Geology Chapter: Stress and Rock Response

Questions and Answers

Stress is the adjustment a rock makes when it is subjected to a strain.

False

In general, rocks are better able to handle compressional stress than tensional stress.

True

In general, an arch-shaped fold in sedimentary rock layers is called an aniline.

True

What is the name given to the force which tends to pull rocks apart?

tensional stress Signup and view all the answers

The way a given rock responds to a stress depends on what factors?

its temperature, how slowly or quickly the stress is applied, the confining pressure on the rock Signup and view all the answers

A rock that experiences plastic strain in response to stress:

cannot return to its original shape when the stress is relieved Signup and view all the answers

The chief difference between a joint and a fault is that:

joining involves breaking without relative displacement Signup and view all the answers

When the hanging wall slips downward toward the foot wall, the fault is called:

normal Signup and view all the answers

Compared to an earthquake of magnitude 5, an earthquake of magnitude 7:

produces 100 times as much ground movement Signup and view all the answers

The Sierra Nevada in California is a classic example of:

faulting and upthrust Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress and Rock Response

Stress refers to how rocks adjust under strain, but it is not inherently true that rocks can always handle stress well.
Rocks generally respond better to compressional stress compared to tensional stress.

Types of Folds and Forces

An arch-shaped fold in sedimentary rock layers is termed an "antcline."
Tensional stress is the specific force that pulls rocks apart.

Rock Response Variables

A rock's response to stress is influenced by temperature, the rate at which stress is applied, and the confining pressure exerted on it.
Rocks experiencing plastic strain cannot revert to their original shape after stress release.

Joints vs. Faults

The main distinction between a joint and a fault is that joints involve fractures without relative movement, while faults involve displacement.

Fault Types

A normal fault occurs when the hanging wall descends relative to the foot wall.

Earthquake Magnitudes

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7 results in 100 times more ground movement than one with a magnitude of 5.

Geological Features

The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California exemplifies geological features resulting from faulting and upthrusting.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of geology with this quiz focusing on how rocks respond to stress and the various types of folds and faults. Test your understanding of key concepts such as compressional and tensional stress, as well as the impact of temperature and pressure on rock behavior. Learn to differentiate between joints and faults while examining earthquake magnitudes.