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Oceanic Sediments and Sedimentary Processes

Description: This quiz covers various aspects of oceanic sediments and sedimentary processes, including their composition, formation, and significance in understanding Earth's history.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: oceanography sedimentology marine geology
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary source of terrigenous sediments in the ocean?

  1. Continental weathering and erosion

  2. Volcanic eruptions

  3. Hydrothermal vents

  4. Biological productivity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Terrigenous sediments are derived from the weathering and erosion of continental rocks and are transported to the ocean by rivers, wind, and glaciers.

Which type of sediment is composed primarily of the remains of marine organisms?

  1. Terrigenous sediment

  2. Biogenic sediment

  3. Hydrogenous sediment

  4. Cosmogenic sediment


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Biogenic sediments are formed from the accumulation of the hard parts of marine organisms, such as shells, tests, and bones.

What is the process by which dissolved minerals in seawater precipitate and form solid particles?

  1. Lithification

  2. Diagenesis

  3. Hydrogenesis

  4. Compaction


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hydrogenesis is the process by which dissolved minerals in seawater precipitate and form solid particles, contributing to the formation of hydrogenous sediments.

Which type of sediment is formed from extraterrestrial material, such as micrometeorites and cosmic dust?

  1. Terrigenous sediment

  2. Biogenic sediment

  3. Hydrogenous sediment

  4. Cosmogenic sediment


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Cosmogenic sediments are formed from extraterrestrial material, such as micrometeorites and cosmic dust, that enter the Earth's atmosphere and eventually settle on the ocean floor.

What is the process by which sediments are compacted and hardened into solid rock?

  1. Lithification

  2. Diagenesis

  3. Hydrogenesis

  4. Compaction


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lithification is the process by which sediments are compacted and hardened into solid rock through the action of pressure, temperature, and chemical reactions.

Which type of sedimentary structure is formed by the movement of water currents over the sediment surface?

  1. Ripple marks

  2. Mud cracks

  3. Cross-bedding

  4. Slump structures


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ripple marks are sedimentary structures formed by the movement of water currents over the sediment surface, creating small, wave-like features.

What is the term for the process by which sediments are chemically altered after deposition?

  1. Lithification

  2. Diagenesis

  3. Hydrogenesis

  4. Compaction


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Diagenesis refers to the chemical alteration of sediments after deposition, including processes such as cementation, dissolution, and replacement.

Which type of sedimentary structure is formed by the rapid deposition of sediment from a high-energy event, such as a turbidity current?

  1. Ripple marks

  2. Mud cracks

  3. Cross-bedding

  4. Slump structures


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Cross-bedding is a sedimentary structure formed by the rapid deposition of sediment from a high-energy event, such as a turbidity current, resulting in inclined layers of sediment.

What is the term for the process by which sediments are transported by gravity down a slope?

  1. Erosion

  2. Transportation

  3. Deposition

  4. Mass wasting


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mass wasting refers to the process by which sediments are transported by gravity down a slope, including processes such as landslides, debris flows, and rockfalls.

Which type of sedimentary structure is formed by the shrinkage and cracking of mudflats during periods of drought?

  1. Ripple marks

  2. Mud cracks

  3. Cross-bedding

  4. Slump structures


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mud cracks are sedimentary structures formed by the shrinkage and cracking of mudflats during periods of drought, creating polygonal patterns on the sediment surface.

What is the term for the process by which sediments are deposited from a moving fluid, such as water or wind?

  1. Erosion

  2. Transportation

  3. Deposition

  4. Mass wasting


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Deposition refers to the process by which sediments are deposited from a moving fluid, such as water or wind, marking the end of the transportation phase in the sedimentary cycle.

Which type of sedimentary structure is formed by the sliding or slumping of sediment down a slope, often due to oversteepening or instability?

  1. Ripple marks

  2. Mud cracks

  3. Cross-bedding

  4. Slump structures


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Slump structures are sedimentary structures formed by the sliding or slumping of sediment down a slope, often due to oversteepening or instability, resulting in deformed and folded layers.

What is the term for the process by which sediments are eroded and transported by the action of wind?

  1. Erosion

  2. Transportation

  3. Deposition

  4. Aeolian processes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Aeolian processes refer to the processes by which sediments are eroded and transported by the action of wind, including processes such as deflation, abrasion, and saltation.

Which type of sedimentary structure is formed by the accumulation of sediment in a sheltered environment, such as a lagoon or bay?

  1. Ripple marks

  2. Mud cracks

  3. Cross-bedding

  4. Varves


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varves are sedimentary structures formed by the accumulation of sediment in a sheltered environment, such as a lagoon or bay, resulting in alternating layers of fine-grained sediment deposited during calm periods and coarser-grained sediment deposited during high-energy events.

What is the term for the process by which sediments are eroded and transported by the action of glaciers?

  1. Erosion

  2. Transportation

  3. Deposition

  4. Glacial processes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Glacial processes refer to the processes by which sediments are eroded and transported by the action of glaciers, including processes such as plucking, abrasion, and meltwater erosion.

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