Geology Test Study Guide
Test Date: ___Thursday February 12, 2015_____
Review the terms and concepts on this study guide. We have covered these concepts in class through
textbook reading and experiments and this guide should be a review.
Vocabulary
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Geology - The study of the Earth
Lava – Melted rock ABOVE the Earth’s surface
Magma - Melted rock BELOW the Earth’s surface
Weathering – The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth’s surface.
Water freezing is most responsible for the weathering of rocks
Erosion - The movement of Earth materials from one place to another
Soil – A mixture of many substances that may include sand, clay, dead plants, and dead animals
Fossils
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Evidence of ancient animals or plants found in a rock
Animal fossils are more plentiful than plant fossils because they contain hard parts such as
bones, teeth, and shells
By studying fossils, we can learn how the Earth’s environment has changed
A fossil would most likely be found in sedimentary rocks
Minerals
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Pure substances that make up rocks
Natural solids formed from Earth’s chemicals
Hardness of minerals is best found by scratching other objects
Hardness is measured on a scale of 1-10
Rock Cycle
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Rocks are identified by their physical properties including luster, hardness, color (streak), and
cleavage. The BEST way to identify a rock, however, is through hardness.
The rock cycle is the constant changing of rocks. This is caused by erosion, weathering, and the
forces of heat and pressure on rocks.
Igneous Rock
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Formed after magma/lava melts
Examples include Granite and Obsidian
Metamorphic Rock
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Formed from heat and pressure
Examples include marble, quartzite, gneiss
Sedimentary Rock
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Formed when pieces of rock (clay, pebbles, sand, dirt) become cemented together (usually at
the bottom of lake/ocean
Most common type of rock to contain fossils.
Examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale
Questions and Answers (Answers below)
1.) Where are earthquakes and volcanoes most likely to be found?
2.) A riverbed is the area at the bottom of a river. Why are the rocks and pebbles found on
riverbeds usually smooth?
3.) Water can sink into the ground and fill the open spaces, or pores, between soil particles. Based
on the results of our experiment, which of the soil samples in the picture above would hold, or
retain, the MOST amount of water?
4.) If 50 ml of water were poured into a beaker with a soil sample and 20 ml drained out, how much
water was the soil sample able to hold, or retain?
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
Answer: Along plate boundaries
Answer: The rocks and pebbles have been rubbed smooth by flowing water.
Answer: IV
Answer: 50-20 = 30 ml