Geological Engineering Fundamentals

Description: Geological Engineering Fundamentals Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: geology engineering geotechnical engineering
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What is the primary role of a geological engineer?

  1. To design and construct structures that interact with the Earth's materials.

  2. To explore and extract mineral resources.

  3. To study the Earth's history and evolution.

  4. To assess and mitigate geological hazards.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Geological engineers apply their knowledge of the Earth's materials and processes to design and construct structures that interact with the Earth, such as foundations, tunnels, and dams.

Which of the following is NOT a common type of rock?

  1. Igneous

  2. Metamorphic

  3. Sedimentary

  4. Artificial


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary are the three main types of rocks that occur naturally on Earth. Artificial rocks are not naturally occurring and are typically created by humans for specific purposes.

What is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles?

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Deposition

  4. Compaction


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles by the action of physical, chemical, and biological agents.

What is the term for the movement of sediment by wind?

  1. Aeolian

  2. Fluvial

  3. Glacial

  4. Mass wasting


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aeolian processes are those that are associated with the wind. The term 'aeolian' is derived from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds.

Which of the following is NOT a type of geological hazard?

  1. Earthquakes

  2. Volcanic eruptions

  3. Landslides

  4. Floods


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Floods are not typically considered to be geological hazards, as they are primarily caused by meteorological factors such as heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

What is the term for the study of the Earth's structure and composition?

  1. Geology

  2. Geophysics

  3. Geochemistry

  4. Mineralogy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Geology is the study of the Earth's structure, composition, and history. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and geological processes.

What is the primary mineral component of granite?

  1. Quartz

  2. Feldspar

  3. Mica

  4. Pyroxene


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Granite is an igneous rock that is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in granite, typically making up more than 50% of the rock's volume.

What is the process by which sedimentary rocks are formed?

  1. Compaction and cementation

  2. Melting and crystallization

  3. Metamorphism

  4. Weathering and erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment is compacted and cemented together. Compaction occurs when the weight of overlying sediment presses down on the sediment below, causing it to become denser. Cementation occurs when minerals dissolved in water are deposited between the sediment particles, binding them together.

Which of the following is NOT a type of sedimentary rock?

  1. Sandstone

  2. Limestone

  3. Shale

  4. Igneous rock


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment.

What is the term for the process by which rocks are changed by heat, pressure, and chemical reactions?

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Metamorphism

  4. Deposition


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Metamorphism is the process by which rocks are changed by heat, pressure, and chemical reactions. Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to extreme conditions that cause them to change their mineral composition and texture.

Which of the following is NOT a type of metamorphic rock?

  1. Slate

  2. Marble

  3. Gneiss

  4. Granite


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Granite is an igneous rock, not a metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to extreme conditions that cause them to change their mineral composition and texture.

What is the term for the process by which rocks are broken down and transported by the action of glaciers?

  1. Glacial erosion

  2. Glacial deposition

  3. Glacial till

  4. Periglacial processes


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Glacial erosion is the process by which rocks are broken down and transported by the action of glaciers. Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly over the Earth's surface, eroding the rocks beneath them.

Which of the following is NOT a type of glacial deposit?

  1. Moraine

  2. Till

  3. Outwash plain

  4. Sand dunes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sand dunes are not glacial deposits. They are formed by the action of wind, not glaciers.

What is the term for the process by which groundwater dissolves and removes minerals from rocks?

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Dissolution

  4. Percolation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dissolution is the process by which groundwater dissolves and removes minerals from rocks. This process can create caves and other karst features.

Which of the following is NOT a type of karst feature?

  1. Caves

  2. Sinkholes

  3. Stalactites

  4. Sand dunes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sand dunes are not karst features. They are formed by the action of wind, not groundwater.

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