Q.1 What is the study of Earth's physical structure and substance called?
Geography
Geology
Meteorology
Astronomy
Explanation - Geology is the branch of science that deals with Earth's physical structure, materials, and processes.
Correct answer is: Geology
Q.2 Which type of rock is formed from cooled lava or magma?
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Fossil
Explanation - Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava.
Correct answer is: Igneous
Q.3 Which layer of Earth is liquid and responsible for Earth's magnetic field?
Crust
Mantle
Inner Core
Outer Core
Explanation - The outer core is liquid iron and nickel, and its movement generates Earth's magnetic field.
Correct answer is: Outer Core
Q.4 Which is the most abundant element in Earth’s crust?
Iron
Silicon
Oxygen
Aluminum
Explanation - Oxygen makes up about 46% of Earth's crust by weight.
Correct answer is: Oxygen
Q.5 Which rock type often contains fossils?
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Volcanic
Explanation - Sedimentary rocks form from layers of sediments, often trapping and preserving fossils.
Correct answer is: Sedimentary
Q.6 The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces is called?
Weathering
Erosion
Deposition
Compaction
Explanation - Weathering is the breakdown of rocks by physical, chemical, or biological processes.
Correct answer is: Weathering
Q.7 Which mountain range was formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates?
Andes
Alps
Himalayas
Rockies
Explanation - The Himalayas formed due to the tectonic collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate.
Correct answer is: Himalayas
Q.8 Which scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?
Beaufort Scale
Richter Scale
Mercalli Scale
Moment Magnitude Scale
Explanation - The Richter Scale measures earthquake magnitude based on seismic wave energy.
Correct answer is: Richter Scale
Q.9 What is the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface called?
Lava
Magma
Sediment
Shale
Explanation - Molten rock beneath Earth's surface is magma; once it erupts, it is called lava.
Correct answer is: Magma
Q.10 Which mineral is the hardest according to Mohs hardness scale?
Quartz
Diamond
Topaz
Corundum
Explanation - Diamond is the hardest known natural mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 10.
Correct answer is: Diamond
Q.11 Which type of rock forms under extreme heat and pressure?
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Basalt
Explanation - Metamorphic rocks are transformed from pre-existing rocks by heat and pressure.
Correct answer is: Metamorphic
Q.12 What type of boundary occurs where two tectonic plates move apart?
Convergent
Divergent
Transform
Subduction
Explanation - Divergent boundaries are where plates move apart, often forming mid-ocean ridges.
Correct answer is: Divergent
Q.13 Which rock is most common in the oceanic crust?
Granite
Basalt
Sandstone
Marble
Explanation - Basalt, a dark volcanic rock, makes up most of the oceanic crust.
Correct answer is: Basalt
Q.14 Which geologic era is often called the 'Age of Dinosaurs'?
Paleozoic
Mesozoic
Cenozoic
Precambrian
Explanation - The Mesozoic era, lasting about 180 million years, is known as the Age of Dinosaurs.
Correct answer is: Mesozoic
Q.15 Which natural resource is extracted from sedimentary rocks like coal beds?
Oil
Coal
Iron Ore
Uranium
Explanation - Coal is a sedimentary resource formed from the remains of ancient plants.
Correct answer is: Coal
Q.16 Which type of volcano has gentle slopes and erupts basaltic lava flows?
Cinder Cone
Composite Volcano
Shield Volcano
Caldera
Explanation - Shield volcanoes, like Mauna Loa, are broad with gentle slopes formed by fluid basalt lava.
Correct answer is: Shield Volcano
Q.17 What are layers of sedimentary rock called?
Folds
Strata
Faults
Dikes
Explanation - Strata are horizontal layers of sedimentary rock deposited over time.
Correct answer is: Strata
Q.18 Which mineral is used as a common table salt?
Halite
Calcite
Quartz
Gypsum
Explanation - Halite is the mineral name for sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.
Correct answer is: Halite
Q.19 Which is the largest layer of the Earth by volume?
Crust
Mantle
Inner Core
Outer Core
Explanation - The mantle makes up about 84% of Earth’s volume, lying between crust and core.
Correct answer is: Mantle
Q.20 What are naturally occurring solid substances with a definite chemical composition called?
Minerals
Rocks
Sediments
Crystals
Explanation - Minerals are natural, inorganic solids with definite structure and composition.
Correct answer is: Minerals
Q.21 Which tectonic boundary is responsible for the creation of the Ring of Fire?
Divergent
Convergent
Transform
Intraplate
Explanation - The Ring of Fire around the Pacific is caused by subduction at convergent boundaries.
Correct answer is: Convergent
Q.22 Which fossil type preserves the original remains of organisms?
Cast Fossil
Petrified Fossil
Amber Fossil
Trace Fossil
Explanation - Amber fossils preserve insects or plants trapped in tree resin.
Correct answer is: Amber Fossil
Q.23 Which scientist proposed the theory of continental drift?
Charles Darwin
Alfred Wegener
Isaac Newton
James Hutton
Explanation - Wegener proposed that continents once formed a single landmass, Pangaea, which drifted apart.
Correct answer is: Alfred Wegener
Q.24 Which rock is formed from cooling lava on Earth’s surface?
Granite
Basalt
Slate
Marble
Explanation - Basalt forms when lava cools quickly at the surface, making it fine-grained.
Correct answer is: Basalt
Q.25 What is the term for molten rock that erupts onto Earth's surface?
Magma
Lava
Ash
Tuff
Explanation - When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava.
Correct answer is: Lava