Geology: Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Structures Quiz

What is the primary purpose of identifying formations in geology?

• To identify mineral content

• To determine the age of rocks

• To measure rock density

• To classify different strata for mapping

What is a stratigraphic section commonly referred to as?

• Strat column

• Fossil record

• Rock column

• Geologic map

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for an index fossil?

• Easily recognizable

• Large size

• Short time range

• Geologically widespread

What are trace fossils?

• Fossils of bones

• Fossils of shells

• Fossils of plants

• Fossils of organism traces

What is lithostratigraphy primarily concerned with?

• Dating fossils

• Analyzing mineral content

• Mapping rock types

• Measuring rock density

What does a transgressive sequence indicate?

• Sea level fall

• Sea level rise

• Volcanic eruption

• Earthquake activity

Which sedimentary structure is characterized by horizontal layering?

• Cross-bedding

• Ripple marks

• Stratification

• Mud cracks

What type of ripple marks are diamond-shaped?

• Asymmetrical

• Symmetrical

• Interference

• Graded

What is the difference between normal grading and reverse grading?

• Normal grading is coarse to fine, reverse is fine to coarse

• Normal grading is fine to coarse, reverse is coarse to fine

• Normal grading is horizontal, reverse is vertical

• Normal grading is symmetrical, reverse is asymmetrical

What do mud cracks in the rock record indicate?

• Volcanic activity

• Drying and shrinking of sediment

• Earthquake activity

• Glacial movement