Introduction to Geology
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What processes contributed to the alteration of original rocks into metamorphic rocks in Ethiopia?

  • Volcanic eruptions and sedimentation
  • Chemical reactions and biological activity
  • Weathering and erosion
  • Pressure, heat, and earth movements (correct)
  • Which areas in Ethiopia predominantly expose Precambrian rocks?

  • Northern, southern, eastern regions (correct)
  • Only the western region
  • Coastal and southern regions
  • Desert and mountainous regions
  • What was the dominant geological process during the Paleozoic Era?

  • Volcanism
  • Sedimentation
  • Denudation (correct)
  • Metamorphism
  • What geological feature was formed at the end of the Paleozoic Era due to denudation?

    <p>Peneplained surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Mesozoic Era, what type of geological activity predominated?

    <p>Epeirogenesis and land subsidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary impact of the sea during the late Triassic period in the Mesozoic Era?

    <p>Invasion of land by the sea (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which rock types are predominantly found beneath the surface rocks in Ethiopia?

    <p>Crystalline rocks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological event characterized the transition between the end of Precambrian and the Paleozoic Eras?

    <p>Orogeny and subsequent denudation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which geological feature was formed due to the uplifting of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass?

    <p>Ethiopian plateau surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of geologic activity mainly characterizes the Cenozoic Era?

    <p>Tectonic and volcanic activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which epoch did the greatest uplift of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass occur?

    <p>Eocene (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the thickness of the volcanic rocks formed on the Ethiopian plateau?

    <p>More than 1,000 meters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the nature of the tectonic force responsible for the uplift of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass?

    <p>Epeirogenic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is referred to as Trappean lava?

    <p>Basalt that was formed due to volcanic eruptions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following regions predominantly contains old marine sediments?

    <p>Southeast lowlands (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant geologic feature is associated with the outpouring of basalt during the Cenozoic Era?

    <p>Creation of the Ethiopian plateau (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological feature is primarily formed as a result of tensional forces in the Earth's crust?

    <p>Rift Valleys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which geological epochs did the major rifting of the African Rift System take place?

    <p>Miocene and late Oligocene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The connection between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden was a result of which geological event?

    <p>Rifting and faulting of the land bridge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the predominant surface feature of the Ethiopian plateau where it is not dissected by erosion?

    <p>Flat and nearly horizontal surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon resulted in the accumulation of thick saline materials in the Red Sea area?

    <p>Evaporation of water from an isolated extension of the sea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate distance that the Great East African Rift extends?

    <p>7,200 kilometers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tectonic activity contributed to the formation of parallel fractures in the Earth's crust?

    <p>Tensional forces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area represents the widest part of the Rift Valley?

    <p>Afar Triangle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological formations were primarily laid down during the Mesozoic Era in Ethiopia?

    <p>Adigrat sandstone, Hintalo limestone, Upper Sandstone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary materials deposited as the depth of the sea increased?

    <p>Mud, Gypsum, and Lime (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Adigrat sandstone and Hintalo limestone formations change from southeast to northwest in Ethiopia?

    <p>Younger and thicker in the southeast, older and thinner in the northwest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes contributed to the sedimentation during the regression of the sea?

    <p>Deposition of clay, silt, and sand conglomerate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which geological layer is found above the Hintalo limestone?

    <p>Upper sandstone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the land mass of Ethiopia is covered by Mesozoic sedimentary rocks?

    <p>25% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of marine environment is associated with the deposition of lime during the Mesozoic Era?

    <p>Flourishing marine life with decaying remains (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological factors caused variations in the age and thickness of the sandstone layers in Ethiopia?

    <p>Tilting of the landmass and the direction of the sea's advance and retreat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral occurrence is found in the Western and South-western-greenstone belt?

    <p>Akobo platinum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a site in the Southern greenstone belt?

    <p>Moyale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mineral found in the Northern greenstone belt (Tigray)?

    <p>Iron deposits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of raw material is Mesozoic limestone used for?

    <p>Cement and chalk production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following mineral occurrences is associated with the Southern greenstone belt?

    <p>Columbo-tantalite from Kenticha (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which volcano is considered the most active in Ethiopia?

    <p>Erta Ale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major climatic change occurred during the Quaternary period?

    <p>Alternation of warmer and cooler periods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes lacustrine deposits?

    <p>Deposits on former lakebeds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of deposits are formed on the banks of rivers and flood plains?

    <p>Fluvial deposits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event is associated with the 'Pluvial Rains' in Africa?

    <p>Formation of numerous lakes and marshy areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which areas in Ethiopia are primarily rich in Quaternary deposits?

    <p>Rift Valley and lakes region (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological features were formed due to the excessive surface flow from the Pluvial Rains?

    <p>Deep lakes and marshes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which geological era did the Quaternary period occur?

    <p>Cenozoic Era (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Precambrian Era Rocks in Ethiopia

    The oldest rocks in Ethiopia, found beneath other rocks, and subjected to pressure, heat, and earth movements. These are altered, metamorphic rocks.

    Precambrian Orogeny

    The mountain-building process during the Precambrian Era, which resulted in gigantic mountain ranges in Ethiopia that eroded over time.

    Paleozoic Era Geologic Process

    The major geologic process of the Paleozoic Era was denudation, the wearing down of mountains from the Precambrian orogeny.

    Paleozoic Era Rocks in Ethiopia

    Rarely found because of the limited deposition of sediments in Ethiopia during this era.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic Era

    A time period (225-70 million years ago) in Earth's history characterized by alternating landmass rising and sinking (epeirogenesis), affecting the Horn of Africa.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic Era Landmass Changes

    The landmass tilted eastward during the Mesozoic Era, leading to lower areas in the southeast and higher areas in the northwest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic Sea Invasions

    The Mesozoic Era saw sea invasions of the land in the Horn of Africa, beginning from Somalia and gradually spreading northwestward during the Triassic and Jurassic periods.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Crystalline Rocks

    Rocks formed through the processes of pressure, heat, earth movements, and intrusive igneous activity. Minerals and crystals may be found in them.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic Sedimentary Formation

    Three major sedimentary formations (Adigrat sandstone, Hintalo limestone, and Upper sandstone) laid upon Precambrian rock in Ethiopia during the Mesozoic Era.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Adigrat Sandstone

    A sandstone layer, part of the Mesozoic sedimentary formations, older and thicker in the southeast, progressively decreasing in age and thickness northwestward.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hintalo Limestone

    A limestone layer, part of the Mesozoic sedimentary formations, formed from marine life remains.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Upper Sandstone

    The uppermost layer of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in Ethiopia; thicker and younger (Upper Cretaceous) in the Southeast and thinner and older in the Northwest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Transgression and Regression

    The movement of the sea towards (transgression) and away from (regression) the landmass, affecting the age and thickness of rock layers in a regional context.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sedimentation in Mesozoic Era

    The process of deposition of different sediments including sands, lime, mud, gypsum, and shale in the Mesozoic Era, shaping the sedimentary formations in the Horn of Africa and Ethiopia.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic rock extent

    25% of Ethiopia's land mass is covered by Mesozoic sedimentary rock.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mesozoic rock variation

    The age and thickness of Mesozoic sandstone layers vary across Ethiopia in a Southeast - Northwest direction due to tilting of the land and sea movement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Arabo-Ethiopian Landmass Uplift

    The slow rise of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass, beginning in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, with a major uplift during the Eocene epoch, reaching a maximum height of 2,000 meters.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Epeirogenic Uplift

    A widespread, gentle upward movement of the landmass, like a huge bulge.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ethiopian Plateau Surface Formation

    The Ethiopian Plateau surface was formed by a massive outpouring of lava from volcanic activity during the Cenozoic Era, covering ancient sediments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Trappean Lava

    A type of lava flow that forms large, flat, layered formations of basalt, like a giant staircase.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ethiopian Rift Valley Formation

    The Rift Valley was formed as a result of the intense tectonic forces that caused the uplifting of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Volcanic Mountains

    Where lava erupted through vents, it piled up to form towering volcanic mountains.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Quaternary Volcanism

    Volcanic activity continuing throughout the Quaternary period, forming volcanic mountains and deposits on the Ethiopian Plateau.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ethiopian Plateau

    A large, flat, and nearly horizontal landmass in Ethiopia, formed by ancient Precambrian surfaces, Mesozoic sediment deposition, and volcanic lava flows.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Plate Tectonics

    A theory explaining the movement of Earth's crustal plates, which causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of features like the Rift Valley.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Rift Valley Formation

    Created by tensional forces causing fractures in Earth's crust, leading to the landmass collapsing and forming a depression.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ethiopian Rift Valley

    A part of the larger East African Rift Valley, extending from Palestine-Jordan to Malawi-Mozambique.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Afar Triangle

    The widest part of the Ethiopian Rift Valley, located in the Afar region.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Red Sea Formation

    Formed by rifting and faulting, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Afar Depression

    A down-faulted area filled with Red Sea water, later isolated and evaporated, leaving saline materials.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Afar Block Mountains

    Uplifted mountains formed between the Red Sea and the Danakil Depression, from volcanic activity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Greenstone Belts

    Regions in Ethiopia with a high concentration of minerals, formed from ancient volcanic and metamorphic rocks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mineral Potential Sites

    Locations where minerals are likely to be found, based on geological formations and past discoveries.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ethiopian Greenstone Belts

    Three major greenstone belts in Ethiopia known for their mineral wealth: Western/South-western, Southern (Adola), and Northern (Tigray).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gold Deposits in Ethiopia

    Significant gold deposits are found in various locations in Ethiopia, particularly within the greenstone belts.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Other Minerals in Ethiopia

    Besides gold, Ethiopia has a diverse range of minerals including platinum, base metals (like copper and nickel), molybdenum, marble, and iron.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Quaternary Period

    The most recent geological period, characterized by alternating warmer and colder periods, known as the 'Ice Age' in high latitudes and 'Pluvial Rains' in Africa.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pluvial Rains

    Heavy rainfall that occurred in Africa during the Quaternary Period, impacting the Ethiopian landscape.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Eroded Materials

    The sediments carried away by rivers and deposited in Rift Valley lakes during the Quaternary Period's heavy rains.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lacustrine Deposits

    Sediments deposited in former lakebeds and swampy areas during the Quaternary Period's heavy rainfall.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Fluvial Deposits

    Sediments deposited along river banks and floodplains during the Quaternary Period.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Glacio-Fluvial Deposits

    Sediments deposited by melted glacial ice on high mountains, like the Bale and Kaka Mountains.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aeolian Deposits

    Sediments deposited by wind, carried and dropped in various locations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Coastal and Marine Deposits

    Sediments deposited in areas that were previously invaded by the sea.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Geology

    • Geology studies Earth's evolution, materials, and processes acting on them.
    • Key aspects involve understanding past events and features unseen on the surface.
    • Geological knowledge relies on inferred conclusions from observable surface features and measured data.
    • Methods such as geophysics, geochemistry, and geochronology are crucial.

    Geological Processes

    • Processes are grouped into internal (endogenic) and external (exogenic).
    • Endogenic: Volcanic activity, tectonic processes (folding, faulting, orogenesis).
    • Exogenic: Weathering, mass transfer, erosion, and deposition, modifying landforms.
    • Earth's landmass results from the combined action of endogenic and exogenic processes.

    Geological Time Scale

    • Measures Earth's history using four main units: epochs, periods, eras, and eons.
    • Epochs are the smallest, representing millions of years.
    • Periods group multiple epochs, and eras group multiple periods.
    • Eons are the largest units of geological time.
    • Geological time categories aren't uniform in length.
    • Time scale is largely based on life occurrences and evolution.

    Age Dating Techniques

    • Relative Dating uses fossil evidence and rock layering to determine comparative ages.
    • Absolute Dating relies on radioactive decay rates in rocks to determine precise ages.
    • Carbon-14 technique dates organic material.
    • Potassium-Argon technique is used for dating rocks.

    Precambrian Era

    • This era comprises the majority of Earth's history (4.5 - 600 million years ago).
    • Orogenesis is a key process that lead to mountain-building.
    • Extensive denudation following orogenesis leads to near-level rock surfaces.
    • Precambrian rocks in Ethiopia form the basement often covered by younger formations

    Paleozoic Era

    • Lasted about 375 million years from 600 million to 225 million years ago.
    • Main process was denudation, with vast mountain ranges reduced to flat surfaces.
    • Limited deposition in Ethiopia resulting in rare Paleozoic rocks

    Mesozoic Era

    • Lasted from 225 to 70 million years ago.
    • Alternating periods of land sinking and rising (epeirogenesis) affected the entire Horn of Africa.
    • Subsidence resulted in sea incursions and deposition of sedimentary rocks.
    • Sedimentary rocks of sand and lime were formed in Ethiopia, primarily in Tigray and other regions.

    Cenozoic Era

    • The most recent era, covering 70 million years to the present.
    • Notable uplift of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass, related to tectonic processes.
    • Formation of the Rift Valley associated with tectonic and volcanic activity.
    • Intense volcanism and faulting created significant structural features.
    • Recent volcanic eruptions and sedimentary deposition within the rift valley.

    Quaternary Period

    • Marked by climatic fluctuations(ice ages and wet periods).
    • Extensive erosion and river activity led to the transport and deposition of sediments in lakes.
    • Lacustrine deposits (lake deposits), fluvial deposits (river deposits) and aeolian deposits (wind deposits) are common
    • Recent volcanic occurrences associated with the rift valley formation are seen

    Ethiopian Mineral Resources

    • Mineral occurrences are linked to Precambrian rocks.
    • Gold, platinum, tantalum, and gemstones are important resources, often found in certain geologic formations.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Explore the fundamentals of geology, including Earth's evolution, materials, and the internal and external processes shaping the planet. Dive into the geological time scale and learn how different events in Earth's history are categorized. This quiz will test your understanding of key geological concepts and methods used in the field.

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser