GCS Earth Science Unit A Test - Physical Geology

1. How do chemical and physical weathering

contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

5. The following diagram represents the rock cycle:

A. Physical and chemical weathering create

sediment which is later buried and
compacted into sedimentary rocks
B. Physical and chemical weathering move
sediment from one location to another to
be deposited
C. Physical and chemical weathering provide
extreme pressure to sediments which
compact it into sedimentary rocks
D. Physical and chemical weathering deposit
sediments in a specific location where
they are compacted into sedimentary
rocks
2. Which of the following features is correctly paired
with the rock that it is associated with?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Foliation Sedimentary Rock

Bedding Metamorphic Rock
Foliation Metamorphic Rock
Bedding Igneous Rock

3. Heat energy is most closely associated with the

creation of which types of rocks?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Igneous and Sedimentary

Sedimentary and Metamorphic
Igneous and Metamorphic
Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic

4. When a sedimentary rock undergoes extreme heat

and pressure what kind of rock does it turn into?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Extrusive Igneous Rock
Sedimentary Rock
Metamorphic Rock

8. Which of the following soil particles is the largest?

Which
type of rock is represented by Rock Type 1?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Extrusive Igneous Rock
Sedimentary Rock
Metamorphic Rock

6. Soil is the result of which of the following

processes?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Erosion by glaciers
Weathering and biologic activity
Erosion by running water
Deposition and human activity

7. Humus which is the remains of decayed plant and

animal matter is essential for the formation of which
substance?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Minerals
Sediments
Soils
Surface Bedrocks

13. The following diagram represents a soil profile:

GCS Earth Science Unit A Test - Physical Geology

A.
B.
C.
D.

Sand
Silt
Clay
Loam

9. Which of the following is most likely to contribute

to chemical weathering?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Water
Wind
Acid
Ice

10. How can water be an agent for physical

weathering?
A. By absorbing gases from the atmosphere
and ground to chemically react with
minerals
B. By seeping into the soil and dissolving
minerals in rocks
C. By absorbing sulfur dioxide and creating
acid precipitation
D. By seeping into the cracks of rocks and
freezing
11. Which of the following conditions will most likely
result in the fastest rate of chemical weathering?
A.
B.
C.
D.

High temperature and high humidity

High temperature and low humidity
Low temperature and high humidity
Low temperature and low humidity

12. Which of the following landforms is most likely to

be created by wind erosion?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Mountain ranges
Rift valleys
Sand dunes at beaches
Sinkholes

Which of the following statements is true about the

above soil profile?
A. Horizon X contains the most humus while
Horizon Y contains the most parent
material
B. Horizon Y contains the most humus while
Horizon X contains the most parent
material
C. Horizon Z contains the most humus while
Horizon Y contains the most parent
material
D. Horizon X contains the most humus while
Horizon Z contains the most parent
material
14. Which of the following types of erosion can wear
away mountains such as the Appalachians slowly
over hundreds of millions of years?
A.
B.
C.
D.

15. How is physical weathering different from

chemical weathering?

Water
Ice
Wind
Gravity

19. Which of the following precautions should be

taken to mitigate for sinkhole damage?

GCS Earth Science Unit A Test - Physical Geology

A. Physical weathering changes the
composition of the rock while chemical
does not
B. Physical weathering only acts on
sedimentary rocks while chemical
weathering only acts on igneous rocks
C. Physical weathering only occurs in warm
climates while chemical weathering only
occurs in cool climates
D. Chemical weathering changes the
composition of the rock while physical
does not

A. Build flood channels to divert ocean water

B. Replant Trees
C. Annually inspecting bedrock to ensure
there is no water
D. Securing items in the house
20. Which of the following geohazards is the least
likely to occur in North Carolina?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Flood
Landslide
Tsunami
Sinkhole

16. Which of the following geohazards are people

living in Wilmington, NC most likely going to
experience?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Landslide
Earthquake
Sinkhole
Flood

17. A family wishes to build a house in an area where

the risk of earthquake damage is low. Where would
be the worst place for them to build their house?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Near a plate boundary

Near the coast
In the Appalachian Mountains
In the Piedmont

18. The city of Tokyo, Japan invests millions of

dollars to preserve sand dunes on beaches, build
seawalls, and design trenches to divert seawater.
What geohazard are they preparing for?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Question

Earthquake
Sinkhole
Landslide
Tsunami

Correct Answer

Standard

GCS Earth Science Unit A Test - Physical Geology

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