Desert Safari Geology

Description: Test your knowledge about the geological features and formations found in desert safari destinations.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: desert geology safari geomorphology rock formations
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Which type of rock is commonly found in desert regions, formed from the accumulation of wind-blown sand?

  1. Igneous

  2. Metamorphic

  3. Sedimentary

  4. Volcanic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sandstone, a sedimentary rock, is commonly found in desert regions, formed by the accumulation and cementation of wind-blown sand grains.

What is the term used to describe a large, isolated rock formation rising abruptly from the surrounding desert?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Butte

  4. Erg


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A butte is a prominent, isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a relatively flat top, commonly found in desert landscapes.

Which geological process is responsible for the formation of deep, narrow canyons with steep sides?

  1. Erosion by wind

  2. Glacial movement

  3. Volcanic activity

  4. Water erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Water erosion, particularly through the action of rivers and streams, is the primary process responsible for the formation of deep, narrow canyons with steep sides.

What is the term used to describe a large, flat area of desert covered with wind-blown sand?

  1. Erg

  2. Hamada

  3. Playa

  4. Wadi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An erg is a large, flat area of desert covered with wind-blown sand, often forming vast sand seas or dunes.

Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock?

  1. Igneous

  2. Metamorphic

  3. Sedimentary

  4. Volcanic


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, either above or below the Earth's surface.

What is the term used to describe a dry riverbed or valley that is typically found in desert regions?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Butte

  4. Wadi


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A wadi is a dry riverbed or valley that is typically found in desert regions, carrying water only during periods of heavy rainfall.

Which geological feature is characterized by a series of parallel ridges and valleys formed by folding and erosion?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Fold Mountains

  4. Erg


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Fold mountains are characterized by a series of parallel ridges and valleys formed by the folding and erosion of the Earth's crust.

What is the term used to describe a large, flat area of desert covered with small, rounded stones?

  1. Erg

  2. Hamada

  3. Playa

  4. Wadi


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A hamada is a large, flat area of desert covered with small, rounded stones, often formed by the weathering and erosion of rocks.

Which type of rock is formed from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemical reactions?

  1. Igneous

  2. Metamorphic

  3. Sedimentary

  4. Volcanic


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemical reactions, without melting.

What is the term used to describe a temporary lake that forms in a desert region after heavy rainfall?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Butte

  4. Playa


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A playa is a temporary lake that forms in a desert region after heavy rainfall, often occupying a low-lying area with poor drainage.

Which geological feature is characterized by a deep, narrow gorge with steep sides, typically formed by the erosion of a river?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Butte

  4. Erg


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A canyon is a deep, narrow gorge with steep sides, typically formed by the erosion of a river over a long period of time.

What is the term used to describe a large, flat area of desert covered with salt deposits?

  1. Erg

  2. Hamada

  3. Playa

  4. Sabkha


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A sabkha is a large, flat area of desert covered with salt deposits, often formed by the evaporation of seawater or groundwater.

Which type of rock is formed from the accumulation and cementation of organic material, such as plant remains?

  1. Igneous

  2. Metamorphic

  3. Sedimentary

  4. Volcanic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of various materials, including organic material such as plant remains, forming rocks like coal or limestone.

What is the term used to describe a large, flat area of desert covered with a thin layer of water?

  1. Erg

  2. Hamada

  3. Playa

  4. Wadi


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A playa is a large, flat area of desert covered with a thin layer of water, often forming a temporary lake after heavy rainfall.

Which geological feature is characterized by a large, rounded hill with a smooth, convex profile?

  1. Mesa

  2. Canyon

  3. Butte

  4. Inselberg


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An inselberg is a large, rounded hill with a smooth, convex profile, often rising abruptly from the surrounding desert.

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