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Questions and Answers
What type of rock is formed by the solidification of molten magma at or below the Earth's surface?
What type of rock is formed by the solidification of molten magma at or below the Earth's surface?
- Extrusive Igneous Rock
- Intrusive Igneous Rock (correct)
- Metamorphic Rock
- Sedimentary Rock
Which process is responsible for converting sediments into sedimentary rock?
Which process is responsible for converting sediments into sedimentary rock?
- Weathering
- Erosion
- Fossilization
- Lithification (correct)
What is the main characteristic of residual soil?
What is the main characteristic of residual soil?
- Soil transported by wind or water
- Soil formed from volcanic ash
- Soil with no parent material
- Soil developed from weathering of bedrock below (correct)
Which of the following is NOT a type of weathering?
Which of the following is NOT a type of weathering?
What is the diameter range for sand particles?
What is the diameter range for sand particles?
What type of rocks are formed from the re-crystallization of existing rocks due to temperature and pressure?
What type of rocks are formed from the re-crystallization of existing rocks due to temperature and pressure?
What is the largest size category for fragmented rocks?
What is the largest size category for fragmented rocks?
The breakdown of rock and minerals into smaller particles through mechanical stress is termed what?
The breakdown of rock and minerals into smaller particles through mechanical stress is termed what?
What process describes the slow viscous movement and rearrangement within a rock mass due to external pressure?
What process describes the slow viscous movement and rearrangement within a rock mass due to external pressure?
Which of the following is NOT a factor in mechanical weathering?
Which of the following is NOT a factor in mechanical weathering?
Which process results in the decomposition of rocks due to the interaction of minerals with water and other chemicals?
Which process results in the decomposition of rocks due to the interaction of minerals with water and other chemicals?
What is the primary result of mechanical weathering?
What is the primary result of mechanical weathering?
Which type of weathering is characterized by reactions that take place without oxygen?
Which type of weathering is characterized by reactions that take place without oxygen?
What effect does acid rain have on rock materials?
What effect does acid rain have on rock materials?
Which of the following is a factor influencing the rate of chemical weathering?
Which of the following is a factor influencing the rate of chemical weathering?
What commonly occurs to iron-rich rocks when exposed to water and air?
What commonly occurs to iron-rich rocks when exposed to water and air?
What is the definition of soil from an engineering perspective?
What is the definition of soil from an engineering perspective?
Which of the following is NOT an example of sedimentary rock?
Which of the following is NOT an example of sedimentary rock?
What process leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
What process leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Which type of rock is formed through the alteration of existing rocks by heat and pressure?
Which type of rock is formed through the alteration of existing rocks by heat and pressure?
What characterizes igneous rocks formed by slow cooling of magma?
What characterizes igneous rocks formed by slow cooling of magma?
What is often considered a weakness that reduces the strength of large masses of rock?
What is often considered a weakness that reduces the strength of large masses of rock?
Which of the following describes regolith?
Which of the following describes regolith?
What causes the crystallinity and grain size variation in igneous rocks?
What causes the crystallinity and grain size variation in igneous rocks?
What are residual soils?
What are residual soils?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Horizon A in soil profiles?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Horizon A in soil profiles?
What is till in terms of ice-born deposits?
What is till in terms of ice-born deposits?
Which agents are responsible for the transportation and deposition of soils?
Which agents are responsible for the transportation and deposition of soils?
What defines Horizon C in a soil profile?
What defines Horizon C in a soil profile?
How do lacustrine deposits form?
How do lacustrine deposits form?
Which statement about soil profiles is true?
Which statement about soil profiles is true?
What is Horizon D in soil profiles primarily composed of?
What is Horizon D in soil profiles primarily composed of?
What is the primary difference between residual soils and transported soils?
What is the primary difference between residual soils and transported soils?
Which horizon in a soil profile is considered the topsoil?
Which horizon in a soil profile is considered the topsoil?
What is the primary characteristic of till?
What is the primary characteristic of till?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Horizon B in a soil profile?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Horizon B in a soil profile?
What is the primary composition of Horizon C in a soil profile?
What is the primary composition of Horizon C in a soil profile?
Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding the relationship between soils and weathering?
Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding the relationship between soils and weathering?
Which of these is a deposition agent that contributes to the formation of soils?
Which of these is a deposition agent that contributes to the formation of soils?
What is the primary characteristic of lacustrine deposits?
What is the primary characteristic of lacustrine deposits?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of 'regolith'?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of 'regolith'?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes igneous rocks formed through 'intrusion' from those formed through 'extrusion'?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes igneous rocks formed through 'intrusion' from those formed through 'extrusion'?
Which of the following processes is NOT directly involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Which of the following processes is NOT directly involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
What is the key difference between the engineering definition of soil and the geological definition of rock?
What is the key difference between the engineering definition of soil and the geological definition of rock?
Which of the following examples represents a weakness that reduces the strength of a large mass of rock?
Which of the following examples represents a weakness that reduces the strength of a large mass of rock?
What is the primary driving force behind the transformation of metamorphic rocks?
What is the primary driving force behind the transformation of metamorphic rocks?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of lithification?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of lithification?
What is the primary distinction between 'bedding planes' and 'joints' in geological terms?
What is the primary distinction between 'bedding planes' and 'joints' in geological terms?
What defines the term 'parent material' in soil formation?
What defines the term 'parent material' in soil formation?
What type of soil forms directly from the weathering of bedrock?
What type of soil forms directly from the weathering of bedrock?
Which type of rock is characterized by the process of lithification?
Which type of rock is characterized by the process of lithification?
Which process does mechanical weathering primarily depend on?
Which process does mechanical weathering primarily depend on?
What is a key factor that influences chemical weathering?
What is a key factor that influences chemical weathering?
Sand particles have a diameter that falls within which range?
Sand particles have a diameter that falls within which range?
Which type of weathering includes processes such as oxidation and carbonation?
Which type of weathering includes processes such as oxidation and carbonation?
What is the primary difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
What is the primary difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
How does acid rain contribute to soil formation?
How does acid rain contribute to soil formation?
Which of the following statements is correct regarding weathering processes?
Which of the following statements is correct regarding weathering processes?
What mineral particle size is classified as clay?
What mineral particle size is classified as clay?
What is the end result of mechanical weathering?
What is the end result of mechanical weathering?
Which type of rock can be formed from the re-crystallization of existing rocks?
Which type of rock can be formed from the re-crystallization of existing rocks?
Which statement best describes the weathering process?
Which statement best describes the weathering process?
What role does vegetation play in mechanical weathering?
What role does vegetation play in mechanical weathering?
What is the main consequence of mechanical weathering on rocks?
What is the main consequence of mechanical weathering on rocks?
Which of the following best describes chemical weathering?
Which of the following best describes chemical weathering?
What role does acid rain play in the weathering process?
What role does acid rain play in the weathering process?
Which factor is NOT a contributor to mechanical weathering?
Which factor is NOT a contributor to mechanical weathering?
Which process can lead to the alteration of iron-rich rocks?
Which process can lead to the alteration of iron-rich rocks?
How do temperature and fluids influence chemical weathering?
How do temperature and fluids influence chemical weathering?
Which of the following best describes sedimentary rocks?
Which of the following best describes sedimentary rocks?
What does the phrase 'all fragmented minerals at or near the earth’s surface' refer to?
What does the phrase 'all fragmented minerals at or near the earth’s surface' refer to?
What primarily distinguishes igneous rocks formed by slow cooling from those formed by fast cooling?
What primarily distinguishes igneous rocks formed by slow cooling from those formed by fast cooling?
Which of the following processes forms new minerals with different properties from the original rock?
Which of the following processes forms new minerals with different properties from the original rock?
How are metamorphic rocks primarily altered?
How are metamorphic rocks primarily altered?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the soil horizon known as Horizon A?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the soil horizon known as Horizon A?
What is the main role of regolith in soil formation?
What is the main role of regolith in soil formation?
Which process results in the crystallization of minerals within igneous rocks?
Which process results in the crystallization of minerals within igneous rocks?
What is the primary characteristic of sedimentary rock formation?
What is the primary characteristic of sedimentary rock formation?
Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between rock and soil?
Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between rock and soil?
What are residual soils primarily characterized by?
What are residual soils primarily characterized by?
Which horizon in a soil profile is responsible for the majority of plant nutrient uptake?
Which horizon in a soil profile is responsible for the majority of plant nutrient uptake?
What distinguishes alluvial deposits from other types of soil deposits?
What distinguishes alluvial deposits from other types of soil deposits?
Which type of deposit is referred to as till?
Which type of deposit is referred to as till?
What is primarily found in Horizon B of a soil profile?
What is primarily found in Horizon B of a soil profile?
How are lacustrine deposits primarily formed?
How are lacustrine deposits primarily formed?
What is a main characteristic of transported soils?
What is a main characteristic of transported soils?
Which factor does NOT influence the formation of soil profiles?
Which factor does NOT influence the formation of soil profiles?
What is the primary distinction between 'intrusive' and 'extrusive' igneous rocks?
What is the primary distinction between 'intrusive' and 'extrusive' igneous rocks?
Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes sedimentary rocks from other rock types?
Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes sedimentary rocks from other rock types?
What is the primary mechanism that contributes to the formation of residual soils?
What is the primary mechanism that contributes to the formation of residual soils?
Which of the following BEST describes the process of lithification?
Which of the following BEST describes the process of lithification?
What is the primary factor that determines the size range of particles in different soil horizons?
What is the primary factor that determines the size range of particles in different soil horizons?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between soil profiles and the process of weathering?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between soil profiles and the process of weathering?
In which of the following ways does the engineering definition of 'soil' differ significantly from the geological definition of 'rock'?
In which of the following ways does the engineering definition of 'soil' differ significantly from the geological definition of 'rock'?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes transported soils from residual soils?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes transported soils from residual soils?
Flashcards
Igneous Rock
Igneous Rock
Rocks formed by the solidification of molten magma either beneath (intrusive igneous rock) or at (extrusive igneous rocks) the Earth’s surface.
Metamorphic Rock
Metamorphic Rock
Rocks formed from the re-crystallization of igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks through pressure increase, temperature rise, or chemical alteration.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary Rock
Rocks formed by the deposition, alteration and/or compression, and lithification of weathered rock debris, chemical precipitates, or organic sediments
Parent Material
Parent Material
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Physical Weathering
Physical Weathering
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Chemical Weathering
Chemical Weathering
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Residual Soil
Residual Soil
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Lithification
Lithification
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Soil Horizon
Soil Horizon
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Soil (Engineering Definition)
Soil (Engineering Definition)
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Rock (Geological Definition)
Rock (Geological Definition)
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Igneous Rock Formation
Igneous Rock Formation
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Igneous Rock Crystal Size
Igneous Rock Crystal Size
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Sedimentary Rock Formation
Sedimentary Rock Formation
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Metamorphic Rock Formation
Metamorphic Rock Formation
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Plastic Flow in Metamorphism
Plastic Flow in Metamorphism
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The rock cycle
The rock cycle
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Mechanical Weathering
Mechanical Weathering
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Oxidation
Oxidation
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Acid Rain
Acid Rain
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Plastic flow
Plastic flow
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Transported Soil
Transported Soil
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Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis
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Alluvial Deposit
Alluvial Deposit
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Lacustrine Deposit
Lacustrine Deposit
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Till
Till
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Horizon A (Topsoil)
Horizon A (Topsoil)
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Horizon B (Subsoil)
Horizon B (Subsoil)
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Horizon A - Topsoil
Horizon A - Topsoil
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Horizon B - Subsoil
Horizon B - Subsoil
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Plastic Flow (rock)
Plastic Flow (rock)
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Oxidation (rock weathering)
Oxidation (rock weathering)
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Acid Rain (rock weathering)
Acid Rain (rock weathering)
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Parent Material (soil)
Parent Material (soil)
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Horizon C
Horizon C
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Weathering
Weathering
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Oxidation (Weathering)
Oxidation (Weathering)
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Acid Rain (Weathering)
Acid Rain (Weathering)
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Hydrolysis (Soil)
Hydrolysis (Soil)
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Study Notes
Unit 1: Soil and Rock of the Earth
- This unit covers fundamental geo-environmental concepts related to soil and rocks.
Introduction
Rocks
- Igneous rocks form from the solidification of molten magma.
- Sedimentary rocks form from the deposition, alteration, and lithification of weathered rock, chemical precipitates, or organic sediments.
- Metamorphic rocks are formed from the re-crystallization of igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks influenced by pressure, temperature, or chemical change.
- Rocks are strongest when newly formed, weakening over time due to weathering forces.
Soils
- Soils form through the weathering of rocks.
- In-situ residual soils form directly from the weathering of the bedrock below.
- Transported soils are moved and deposited by wind, ice, or water.
Definitions
- Igneous Rock: Formed by the solidification of molten magma, either intrusive or extrusive.
- Metamorphic Rock: Recrystallization of igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks due to pressure, temperature, or chemical changes.
- Sedimentary Rock: Formation from the deposition, alteration, and lithification of weathered rock, chemical precipitates, or organic sediments.
- Parent Material: The mineral material a soil forms from.
- Physical Weathering: Breakdown of rock into smaller particles through mechanical stress.
- Chemical Weathering: Breakdown of rock and minerals into smaller particles through chemical decomposition.
- Residual Soil: Soil formed directly from the weathering of the bedrock below.
- Lithification: The process of converting sediments into sedimentary rock through compaction and/or cementation.
- Boulders: Large fragmented rock with a diameter greater than 256 mm.
- Sand: Mineral particles with diameters between 0.075 mm and 4.75 mm.
- Silt: Mineral particles with diameters between 0.002 mm and 0.075 mm.
- Clay: Mineral particles with diameters less than 0.002 mm
- Soil Profile: A vertical section of soil through its horizons, into the parent material.
- Soil Horizon: A layer of soil with differing properties from adjacent layers above or below.
- Alluvial Deposits: Soil deposited by rivers.
- Lacustrine Deposits: Silt and clay deposited in still water environments (lakes)
- Till: Unsorted mixture of clay, silt, sand, and gravel/boulders, often deposited by glaciers.
Definition of Soil and Rock
- Soil (in engineering terms): fragmented minerals, air, water, organic matter, and unconsolidated sediments that result from rock disintegration, occurring at or near the Earth's surface.
- Rock (in geological terms): naturally formed, consolidated aggregate of mineral matter that makes up part of the Earth's crust, including bedrock and regolith (rock fragments).
- Surfaces/weaknesses in rocks (bedding planes, joints, faults, shears) reduce the strength of large rock masses.
Geological Classification of Rock
Igneous Rocks
- Formed from the solidification of molten material.
- Formed by intrusion (at depth within the Earth's crust) or extrusion (at the Earth's surface).
- Cooling rate affects crystal size (fast = small crystals, slow = large crystals).
Sedimentary Rocks
- Formed by the lithification (compaction and cementation) of sedimentary soils.
- Sediments are deposited in water environments, compressed over time, with water carrying minerals to cement the sediments.
- Examples include limestone, sandstone, shale, and mudstone.
Metamorphic Rocks
- Originally igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks that have been altered by intense heat and/or pressure, causing plastic flow (slow viscous movement) and rearrangement within the rock mass.
Rock Cycle in Earth's Crust
- A cyclic process involving the transformation of rocks from one type to another through geological processes like melting, solidification, weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.
- Any rock can become any other type of rock.
Formation of Soils
- Soils form through weathering (physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks).
- Mechanical Weathering: Breakdown by physical forces like wind, rain, running water, ice (freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion), glaciers, natural events (erosion), animal activity, impacts.
- Material maintains same composition as original bedrock
- Chemical Weathering: Breakdown through chemical reactions in the rock material (oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, organic acids) due to exposure to the atmosphere, temperature, water/other fluids, climate, topography, drainage, vegetation, influencing rates of chemical weathering.
- Forms new minerals & changes the composition of the original parent rock
- Residual soils are formed in place; transported soils are deposited elsewhere.
- Important agents for soil transportation/deposition include gravity, wind, water, and glaciers.
- Ongoing process (hundreds to thousands of years).
Soil Profiles and Horizons
- Soil profiles are vertical sections through soil layers (horizons).
- Soil transitions can be gradual or abrupt.
- Mineral soils (3 major horizons): A, B, C.
- Soil profile extends to the parent rock.
Horizons
- Horizon A (topsoil): Organic matter, dark colored, small clay particles.
- Horizon B (subsoil): Enriched with clay, oxides, carbonates (color varies).
- Horizon C (substratum): Weathered parent material.
- Horizon D (bedrock): Unweathered (parent) material.
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Description
This quiz covers fundamental concepts of geo-environmental science, focusing on the formation and classification of rocks and soils. Participants will explore igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, as well as the processes that create various soil types. Test your knowledge of these essential earth materials.
