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Lithosphere

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1
Which statement best explains the relationship between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere in plate tectonics?
  • The lithosphere consists of the crust and uppermost rigid mantle, while the asthenosphere beneath it can flow and help move tectonic plates.
  • The lithosphere is a semi-rigid layer that flows beneath the rigid asthenosphere.
  • The lithosphere and asthenosphere are two interchangeable terms referring to the entire mantle.
  • The asthenosphere is part of the Earth's core and generates the movement of crustal plates.
2
Why is continental crust generally positioned higher than oceanic crust?
  • Continental crust is generally less dense than oceanic crust, allowing it to sit higher relative to the denser oceanic crust.
  • Continental crust is hotter and therefore expands above oceanic crust.
  • Oceanic crust is composed primarily of granite, which is denser than continental basalt.
  • Continental crust is constantly pushed upward by the liquid outer core.
3
Which sequence correctly describes how convection currents in the mantle contribute to plate movement?
  • Hot material rises, cools, sinks, and repeats the cycle, helping move the lithospheric plates.
  • Cold material rises, melts the crust, and pushes the outer core toward the surface.
  • Hot material sinks, solidifies permanently, and prevents the movement of tectonic plates.
  • The outer core cools, causing the lithosphere to melt and form new crust.
4
Which association between Earth's internal layers and their mechanical properties is INCORRECT?
  • Inner core — liquid metallic material that moves freely.
  • Outer core — liquid metallic material.
  • Asthenosphere — semi-rigid material capable of flowing.
  • Lithosphere — rigid and brittle rock.
5
A geologist discovers an igneous rock with coarse crystals formed deep underground. Which explanation best accounts for its texture and formation?
  • Magma cooled slowly underground, allowing crystals to grow larger.
  • Lava cooled rapidly at the surface, preventing crystals from growing.
  • Sediments underwent compaction and cementation beneath the surface.
  • An existing rock recrystallized because of intense heat and pressure without melting.
6
Which statement correctly distinguishes clastic sedimentary rocks from organically formed sedimentary rocks?
  • Clastic rocks form exclusively through evaporation, while organic rocks form from cooled magma.
  • Clastic rocks form exclusively through evaporation, while organic rocks form from cooled magma.
  • Clastic rocks form through recrystallization, while organic rocks form through the melting of parent rocks.
  • Clastic rocks form only underwater, while organic rocks form only on land.
7
During sedimentary rock formation, what is the primary difference between compaction and cementation?
  • Compaction presses sediments together under pressure, while cementation binds particles using substances such as silica, iron oxide, or calcium carbonate.
  • Compaction changes sedimentary rocks into magma, while cementation transforms magma into lava.
  • Compaction breaks rocks through weathering, while cementation transports the fragments through rivers.
  • Compaction melts sediments, while cementation cools them into crystals.
8
Which process best explains the formation of metamorphic rocks through contact metamorphism?
  • Magma comes into contact with surrounding rock, transferring heat and altering the rock without necessarily melting it.
  • Tectonic plates separate, allowing sediments to settle into newly formed ocean basins.
  • Sediments accumulate in layers and become compressed by overlying material.
  • Lava cools rapidly after reaching the Earth's surface.
9
Which sequence best represents how an existing rock can eventually become a sedimentary rock in the rock cycle?
  • Weathering → erosion and transport → deposition → burial, compaction, and cementation.
  • Recrystallization → melting → erosion → volcanic eruption.
  • Subduction → cooling → deposition → direct formation of metamorphic rock.
  • Melting → crystallization → foliation → solidification.
10
Which statement best explains how tectonic processes allow the rock cycle to continue indefinitely?
  • Rocks can undergo weathering, lithification, metamorphism, and melting, while tectonic processes can return them to Earth's interior and restart the cycle.
  • Once a rock becomes metamorphic, its mineral composition and physical structure can never change again.
  • All rocks eventually become sedimentary rocks, regardless of temperature or tectonic activity.
  • Only igneous rocks can be recycled because sedimentary and metamorphic rocks cannot melt.
11
According to Hans Jenny's soil-forming factors, which situation best illustrates the influence of topography on soil development?
  • Different mineral compositions result from variations in parent rock.
  • Slope position affects moisture conditions and the movement of materials.
  • Plants and microorganisms contribute decomposing organic materials.
  • Temperature and precipitation influence soil development.
12
Which statement correctly distinguishes hydrolysis from hydration during chemical weathering?
  • Hydrolysis involves oxygen combining with minerals, while hydration involves electron loss.
  • Hydrolysis involves hydrogen ions attacking silicate structures, while hydration involves water molecules associating with a mineral's structure.
  • Hydrolysis occurs only through organisms, while hydration occurs only through physical weathering.
  • Hydrolysis removes organic matter, while hydration converts sediments into solid rock.
13
A soil sample contains a high proportion of clay particles and substantial organic matter. Which outcome is most likely?
  • The soil retains less water because clay creates larger pores.
  • The soil generally has a higher water-holding capacity because fine-textured soils contain more micropores and organic matter improves moisture retention.
  • The soil has no available water because clay prevents all water movement.
  • The soil drains all its water immediately because organic matter increases gravitational water.
14
Why is bulk density commonly used as an indicator of soil compaction?
  • It measures the dry mass of soil per unit volume, and compaction can increase density while restricting root penetration.
  • It measures the proportion of organic matter based on soil color.
  • It measures the amount of water that evaporates during drainage.
  • It measures the chemical composition of soil minerals independently of pore space.
15
Which statement best explains the relationship between soil porosity and bulk density?
  • Higher porosity generally corresponds to lower bulk density because more of the soil volume consists of pore spaces.
  • Higher porosity always corresponds to higher bulk density because pores add mass to the soil.
  • Porosity and bulk density are unrelated because one measures water and the other measures minerals.
  • Lower bulk density means the soil contains no mineral particles.
16
A soil sample from a humid tropical environment appears reddish-yellow. What is the most likely explanation according to the lecture?
  • The color results from the oxidation of iron or aluminum.
  • The color results primarily from the accumulation of large quantities of humus.
  • The color results exclusively from water-filled pores.
  • The color results from the complete removal of iron through leaching.
17
Which statement correctly distinguishes infiltration from percolation in soil water movement?
  • Infiltration is water moving through deeper soil layers, while percolation is water entering the soil surface.
  • Infiltration is water entering the soil profile, while percolation is water moving through the soil profile.
  • Infiltration occurs only in clay soils, while percolation occurs only in sandy soils.
  • Infiltration is water adhering to soil particles, while percolation is water molecules sticking together.
18
Which situation correctly distinguishes field capacity from permanent wilting point?
  • Field capacity occurs when soil retains water after approximately 24–48 hours of free drainage, while permanent wilting point occurs when plants cannot recover because of insufficient available water.
  • Field capacity occurs when all pores are filled with water, while permanent wilting point occurs when water drains freely.
  • Field capacity means all soil water is unavailable, while permanent wilting point means all soil water is available.
  • Field capacity means the soil contains no water, while permanent wilting point means the soil is saturated.
19
A farmer removes vegetation and leaves the soil bare. What consequence is most likely according to the lecture?
  • The soil becomes more susceptible to accelerated erosion because it lacks protective vegetation and associated organic matter.
  • Erosion decreases because bare mineral particles become more strongly bound together.
  • Organic matter automatically increases because vegetation is no longer present.
  • Water-holding capacity increases because removing vegetation eliminates soil pores.
20
A soil sample is examined after heavy rainfall. Which statement correctly distinguishes saturation from field capacity?
  • Saturation occurs when all soil pores are filled with water, whereas field capacity occurs after excess water has freely drained for approximately 24–48 hours.
  • Saturation occurs when plants cannot recover from water shortage, whereas field capacity occurs when all soil pores are filled.
  • Saturation occurs when only micropores contain water, whereas field capacity occurs when all water has drained away.
  • Saturation and field capacity are identical because both describe soil containing its maximum possible amount of water.
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