BMST - Basic Math and Science Earth's Geological Cycles Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the approximate age of Earth based on radiometric dating?
- 1.5 billion years
- 2.5 billion years
- 4.5 billion years (Correct answer)
- 6.5 billion years
Correct answer: 4.5 billion years
Radiometric dating of meteorites and the oldest Earth rocks places Earth's age at approximately 4.5 billion years.
Question 2: Which process in the rock cycle occurs when sediments are compressed and cemented together over time?
- Melting
- Lithification (Correct answer)
- Metamorphism
- Erosion
Correct answer: Lithification
Lithification is the process by which loose sediments are compacted under pressure and cemented by minerals to form sedimentary rock.
Question 3: At a convergent boundary where two continental plates collide, what geological feature typically forms?
- Ocean trench
- Mid-ocean ridge
- Mountain range (Correct answer)
- Volcanic island arc
Correct answer: Mountain range
When two continental plates collide at a convergent boundary, neither subducts easily, so the crust crumples and folds upward to form mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Question 4: What is the primary source of energy that drives the water cycle on Earth?
- Geothermal energy from Earth's core
- Solar energy from the Sun (Correct answer)
- Wind energy from Earth's rotation
- Gravitational energy from the Moon
Correct answer: Solar energy from the Sun
The Sun's energy drives the water cycle by heating water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing evaporation that lifts water vapor into the atmosphere.
Question 5: Which type of seismic wave travels only along Earth's surface and causes the most damage during an earthquake?
- P-waves (primary waves)
- S-waves (secondary waves)
- Surface waves (Correct answer)
- Compression waves
Correct answer: Surface waves
Surface waves travel along Earth's surface and produce the rolling or shaking motion that causes the most structural damage during earthquakes.
Question 6: What is the name of the geological cycle that describes how carbon moves between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms?
- Hydrological cycle
- Nitrogen cycle
- Carbon cycle (Correct answer)
- Phosphorus cycle
Correct answer: Carbon cycle
The carbon cycle tracks how carbon atoms move through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and oceanic processes.
Question 7: What is the term for the gradual wearing away and transport of rock and soil by water, wind, or ice?
- Deposition
- Erosion (Correct answer)
- Compaction
- Cementation
Correct answer: Erosion
Erosion is the process by which agents like water, wind, and glaciers detach and transport rock and soil from one location to another.
BMST - Basic Math and Science Earth's Geological Cycles Questions and Answers 5
What is the approximate age of Earth based on radiometric dating?