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Fundamentals of Geology
Geology
A collection of basic questions about geology, covering rocks, minerals, Earth's structure, and geological processes.
geology
earth science
rocks
minerals
plate tectonics
20 Questions
Easy
Ages 5+
Aug 20, 2026
About this Study Set
This study set covers Geology through
20 practice questions.
A collection of basic questions about geology, covering rocks, minerals, Earth's structure, and geological processes. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 20 questions from the
Fundamentals of Geology study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the hardest naturally occurring mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?
-
A
Quartz
-
B
Diamond
-
C
Feldspar
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D
Calcite
2
Which layer of the Earth is composed primarily of liquid iron and nickel?
-
A
Crust
-
B
Mantle
-
C
Inner Core
-
D
Outer Core
3
What are rocks made of?
-
A
Water
-
B
Minerals
-
C
Gas
-
D
Organic matter
4
The process by which rocks are transformed from one type to another is called:
-
A
Erosion
-
B
Weathering
-
C
The Rock Cycle
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D
Sedimentation
5
Which type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava)?
-
A
Sedimentary
-
B
Metamorphic
-
C
Igneous
-
D
Crystalline
6
What force is primarily responsible for plate tectonics?
-
A
Wind
-
B
Gravity
-
C
Convection currents in the mantle
-
D
The moon's pull
7
Which of these is a common example of a sedimentary rock?
-
A
Granite
-
B
Marble
-
C
Sandstone
-
D
Basalt
8
Earthquakes are most commonly caused by:
-
A
Volcanic eruptions
-
B
Tsunamis
-
C
The sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust
-
D
Meteorite impacts
9
What is the outermost solid shell of a rocky planet, dwarf planet, or natural satellite called?
-
A
Mantle
-
B
Core
-
C
Crust
-
D
Atmosphere
10
Which type of rock is formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions?
-
A
Igneous
-
B
Sedimentary
-
C
Metamorphic
-
D
Extrusive
11
Fossils are typically found in which type of rock?
-
A
Igneous
-
B
Metamorphic
-
C
Sedimentary
-
D
Intrusive
12
The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces is called:
-
A
Erosion
-
B
Deposition
-
C
Weathering
-
D
Compaction
13
What is the scientific study of the Earth's physical past and present and the processes that shape it called?
-
A
Astronomy
-
B
Biology
-
C
Geology
-
D
Meteorology
14
What is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a specific crystal structure called?
-
A
Rock
-
B
Mineral
-
C
Element
-
D
Compound
15
Which geological feature is formed at the boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other?
-
A
Mountain range
-
B
Volcano
-
C
Ocean trench
-
D
Rift valley
16
The thickest layer of the Earth is the:
-
A
Crust
-
B
Mantle
-
C
Outer Core
-
D
Inner Core
17
Which of these is a common example of an igneous rock?
-
A
Shale
-
B
Limestone
-
C
Granite
-
D
Gneiss
18
What is the term for the gradual wearing away of landforms by wind, water, or ice?
-
A
Deposition
-
B
Weathering
-
C
Erosion
-
D
Subsidence
19
Where do most volcanoes and earthquakes occur?
-
A
In the middle of continents
-
B
Along plate boundaries
-
C
In deserts
-
D
Deep in the oceans
20
What is the process called when sediments are squeezed and cemented together to form rock?
-
A
Melting
-
B
Metamorphism
-
C
Lithification
-
D
Crystallization
