A GCSE random multiple choice quiz on EARTH SCIENCE - Rock types and formation, plate tectonics, atmospheric evolution (foundation/easier tier/level)

Which describes weathering? [gs-1]
1. breaking down rocks into smaller fragments
2. wearing away of a rock face
3. moving rock fragments by water, wind or glacier
4. settling out of rock grains or stones
Which describes erosion? [gs-2]
1. breaking down rocks into fragments
2. wearing away of a rock face
3. moving rock fragments by water, wind or glacier
4. settling out of rock grains or stones
Which describes transportation? [gs-3]
1. breaking down rocks into fragments
2. wearing away of a rock face
3. moving rock fragments by water, wind or glacier
4. settling out of rock grains or stones
Which describes sedimentation? [gs-4]
1. breaking down rocks into fragments
2. wearing away of a rock face
3. moving rock fragments by water, wind or glacier
4. settling out of rock grains or stones
Which is most likely to be the igneous rock granite? [gs-5]
1. larger crystals, many colours, close grained (non-porous), no fossils
2. usually grey-yellow, often fossils, porous
3. usually orange-red, porous, sometimes fossils
4. dark coloured, close grained, small crystals, no fossils
Which is most likely to be the sedimentary rock limestone? [gs-6]
1. larger crystals, many colours, close grained (non-porous), no fossils
2. usually grey-yellow, often fossils, porous
3. usually orange-red, porous, sometimes fossils
4. dark coloured, close grained, small crystals, no fossils
Which is most likely to be the sedimentary rock sandstone? [gs-7]
1. larger crystals, many colours, close grained (non-porous), no fossils
2. usually grey-yellow, often fossils, porous
3. usually orange-red, porous, sometimes fossils
4. dark coloured, close grained, small crystals, no fossils
Which is most likely to be the igneous rock basalt? [gs-8]
1. larger crystals, many colours, close grained (non-porous), no fossils
2. usually grey-yellow, often fossils, porous
3. usually orange-red, porous, sometimes fossils
4. dark coloured, close grained, small crystals, no fossils
Which rock is most likely to erode away the slowest? [gs-9]
1. granite
2. limestone
3. sandstone
4. marble
Which rock is most likely to erode away the fastest? [gs-10]
1. granite
2. limestone
3. basalt
4. marble
Which rock is most likely to erode away the slowest? [gs-11]
1. marble
2. limestone
3. basalt
4. sandstone
Which rock is most likely to erode away the fastest? [gs-12]
1. marble
2. granite
3. basalt
4. sandstone
In general rocks can best be described as a ...? [gs-13]
1. mixture of mineral grains
2. mixture of elements
3. pure compound
4. pure element
In general rocks can best be described as a ...? [gs-14]
1. mixture of elements
2. mixture of compounds
3. pure compound
4. pure element
If a rock is dropped into water and a few bubbles are seen.
This means the rock is probably? [gs-15]
1. igneous
2. metamorphic
3. large grained and porous
4. fine grained and non-porous
If a rock is dropped into water and a no bubbles are seen.
This means the rock is probably? [gs-16]
1. sedimentary
2. very old
3. large grained and porous
4. fine grained and non-porous
Which is TRUE about 'acidified' water acting on rocks? [gs-17]
1. it is an example of chemical weathering
2. peaty soil water does not cause weathering
3. granite is eroded faster than limestone
4. nearly neutral water will not weather rocks
Which is TRUE about 'acidified' water acting on rocks? [gs-18]
1. it is an example of physical weathering
2. peaty soil water readily causes weathering
3. granite is eroded faster than limestone
4. nearly neutral water will not weather rocks
Which is TRUE about 'acidified' water acting on rocks? [gs-19]
1. it is an example of physical weathering
2. peaty soil water does not cause weathering
3. limestone is eroded faster than basalt rock
4. nearly neutral water will not weather rocks
Which is TRUE about 'acidified' water acting on rocks? [gs-20]
1. it is an example of physical weathering
2. peaty soil water does not cause weathering
3. limestone is eroded slower than basalt rock
4. nearly neutral water can still weather rocks
Freezing water can weather rocks in winter.
Put the following sequence in the correct order. [gs-21]
(1) water expands
(2) water freezes
(3) water runs into cracks
(4) rock is cracked further
1. (3) (2) (1) (4)
2. (2) (1) (4) (3)
3. (1) (2) (4) (3)
4. (3) (1) (2) (4)
Temperature changes can weather rocks.
Put the following sequence in a possible correct order. [gs-22]
(1) rock expands
(2) rock cools down
(3) rock layers crack
(4) rock heats up
(5) rock contracts
1. (3) (2) (1) (4) (5)
2. (4) (1) (2) (5) (3)
3. (1) (2) (4) (5) (3)
4. (5) (3) (1) (2) (4)
Which statement is TRUE about weathering due to plant growth? [gs-23]
1. it is a chemical form of weathering
2. the water running of the leaves is more acid than rain
3. root growth in a crack can cause the rock to crack
4. there will be more weathering due to the plant in winter
A lump of basalt was weighed before and after dipping into water. The experiment was repeated with a lump of sandstone. The sandstone produced bubbles and gained significant weight. The basalt produced no bubbles and weighed about the same. What can you say from the experiment? [gs-24]
1. the sandstone removed the dissolved air from the water
2. the basalt is made of large crystals
3. the basalt is more dense than sandstone
4. the sandstone is more porous than basalt
A lump of basalt was weighed before and after dipping into water. The experiment was repeated with a lump of sandstone. The sandstone produced bubbles and gained significant weight. The basalt produced no bubbles and weighed about the same. What can you say from the experiment? [gs-25]
1. air in the sandstone was displaced by water
2. the basalt is made of large crystals
3. the basalt is more dense than sandstone
4. the basalt is more porous than sandstone
A lump of basalt was weighed before and after dipping into water. The experiment was repeated with a lump of sandstone. The sandstone produced bubbles and gained significant weight. The basalt produced no bubbles and weighed about the same. What can you say from the experiment? [gs-26]
1. dissolved air in the water was absorbed by the basalt
2. the basalt is made of fine crystal grains with little space between them
3. the sandstone is more dense than basalt even though they both sink
4. the basalt is more porous than sandstone
Eroded rock material is often transported by flowing water.

Which of the following is TRUE about this process? [gs-27]
1. it takes less energy to move bigger rocks because they have a bigger surface area
2. more deposition happens when the flow is faster
3. the further the rocks are transported, the smaller and rounder they become
4. larger rocks are transported further than smaller rock grains
Eroded rock material is often transported by flowing water.

Which of the following is TRUE about this process? [gs-28]
1. it takes less energy to move bigger rocks because they have a bigger surface area
2. more deposition happens when the flow is faster
3. the further the rocks are transported, the smaller and more rougher they become
4. smaller rock grains are transported further than larger rocks
Eroded rock material is often transported by flowing water.

Which of the following is TRUE about this process? [gs-30]
1. it takes more energy to move smaller rocks with a smaller surface area
2. more deposition happens when the flow is slower
3. the further the rocks are transported, the smaller and rougher they become
4. larger rocks are transported further than smaller rock grains
Which is TRUE about glaciers? [gs-31]
1. they consist of pure frozen water
2. they cannot move rocks without crushing them
3. they leave scars on rocks
4. they cause little erosion
Which is TRUE about glaciers? [gs-32]
1. they consist of pure frozen water
2. they cannot move rocks without crushing them
3. the ice is not hard enough to leave scars on rocks
4. they cause massive erosion
Which is TRUE about glaciers? [gs-33]
1. they consist of a mixture of water and rock fragments
2. they cannot move rocks without crushing them
3. ice is not hard enough to leave scars on rocks
4. they cause little erosion
Which is TRUE about glaciers? [gs-34]
1. they consist of a pure frozen water
2. they crush rocks and transport the fragments
3. the ice is not hard enough to leave scars on rocks
4. they cause little erosion
Eroded rock material is often transported by flowing water.

Which of the following is TRUE about this process? [gs-35]
1. larger rocks are transported further than smaller rock grains
2. less deposition happens when the flow is slow
3. larger rock fragments settle out faster than smaller grains
4. there is a wide range of rock grain size when deposition happens
Eroded rock material is often transported by flowing water.

Which of the following is TRUE about this process? [gs-36]
1. larger rocks are transported further than smaller rock grains
2. less deposition happens when the flow is slow
3. smaller rock fragments settle out faster than larger grains
4. a similar range of rock grain size deposit in the same place
Which statement is TRUE about fossils? [gs-37]
1. they can be used to date rock formations
2. they tell us little about evolution of animal species
3. the deeper a fossil is the more recent it is
4. they cannot provide evidence for 'continental drift'
Which statement is TRUE about fossils? [gs-38]
1. they cannot be used to date rock formations
2. they tell us much about the evolution of animal species
3. the deeper a fossil is the more recent it is
4. they cannot provide evidence for 'continental drift'
Which statement is TRUE about fossils? [gs-39]
1. they cannot be used to date rock formations
2. they tell us little about evolution of animal species
3. the deeper a fossil is the older it is
4. they cannot provide evidence for 'continental drift'
Which statement is TRUE about fossils? [gs-40]
1. they cannot be used to date rock formations
2. they tell us little about evolution of animal species
3. the deeper a fossil is the more recent it is
4. they can provide evidence for 'continental drift'
Which is TRUE about rock formations? [gs-41]
1. sharp boundries occur in rock formations when there is a time interval between deposition of sediment
2. you cannot get rock formations from evaporated seas
3. you cannot get rock formations from plants
4. the deeper a layer of rock the younger it is
Which is TRUE about rock formations? [gs-42]
1. sharp boundries occur in rock formations when there is continuous deposition of sediment
2. you can get rock formations from evaporated seas
3. you cannot get rock formations from plants
4. the deeper a layer of rock the younger it is
Which is TRUE about rock formations? [gs-43]
1. sharp boundries occur in rock formations when there is continuous deposition of sediment
2. you cannot get rock formations from evaporated seas
3. you can get rock formations from plants
4. the deeper a layer of rock the younger it is
Which is TRUE about rock formations? [gs-44]
1. sharp boundries occur in rock formations when there is continuous deposition of sediment
2. you cannot get rock formations from evaporated seas
3. you cannot get rock formations from plants
4. the deeper a layer of rock the older it is
Where are sedimentary rocks most likely to form? [gs-45]
1. [e]
2. [l]
3. [k]
4. [g]
Where is sedimentation most likely to take place? [gs-46]
1. [e]
2. [h]
3. [k]
4. [g]
Where is transportation most likely to take place? [gs-47]
1. [k]
2. [e]
3. [f ]
4. [l ]
Where are igneous rocks with small crystals most likely to form? [gs-48]
1. [m]
2. [e]
3. [l]
4. [k]
Where are metamorphic rocks most likely to form? gs-49]
1. [m]
2. [h]
3. [f]
4. [k]
Where will weathering and erosion be most likely to take place? [gs-50]
1. [m]
2. [g]
3. [h]
4. [k]
Which part of the diagram corresponds to a source of magma? [gs-51]
1. [m]
2. [e]
3. [n]
4. [h]
Where will igneous rocks with large crystals form? [gs-52]
1. [m]
2. [e]
3. [n]
4. [l]
Where will the igneous rock basalt form? [gs-53]
1. [k]
2. [e]
3. [n]
4. [l]
Where will the igneous rock granite form? [gs-54]
1. [k]
2. [l]
3. [e]
4. [h]
Where will sandstone form? [gs-55]
1. [k]
2. [l]
3. [e]
4. [h]
Where will marble form? [gs-56]
1. [k]
2. [f]
3. [h]
4. [m]
Where will limestone form? [gs-57]
1. [e]
2. [f]
3. [k
4. [m]
Where might fossil formation start? [gs-59]
1. [l]
2. [m]
3. [h]
4. [g]
Where might fossils be destroyed? [gs-60]
1. [l]
2. [k]
3. [h]
4. [n]
Which sequence best describes process E? [gs-61]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. weathering, erosion, burial, melting, cooling
Which sequence best describes process F? [gs-62]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. weathering, erosion, burial, heating, cooling
Which sequence best describes process G? [gs-63]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. burial, pressure, heating, cooling
Which sequence best describes process J? [gs-64]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. burial, pressure, cooling, recrystallisation
Which sequence best describes process H? [gs-65]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. burial, pressure, cementation, recrystallisation
Which sequence best describes process K? [gs-66]
1. burial, melting, cooling
2. may involve burial first, heat and/or pressure, recrystallisation without melting
3. weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, burial, pressure, cementation
4. burial, pressure, cementation, recrystallisation
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-68]
1. not usually porous
2. never contain fossils
3. consist of layers called magma
4. grains are glued together by salt residues
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-69]
1. usually porous
2. never contain fossils
3. consist of layers called magma
4. grains are glued together with water
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-70]
1. usually non-porous
2. often contain fossils
3. consist of layers called magma
4. grains are glued together with water
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-71]
1. usually non-porous
2. never contain fossils
3. consist of layers called strata
4. grains are glued together with water
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-72]
1. usually non-porous
2. never contain fossils
3. consist of layers called magma
4. usually consist of large grains
Which is usually TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-73]
1. softish, easily weathered, particularly by acid rain
2. never contain fossils
3. consist of layers called magma
4. usually consist of microscopic grains neatly arranged
Which is usually TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-74]
1. hard wearing, not easily weathered, even by acid rain
2. the red of sandstone is usually due to iron compounds
3. limestone consists of sulphate minerals
4. sandstone fizzes a lot with acid
Which is TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-75]
1. hard wearing, not easily weathered, even by acid rain
2. the red of sandstone is usually due to calcium compounds
3. limestone is made of carbonate minerals
4. limestone does not readily fizz with acid
Which is usually TRUE about sedimentary rocks? [gs-76]
1. hard wearing, not easily weathered, even by acid rain
2. the red of sandstone is usually due to calcium compounds
3. limestone is made of nitrate minerals
4. limestone readily fizzes with acid
Which is usually TRUE about metamorphic rocks? [gs-77]
1. formed by heat and pressure on rocks
2. very porous
3. crystals usually jumbled
4. usually contain fossils
Which is usually TRUE about metamorphic rocks? [gs-78]
1. formed by heat and pressure on magma
2. not very porous
3. crystals usually jumbled
4. usually contain fossils
Which is usually TRUE about metamorphic rocks? [gs-79]
1. formed by heat and pressure on magma
2. very porous
3. crystals tend to aligned in layers
4. usually contain fossils
Which is usually TRUE about metamorphic rocks? [gs-80]
1. formed by heat and pressure on lava
2. very porous
3. crystals tend to very jumbled
4. rarely contain fossils
Which is TRUE about igneous rocks? [gs-81]
1. formed from cooled magma
2. slow cooling of lava makes small crystal grains
3. fast cooling of lava makes big crystal grains
4. soft and readily weathered
Which is TRUE about igneous rocks? [gs-82]
1. formed from the effects of heat and pressure on sedimentary rocks
2. slow cooling of lava makes big crystal grains
3. slow cooling of lava underground makes pumice stone
4. soft and readily weathered
Which is TRUE about igneous rocks? [gs-83]
1. formed from the effects of heat and pressure on metamorphic rocks
2. fast cooling of lava underground makes pumice stone
3. fast cooling of lava makes small crystal grains
4. soft and readily weathered
Which is TRUE about igneous rocks? [gs-84]
1. formed from the effects of heat and pressure on metamorphic rocks
2. slow cooling of lava underground makes pumice stone
3. formed from the effects of heat and pressure on sedimentary rocks
4. hard and not easily weathered
Which is a sedimentary rock? [gs-85]
1. limestone
2. slate
3. basalt
4. schist
Which is a metamorphic rock? [gs-86]
1. limestone
2. slate
3. basalt
4. granite
Which is an igneous rock? [gs-87]
1. limestone
2. slate
3. basalt
4. shale
Which is a sedimentary rock? [gs-88]
1. marble
2. slate
3. basalt
4. shale
Which is a metamorphic rock? [gs-89]
1. marble
2. granite
3. basalt
4. shale
Which is an igneous rock? [gs-90]
1. marble
2. granite
3. mudstone
4. schist
Which is a sedimentary rock? [gs-91]
1. marble
2. granite
3. mudstone
4. schist
Which layer is the mantle? [gs-93]
1. P
2. R
3. Q
4. S
Which layer is the inner core? [gs-94]
1. P
2. R
3. Q
4. S
Which layer is the outer core? [gs-95]
1. P
2. R
3. Q
4. S
Which layer is the crust? [gs-96]
1. P
2. R
3. Q
4. S
Which is 78% (approx. 4/5, 80%) of the Earth's current atmosphere? [gs-97]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which is 21% (approx. 1/5) of the Earth's current atmosphere? [gs-98]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which is 0.03% of the Earth's current atmosphere? [gs-99]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which is 1% of the Earth's current atmosphere? [gs-100]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which was first formed in significant amounts from early plant life? [gs-102]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which was probably the biggest component in the Earth's early atmosphere? [gs-103]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which was not involved in any chemical change from the early Earth's atmosphere to the current atmosphere? [gs-104]
1. nitrogen
2. oxygen
3. carbon dioxide
4. noble gases
Which was probably TRUE about the Earth's very early atmosphere? [gs-105]
1. it contained a small amount of ammonia
2. there was no methane
3. there was plenty of oxygen
4. it was formed from crashed comets
Which was probably TRUE about the Earth's very early atmosphere? [gs-106]
1. there was no ammonia
2. there was a small amount methane
3. there was plenty of oxygen
4. it was formed from crashed comets
Which was probably TRUE about the Earth's very early atmosphere? [gs-107]
1. there was no ammonia
2. there was no methane
3. there was little, if any oxygen
4. it was formed from crashed comets
Which was probably TRUE about the Earth's very early atmosphere? [gs-108]
1. there was no ammonia
2. there was no methane
3. there was plenty of oxygen
4. it was formed from volcanic activity
Which is TRUE about the changes of the Earth's atmosphere from when plants first evolved? [gs-111]
1. the evolution of plants added little extra oxygen
2. carbon dioxide and water produced methane
3. carbon dioxide decreased in concentration
4. most of the carbon dioxide dissolved in the oceans
Which is TRUE about the Earth? [gs-113]
1. the core is mainly made of the metals iron and nickel
2. the overall density of the Earth is less than the density of the crust
3. the density of the crust is more than the density of the core
4. the mantle is free flowing molten rock rich in iron
Which is TRUE about the Earth? [gs-114]
1. the core is mainly made of dense silicate minerals
2. the overall density of the Earth is more than the density of the crust
3. the density of the core is less than the density of the silicate crust
4. the mantle is free flowing molten rock rich in iron
Which is TRUE about the Earth? [gs-115]
1. the core is mainly made of dense silicate minerals
2. the overall density of the Earth is more than the density of the core
3. the density of the core is greater than the density of the crust
4. the mantle is free flowing molten rock rich in iron
Which is TRUE about the Earth? [gs-116]
1. the core is mainly made of dense silicate minerals
2. the overall density of the Earth is less than the density of the crust
3. the density of the core is less than the density of the crust
4. the mantle is almost solid rock rich in silicates that can flow slowly
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

The diagram shows there has been? [gs-117]
1. erosion
2. continuous deposition
3. the rocks have weathered at the same rate
4. faulting and folding
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

The diagram shows there has been? [gs-119]
1. little erosion
2. continuous deposition
3. the rocks have weathered at different rates
4. faulting and folding
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

The diagram shows there has been? [gs-120]
1. little erosion
2. continuous deposition
3. the rocks have weathered at the same rate
4. no faulting and folding
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be the youngest? [gs-121]
1. (v)
2. (r)
3. (n)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be the oldest? [gs-122]
1. (v)
2. (r)
3. (n)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be sandstone? [gs-123]
1. (s)
2. (r)
3. (v)
4. (e)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be limestone? [gs-124]
1. (v)
2. (r)
3. (n)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be metamorphic? [gs-126]
1. (v)
2. (n)
3. (s)
4. (r)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be marble? [gs-128]
1. (v)
2. (r)
3. (e)
4. (n)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be basalt? [gs-130]
1. (n)
2. (e)
3. (r)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the structure of a cliff face with some details about each layer of rock.
(v) composed of orange coloured grains and ripple marks
(s) cemented remains of coral and shells of other organisms
(e) tiny crystals of hard dense rock, signs of previous melting
(n) layers of interlocking crystals with evidence of heating, recrystallisation with no melting
(r) hard rock, mixture of larger crystals of different colours

Which rock layer is most likely to be granite? [gs-131]
1. (n)
2. (e)
3. (r)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-133]
1. folding
2. much faulting
3. erosion before folding
4. continuous deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-134]
1. no folding
2. no faulting
3. erosion before folding
4. continuous deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-135]
1. no folding
2. much faulting
3. folding followed by erosion
4. continuous deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-136]
1. continuous deposition
2. much faulting
3. erosion followed by folding
4. erosion followed by deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-138]
1. much folding
2. faulting
3. multi-deposition then folding
4. folding followed by further deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust.

The diagram shows that there has most likely been? [gs-139]
1. no faulting
2. multi-deposition then folding
3. no folding
4. folding followed by further deposition
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of rock strata being turned upside down by earth movement (tectonic activity)? [gs-142]
1. (r)
2. (s)
3. (z)
4. (x)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of an upfold by earth movement (tectonic activity)? [gs-143]
1. (z)
2. (x)
3. (r)
4. (w)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of a downfold by earth movement (tectonic activity)? [gs-144]
1. (s)
2. (w)
3. (r)
4. (z)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of faulting by earth movement (tectonic activity)? [gs-145]
1. (w)
2. (r)
3. (z)
4. (x)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of tilting by earth movement (tectonic activity)? [gs-146]
1. (w)
2. (x)
3. (r)
4. (z)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of the effect of earth movement due to an earthquake (tectonic activity)? [gs-147]
1. (r)
2. (z)
3. (w)
4. (x)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of no earth movement (no tectonic activity)? [gs-148]
1. (r)
2. (x)
3. (s)
4. (o)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the Earth's crust. Where on the diagram is there evidence of no earth movement (no tectonic activity)? [gs-149]
1. (v)
2. (x)
3. (r)
4. (s)
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the crust. Which sequence of rock layer changes for (1)-(8) could have happened? [gs-150]
1. (4)-(6) eroded, (4)-(8) formed, (4)-(8) folded, (6)-(8) inverted
2. (4)-(8) formed, (4)-(8) folded, (6)-(8) inverted, (4)-(6) eroded
3. (6)-(8) inverted, (4)-(8) formed, (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(6) eroded
4. (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) formed, (6)-(8) inverted, (4)-(6) eroded
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the crust. Which sequence of rock layer changes for (1)-(8) could have happened? [gs-151]
1. (1)-(3) formed, (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded,
2. (1)-(3) tilted, (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded,
3. (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded, (1)-(3) formed
4. (4)-(6) eroded, (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) faulted, (1)-(3) formed
The diagram shows the geology of a section of the crust. Which sequence of rock layer changes for (1)-(8) could have happened? [gs-152]
1. (1)-(3) formed, (4)-(8) folded, (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded,
2. (1)-(3) formed, (1)-(3) tilted, (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded,
3. (4)-(6) eroded, (4)-(8) faulted, (1)-(3) formed, (1)-(8) tilted
4. (4)-(8) faulted, (4)-(6) eroded, (1)-(3) formed, (1)-(8) tilted
Which part of the diagram most likely corresponds to ocean plate descending? [gs-153]
1. (v)
2. (t)
3. (w)
4. (n)
Which part of the diagram is most likely corresponds to a mid-ocean ridge? [gs-156]
1. (e)
2. (p)
3. (k)
4. (u)
Which part of the diagram is most likely corresponds to where new plate (crust) is formed? [gs-157]
1. (t)
2. (m)
3. (k)
4. (e)
Which part of the diagram is most likely corresponds to where magma is rising? [gs-158]
1. (m)
2. (s)
3. (k)
4. (e)
Which part of the diagram is most likely corresponds to a melting and earthquake zone? [gs-161]
1. (k)
2. (s)
3. (e)
4. (o)
Which part of the diagram is most likely to correspond to the mantle? [gs-163]
1. (p)
2. (x)
3. (z)
4. (m)
Which part of the diagram is most likely to correspond to eroded fold mountains? [gs-164]
1. (p)
2. (x)
3. (z)
4. (m)
The diagram shows the rock formations around an igneous intrusion (r).

Which part of the diagram corresponds to erosion? [gs-169]
1. (s)
2. (v)
3. (e)
4. (n)
The diagram shows the rock formations around an igneous intrusion (r).

Which part of the diagram corresponds to highly metamorphosed rock? [gs-170]
1. (s)
2. (v)
3. (e)
4. (n)
The diagram shows the rock formations around an igneous intrusion (r).

Which part of the diagram corresponds to sedimentary rock? [gs-171]
1. (s)
2. (v)
3. (e)
4. (n)
The diagram shows the rock formations around an igneous intrusion (r).

Which part of the diagram corresponds to partly metamorphosed rock? [gs-172]
1. (s)
2. (v)
3. (e)
4. (n)
The diagram shows the rock formations of part of the earth's crust involving igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Which statement is TRUE about this rock formation? It shows that ... [gs-173]
1. (r) could be an igneous intrusion
2. earlier rocks cannot be exposed by erosion
3. igneous rocks erode faster than sedimentary rocks
4. metamorphic rocks cannot form near the surface
The diagram shows the rock formations of part of the earth's crust involving igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Which statement is TRUE about this rock formation? It shows that ... [gs-174]
1. (r) could be a metamorphic rock formation
2. earlier rocks can be exposed by erosion
3. igneous rocks erode faster than sedimentary rocks
4. metamorphic rocks cannot form near the surface
The diagram shows the rock formations of part of the earth's crust involving igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Which statement is TRUE about this rock formation? It shows that ... [gs-175]
1. (r) could be a metamorphic rock formation
2. earlier rocks cannot be exposed by erosion
3. sedimentary rocks erode faster than igneous rocks
4. metamorphic rocks cannot form near the surface
The diagram shows the rock formations of part of the earth's crust involving igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Which statement is TRUE about this rock formation? It shows that ... [gs-176]
1. (r) could be a metamorphic rock formation
2. earlier rocks cannot be exposed by erosion
3. sedimentary rocks erode slower than igneous rocks
4. metamorphic rocks can form near the surface
In the science of plate tectonics, evidence is showing that sea floor spreading has been happening for millions of years.

Which supports the theory of 'continental drift', implying that many continents where once joined together as 'super continent'? [gs-177]
1. some continental shapes seem to fit together
2. different patterns of rock formations on different continents
3. different sequences of fossils on different continents
4. lack of similar magnetic field reversal patterns from iron minerals trapped in solidified magma either side of an ocean ridge
In the science of plate tectonics, evidence is showing that sea floor spreading has been happening for millions of years.

Which supports the theory of 'continental drift', implying that many continents where once joined together as 'super continent'? [gs-178]
1. very few continental shapes seem to fit together
2. similar patterns of rock formations on different continents
3. different sequences of fossils on different continents
4. lack of similar magnetic field reversal patterns from iron minerals trapped in solidified magma either side of an ocean ridge
In the science of plate tectonics, evidence is showing that sea floor spreading has been happening for millions of years.

Which supports the theory of 'continental drift', implying that many continents where once joined together as 'super continent'? [gs-179]
1. very few continental shapes seem to fit together
2. different patterns of rock formations on different continents
3. similar sequences of fossils on different continents
4. lack of similar magnetic field reversal patterns from iron minerals trapped in solidified magma either side of an ocean ridge
In the science of 'plate tectonics', which statement provides evidence for where plate boundries are? [gs-181]
1. chains of fold mountains
2. lack of volcanic activity
3. lack of earthquake activity
4. lots of hot springs
In the science of 'plate tectonics', which statement provides evidence for where plate boundries are? [gs-182]
1. no mountain ranges
2. much volcanic activity
3. lack of earthquake activity
4. lots of hot springs
In the science of 'plate tectonics', which statement provides evidence for where plate boundries are? [gs-183]
1. no mountain ranges
2. lack of volcanic activity
3. much earthquake activity
4. lots of hot springs
Oceanic plate is driven down below (r) under continental plate (x) because it is? [gs-184]
1. more like granite
2. less dense
3. thinner
4. more dense
Mountains start to form at (n) because ...? [gs-185]
1. continental plate is raised and folded
2. oceanic plate forms a high ridge
3. lava flows up between the plates and cools
4. the more recent oceanic plate is cooling and shrinking
What happens to oceanic plate when it subducts below continental plate? [gs-186]
1. it is compressed into sedimentary rock
2. it melts to form magma
3. it forms new continental crust
4. it is heated to become metamorphic rock
In which geographical location are you most likely to find oceanic plate moving away from oceanic plate? [gs-187]
1. along the mid-Atlantic Ridge
2. along the west coast of South America
3. along the north west coast of North America
4. the middle of the Pacific Ocean
In which geographical location are you most likely to find oceanic plate colliding with continental plate? [gs-188]
1. along the mid-Atlantic Ridge
2. along the west coast of South America
3. along the north west coast of North America
4. the middle of the Pacific Ocean
In which geographical location are you most likely to find plates passing each other sideways? [gs-189]
1. along the mid-Atlantic Ridge
2. along the west coast of South America
3. along the north west coast of North America
4. the middle of the Pacific Ocean
In which geographical location are you most likely to find oceanic plate meeting oceanic plate? [gs-190]
1. along the mid-Atlantic Ridge
2. along the west coast of South America
3. along the north west coast of North America
4. the middle of the Pacific Ocean
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-191]
1. when plates collide, any rock formed from existing rocks when new mountains are formed are likely to be metamorphic
2. most plates move over the mantle at about 20m per year
3. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the core
4. older mountains are worn away by plates descending into the mantle
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-192]
1. when plates collide, any rock formed from existing rocks when new mountains are formed are likely to be sedimentary
2. most plates move over the mantle at about 2-5 cm per year
3. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the core
4. older mountains are worn away by plates descending into the mantle
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-193]
1. when plates collide, any rock formed from existing rocks when new mountains are formed are likely to be sedimentary
2. most plates move over the mantle at about 20m per year
3. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the mantle
4. older mountains are worn away by plates descending into the mantle
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-194]
1. when plates collide, any rock formed from existing rocks when new mountains are formed are likely to be sedimentary
2. most plates move over the mantle at about 10m per year
3. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the crust
4. older mountains are worn away by weathering and erosion
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-195]
1. most plates move over the mantle at about 10m per year
2. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the crust
3. you cannot predict an earthquake event accurately
4. it was once thought that mountains were formed by the crust expanding when heated by volcanoes
Which of the following is TRUE about plate tectonics and the 'rock cycle'? [gs-196]
1. most plates move over the mantle at about 10m per year
2. crust plates are moved by convection currents in the crust
3. with modern instruments you can predict an earthquake event quite accurately
4. it was once thought that mountains were formed by the crust shrinking as it cooled
Which of these statements is TRUE? [gs-208]
1. the Earth's crust is thicker than the inner core
2. the Earth's magnetic field has always been in the same direction
3. tectonic plates are moved by volcanic activity
4. the densest part of the Earth is the inner core
Tectonic plates make up the? [gs-209]
1. crust
2. mantle
3. upper mantle and crust
4. inner and outer core
Tectonic plates float on the? [gs-210]
1. crust
2. mantle
3. upper mantle and crust
4. inner and outer core
The lithosphere is the? [gs-211]
1. crust
2. mantle
3. upper mantle and crust
4. inner and outer core
The heat source that drives the convection currents of tectonic plates is due to radioactivity in the? [gs-212]
1. crust
2. mantle
3. upper mantle and crust
4. inner and outer core
The Earth's crust is divided into sections called? [gs-217]
1. plates
2. trenches
3. ridges
4. faults
Earthquakes are most likely to occur? [gs-221]
1. along the boundries of plates
2. in the middle of continents
3. in the middle of oceans
4. along a rift valley
There are very few earthquakes in Britain because it is? [gs-223]
1. on the edge of a continental shelf
2. not in a volcanic area
3. not near a plate boundry
4. not near high mountains
Which causes mountain building? [gs-226]
1. plates moving away from each other
2. plates moving towards each other
3. plates moving past each other
4. cooling contracting crust
Which was once believed to cause the formation of mountain ranges? [gs-228]
1. plates moving away from each other
2. plates moving towards each other
3. plates moving past each other
4. cooling contracting crust
Which is a sedimentary rock? [gs-229]
1. Limestone
2. Slate
3. Basalt
4. Granite
Which best describes what happened to most of the carbon dioxide in the Earth's early atmosphere? [gs-235]
1. lost to outer space
2. dissolved in seas and oceans to form a weak acid solution
3. absorbed by plants and oceans to end up as sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels
4. absorbed in sedimentary rocks, to be released by volcanic action
Where did the oxygen in today's atmosphere come from? [gs-236]
1. volcanic action
2. from the oceans
3. from asteroid impacts
4. green plants
Which accounts for most of the increase in carbon dioxide in today's atmosphere? [gs-237]
1. burning fossil fuels
2. from the oceans
3. volcanic action
4. green plants
Compared to the atmosphere of the first billion years, today's atmosphere has ..? [gs-238]
1. more nitrogen and more carbon dioxide
2. more oxygen and less carbon dioxide
3. less oxygen and less methane
4. less oxygen and less carbon dioxide
Which region is very dense and liquid? [gs-243]
1. S
2. P
3. Q
4. R
Which region is very dense, hot and solid? [gs-244]
1. S
2. P
3. Q
4. R
Where does the Earth's magnetic field originate? [gs-245]
1. R and Q
2. P
3. S
Which of the following is the source of energy which drives the convection currents in the mantle to move tectonic plates? [gs-246]
1. volcanic activity through the crust
2. radioactive decay in the core
3. earthquake activity in the mantle
4. slow drift of the oceans
Fossils where found at points S, R, G, H, I and K. Which two points are most likely to contain fossils of a similar age? [gs-251]
1. S and I
2. I and K
3. G and K
4. R and S
Fossils where found at points S, R, G, H, I and K. Which fossil is most likely to be the oldest? [gs-252]
1. S
2. R
3. K
4. H
Fossils where found at points S, R, G, H, I and K. Which fossil is most likely to be the most recent? [gs-253]
1. S
2. R
3. K
4. H
Which region is most likely to be formed of metamorphic rock? [gs-254]
1. (e)
2. (r)
3. (x)
4. (z)
Which region is most likely to be granite rock? [gs-255]
1. (x)
2. (r)
3. (e)
4. (z)
Compared to the atmosphere of the first billion years, today's atmosphere has ..? [gs-260]
1. more nitrogen and more carbon dioxide
2. less oxygen and less carbon dioxide
3. less oxygen and more methane
4. more nitrogen and less carbon dioxide
Which is TRUE about glaciers? [gs-261]
1. they can move rocks without crushing them
2. they consist of pure frozen water
3. ice is not hard enough to leave deep scars in rocks
4. they cause little erosion

A GCSE random multiple choice quiz on EARTH SCIENCE - Rock types and formation, plate tectonics, atmospheric evolution (foundation/easier tier/level)

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