landforms due to the layering and solidification processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a magma chamber called after solidification and erosion?

A batholith Signup and view all the answers

What is a mantle plume?

Hot mantle rock rising from deep within the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of metamorphic texture results in the segregation of light and dark mineral bands?

Gneissic texture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a temperature associated with metamorphism?

400 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Flood Basalts and Volcanoes

Flood basalts are formed by eruptions that occur above a mantle plume.
Kilauea is an active volcano located on the island of Hawaii, with Kaua'i being the oldest island in the chain.
Mantle plumes are believed to originate from shallow regions within the mantle and the outer core-mantle boundary.
Hot spots represent localized volcanic activity that is independent of tectonic plate boundaries.

Formation of Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands were created when magma from a hot spot penetrated the overlying plate, resulting in volcanic formations.
The lava in Hawaii stays fluid longer due to the presence of iron and magnesium, which allows for extensive lava flows.

Volcano Activity

Among Hawaii’s five volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea are currently active.
The ability of lava to solidify is immediately impacted by its temperature.

Direction of Plate Movement

The tectonic plate forming the volcanic islands moved toward the west, as indicated by the ages of the islands.

Cinders and Lava Characteristics

Cinders accumulate along the cone of SP Crater, contributing to its steepness.
Vesicles in lava are formed by trapped gas bubbles during the eruption.

Types of Lava

Aa lava has a rough, prickly texture, while pahoehoe lava features a smooth, ropy texture.
Cinder cones are notably smaller than composite and shield volcanoes.

Characteristics of Lava Types

It is a misconception that basaltic lava is thicker than andesitic lava; in fact, the reverse is true.

Geologic Processes

The process of volcanism is linked to the formation of calderas, which occur when a volcano's summit collapses.
Beneath volcanic surfaces lie magma chambers and volcanic conduits.

Intrusions and Their Characteristics

A dike intrudes sedimentary layers perpendicularly; a sill intrudes parallel to sedimentary layers.
Volcanic conduits that have solidified and been eroded expose what is referred to as a volcanic neck.

Erosion and Surface Features

Volcanic rocks often appear as hills, ridges, and mountains due to erosion, which exposes these features above lower-lying terrain.

Magma and Rock Formation

A batholith is the term for a solidified magma chamber that has been revealed through erosion.
Mantle plumes refer to hot rock rising from deep within the Earth.

Metamorphism

Gneissic texture is a metamorphic texture that leads to the segregation of light and dark mineral bands.
A temperature of 400 degrees Celsius is recognized as significant in the process of metamorphism.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the basics of geology with these flashcards. Explore concepts such as flood basalts, volcanic islands, and mantle plumes. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of geological processes.