Geology Vocabulary

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Instructions: Explore rocks, minerals, and earth science terms in this geology vocabulary quiz

1.
What are 'igneous' rocks formed from?
A
Fossilized plant material
B
Chemically altered existing rocks
C
Compressed sediment
D
Cooled and solidified molten rock (magma or lava)
2.
What does 'sedimentary' mean in geology?
A
Formed from meteorite impacts
B
Formed from volcanic activity
C
Formed from the accumulation and compression of sediment, minerals, or organic material over time
D
Formed deep underground under extreme heat
3.
In geology, what is a 'fault'?
A
A type of fossil
B
A weak mineral
C
A fracture in Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved relative to each other
D
A mistake in a rock formation
4.
What does 'metamorphic' mean when describing rocks?
A
Rocks that have been transformed by heat and pressure from their original form
B
Rocks that contain metals
C
Rocks that change color
D
Rocks found only in mountains
5.
In geology, what is 'erosion'?
A
The creation of fossils
B
The gradual wearing away and transport of rock and soil by wind, water, or ice
C
The hardening of lava
D
The formation of mountains
6.
What is 'magma' in geological terms?
A
A layer of the atmosphere
B
Molten rock found beneath Earth's surface
C
A mineral deposit
D
A type of gemstone
7.
What does 'stratigraphy' study?
A
Star formations
B
Strategy games
C
The layering and sequence of rock strata to understand Earth's history
D
Ocean currents
8.
In geology, what is a 'geode'?
A
A rounded rock containing a hollow cavity lined with crystals
B
A geographic measurement
C
A geological map
D
A type of soil
9.
What is the 'Mohs scale' used to measure?
A
The age of rocks
B
Earthquake intensity
C
The hardness of minerals
D
The depth of ocean trenches
10.
In geology, what is 'tectonic' activity?
A
Weather-related rock changes
B
The movement and interaction of large plates that make up Earth's outer shell
C
Volcanic eruptions only
D
The formation of crystals
11.
What does 'fossil' mean in geological terms?
A
The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in rock
B
A cracked stone
C
Any old rock
D
A type of fuel
12.
What is 'obsidian'?
A
A dark, glassy volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooled lava
B
A crystal formation
C
A type of sandstone
D
A precious metal
13.
In geology, what is an 'aquifer'?
A
A type of waterfall
B
An underground layer of rock or sediment that holds and transmits groundwater
C
A measurement of water quality
D
A water tank
14.
What does 'luster' describe when examining minerals?
A
The taste of a mineral
B
The way a mineral's surface reflects light
C
The weight of a mineral
D
The temperature of a mineral
15.
What is 'pumice' known for?
A
Being the oldest rock on Earth
B
Being a lightweight volcanic rock full of tiny holes that can float on water
C
Being transparent like glass
D
Being the hardest rock

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