Chapter 12 - Environmental Geology and Earth Resources
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The continental crust of the earth is _____________ while the oceanic crust is
_____________.
A.
similar in composition to the outer core; thicker and lighter than the continental crust
B.
thicker and lighter than the oceanic crust; similar in composition to the mantle
C.
similar in composition to the mantle; thicker and lighter than the continental crust
D.
similar in composition to the outer core; similar in composition to the mantle
2. ________ in the mantle and core make tectonic plates move.
A.
Conduction movements
B.
Earthquakes
C.
Radioactive decay
D.
Convection currents
E.
Concurrent currents
3. "Subduction" is the process of a tectonic plate
A.
falling freely into the mantle.
B.
being forced below another plate.
C.
melting without moving.
D.
sliding alongside another plate.
E.
being sucked into the outer core.
4. Which of the following statements regarding tectonics is true ?
A.
Because of tectonic movements, Europe and Africa are drifting slowly toward the
Americas.
B.
When continental plates collide with continental plates, both plates usually subside.
C.
When oceanic plates collide with continental plates, the continent usually rides up over the seafloor.
D.
Because of tectonic movements, the Pacific Ocean is slowly increasing in size.
E.
When oceanic plates collide with continental plates, the oceanic plate usually rides up over the continental plate.
5. The "ring of fire" is the source of more earthquakes and volcanic activity than any other place on earth. What causes the ring of fire?
A.
The subduction of Pacific plates under continental plates.
B.
The drift of Europe and Africa away from the Americas.
C.
The collision of two continental plates.
D.
Mid-oceanic ridges.
E.
The conduction currents in the hot magma.
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Chapter 12 - Environmental Geology and Earth Resources
6. Rocks are _______ in the process called the rock cycle.
A.
moved from place to place
B.
incorporated into living organisms
C.
broken down and re-formed
D.
cycled through the core and mantle
E.
cycled through the crust and core
7. Rocks are classified according to their
A.
chemical composition.
B.
physical properties.
C.
internal structure.
D.
mode of formation.
E.
All of these are used to classify rocks.
8. Rock formed from magma extruded to the surface through volcanic vents is classified as
A.
sedimentary.
B.
igneous.
C.
metamorphic.
D.
weathered rock.
E.
lava.
9. The physical breakdown of a rock into smaller pieces is called
A.
the rock cycle.
B.
sedimentation.
C.
chemical weathering.
D.
mechanical weathering.
E.
abrasion.
10. Metamorphic rocks are produced when rocks are
A.
chemically weathered.
B.
recrystallized by heat and pressure.
C.
physically broken down.
D.
melted in the mantle and recrystallized.
E.
recrystallized through chemical processes.
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Chapter 12 - Environmental Geology and Earth Resources
11. Why would the environmental degradation associated with mining be a low priority for a less-developed country?
A.
The country relies on the export of a mineral for the majority of their foreign exchange.
B.
Both consumers and producers depend on the minerals so much that environmental consequences are of less importance.
C.
Less-developed countries are more likely to import minerals so environmental degradation is not as important to them.
D.
The environmental impact of mining is low.
E.
Environmental degradation is usually not a priority for less-developed countries.
12. Placer mining causes environmental damage chiefly by
A.
destroying streambed habitats.
B.
clogging streams with silt.
C.
introducing toxic compounds to streams.
D.
smothering aquatic life.
E.
All of these are correct.
13. If metals are deposited in streambeds _____ would probably be used.
A.
placer mining
B.
strip mining
C.
underground mining
D.
spoil bank mining
E.
open-pit mining.
14. What gas is released in the process of smelting?
A.
carbon monoxide
B.
chlorine
C.
sulfur dioxide
D.
ammonia
E.
carbon dioxide
15. A giant sea swell known as a tsunami is caused by
A.
typhoons.
B.
earthquakes.
C.
lunar gravity.
D.
unusual tides combined with seasonal storms.
E.
a strong wave during an exceptionally high tide.
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Chapter 12 - Environmental Geology and Earth Resources
16. Pressurized fluid injected into a well is used in a mining process called
A.
fracking.
B.
heap-leach extraction.
C.
placer mining.
D.
injection molding.
17. Coal would be obtained through
A.
drilling a well.
B.
mountain-top removal.
C.
fracking.
D.
heap-leach extraction.
18. Which resource has the highest recycle rate?
A.
Iron
B.
Steel
C.
Tin
D.
Aluminum
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