) 1 of 4

GEO 1013 Quizzes

Q-1. (10 marks)

Match the terms to the appropriate features shown on the diagrammatic cross section of an ocean-
continent plate boundary. Put the letter of the most appropriate term in the corresponding box on
the diagram (NOTE: there are extra terms)
A. convergent plate boundary H. mafic magma
B. spreading center/mid-oceanic ridge I. felsic/intermediate
C. transform fault zone magma
D. lithosphere J. granite intrusion
E. asthenosphere K. explosive volcanism
F. oceanic crust L. rock deformation
G. continental interior (craton) M. mantle convection
N. pillowed basalt

L B
N

H D
H
I
M
E

Q-2 (1 point each)

For each mineral, find a formula that can belong to it.

Dolomite G A. FeSiO3
Hornblende E B. SiO2
Muscovite B C. CaCO3
Biotite F D. FeMgSiO4
Pyroxene A E. CaAl2Si2O8
Calcite C F. K(Al3Si3O10)(OH)2
Olivine D G. CaMg(CO3)2
Olivine G. CaMg(CO3)2
) 2 of 4

Q-3 (1 point each)

True of False (T/F)
1 ___ Olivine weathers easily. (T)
2 ___ Clays weather easily (F)
3 ___ Plagioclase is rare (F)
4 ___ Magmas are mostly formed by heating rock and completely melting it. (T)
5. ___ Regional metamorphism gives rise to slates. (T)
6. ___ Granites are formed in an extensional environment at mid-ocean ridges. (F)
7. ___ Gneisses are common in Sri Lanka. (T)
8. ___ Olivine is the mineral that crystalize first during the mafic magma cooling. (T)
9. ___ East African rift is a convergent plat boundary. (F)
10. ___ Island arches form at ocean-ocean convergent zones. (T)

Q-4
Indicate minerals (10pts); relationships of temperature of formation, stability at the earth’s surface in
the presence of weathering (3pts); and the composition of basalt and granite (2 pts).

Minerals a naturally occurring, with inorganic origin, solid, crystalline substance which
has a fixed structure and a chemical composition which is either fixed or which may vary
within certain defined limits. Ex: Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite. Minerals are homogeneous; they
cannot be divided mechanically into smaller components. Naturally occurring means these
things must be found in nature not in laboratories. Solid crystalline structure means they are
neither liquids nor gases and the tiny particles of matter, or atoms that compose it are
arranged into an order. Fixed structure means they have specific chemical structure and each
mineral unique is its chemical composition and the arrangement of its atoms in an internal
structure. Ex: two types of Olivine which contains (FeMgSiO 4).
Minerals from by crystallization from a magma, crystal growth in the solid state, precipitation
from solution. Minerals are major economic interest. It constrain the physical behavior of the
rock and provide chemical agents and space for chemical reactions. Some minerals are exists
as single element however most minerals are consist of combination of several minerals.
Nearly, 4000 minerals are identified on the planet Earth.

When the temperature of a liquid below its freezing point is one way to start the
process of crystallization which is a type of occurring minerals. For an example under 0 0C it is
start to form crystals of ice from water. How tight the mineral structure packed is depend on
the temperature and also pressure. Magma also crystallizes in to solid minerals when it cools.
According to Bowen’s reaction series it shows how minerals crystallize with temperature
change. Olivine, Pyroxene, Amphibole, Biotite mica, are forming respectively from high
) 3 of 4
temperature to low temperature with a discontinuous series of crystallization. Minerals like
Quartz, muscovite mica forms at low temperature.
Minerals break down near the earth surface by weathering. So they are not stable at
the surface. Minerals like muscovite, mica which are occurring at low temperature are more
stable on the earth surface due to low temperature gap and weathering resistant while
minerals like olivine pyroxene which are occurring at high temperature are less stable at the
earth surface due to high temperature gap and resistant to weathering.
Basalt are rich in Magnesium and Iron and they are mainly composed of olivine,
pyroxene, hornblende, and amphibole. Granite is mainly composed of quartz and feldspar
with less amount of mica. Usually this composition of minerals gives granite a red, pink, grey
or white color.

Q-5
Match the terms as appropriate.
  (a.) Gutenberg discontinuity
  (b.) Mohorovicic discontinuity
  (c.) P wave
  (d.) S wave
  (e.) surface wave
 
S wave
1. Travels at right angles, passes through only solid and plastic.

2. Gutenberg discontinuity Boundary between mantle and outer core.

3. Surface wave Rolling wave, goes through solid only, does the damage in an
earthquake.

4. Mohorovicic discontinuity Sudden increase in velocity of S and P waves underneath crust.

) 4 of 4

5. P wave Longitu Longitudinal wave, transmits through all zones of the earth.