Exploring Engineering Geology

What are the primary processes involved in rock formation?

• Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes.

• Chemical and biological processes

• Weathering and erosion only

• Crystallization and evaporation

Describe the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks.

• Igneous rocks are created by weathering; sedimentary rocks are formed from solidified minerals.

• Igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma or lava; sedimentary rocks are formed from compressed sediments.

• Igneous rocks are formed from fossils; sedimentary rocks are formed from volcanic activity.

• Igneous rocks are formed under high pressure; sedimentary rocks are formed from molten rock.

What is metamorphic rock and how does it form?

• Metamorphic rock is created by the cooling of magma.

• Metamorphic rock is formed from volcanic activity.

• Metamorphic rock is a type of sedimentary rock.

• Metamorphic rock is a type of rock that has been transformed from an existing rock through heat, pressure, and chemical processes.

List the three main types of rocks and provide an example of each.

• Volcanic: Basalt

• 1. Igneous: Granite, 2. Sedimentary: Sandstone, 3. Metamorphic: Schist

• Organic: Coal

• Crystalline: Marble

What is the significance of the rock cycle in geology?

• The rock cycle only involves sedimentary rocks.

• The rock cycle is irrelevant to understanding Earth's history.

• The rock cycle is significant in geology as it explains the transformation and recycling of rocks, aiding in understanding Earth's materials and geological processes.

• The rock cycle describes the formation of fossils.

Explain the concept of geomechanical classification.

• Geomechanical classification is a method for identifying mineral types in rocks.

• Geomechanical classification categorizes rock masses based on their mechanical properties to assess stability and suitability for engineering applications.

• Geomechanical classification focuses solely on the chemical composition of rocks.

• Geomechanical classification is used to determine the color of rock formations.

What factors influence the mechanical properties of rocks?

• Surface weathering effects

• Rock color and texture

• Geological age and location

• Mineral composition, grain size, porosity, temperature, pressure, and fluid presence.

How do porosity and permeability affect rock behavior?

• Porosity determines rock color, while permeability affects rock hardness.

• Porosity is related to rock temperature, and permeability influences rock age.

• Porosity impacts the mineral composition, whereas permeability controls the rock's weight.

• Porosity affects fluid storage capacity, while permeability affects fluid flow through the rock.

What is the role of stress and strain in geomechanics?

• Stress only affects fluid dynamics, not geomechanics.

• Strain is solely a measure of temperature change in materials.

• Stress and strain are irrelevant in geomechanics.

• Stress and strain are fundamental in understanding material behavior and stability in geomechanics.

Define the term 'unconfined compressive strength' in relation to rock.

• Unconfined compressive strength refers to the strength of a rock when submerged in water.

• Unconfined compressive strength is the stress a rock can withstand with lateral support applied.

• Unconfined compressive strength is the minimum stress a rock can withstand under axial loading.

• Unconfined compressive strength is the maximum stress a rock can withstand under axial loading without lateral support.