Geology 381 Midterm II-University of Calgary

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Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

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Question 1

On tidally dominated delta formations, lagoons can be identified by their fine grained mud (Fm) and/or rich organic content. (ID-SSM2-58)

A	True
B	False, that's a point bar.
C	False, that's a longitudinal bar.

Question 2

Where do you expect the highest pressure on a meandering system? (ID-SSM2-51)

A	Near the outer cut bank. Hint: aka outer bank
B	Shallowest part of the river.
C	Floodplains on both sides of the river.
D	Near the point bar.

Question 2 Explanation:

This pressure difference result in helicoidal flow which cause erosion on the cut bank(aka outer bank) of the meandering system.

Question 3

On the following diagram, the type of delta that would formed in section A is.... (ID-SSM2-40)

A	alluvial dominated.
B	tidal dominated.
C	fluvial dominated.
D	wave dominated.

Question 4

Which of the following describe ooids? (ID-SSM2-65)

A	Bodies of calcium carbonate less than 2mm in diameter and form by the precipitation of calcium carbonate.
B	Very fine grained material that precipitate by the breakdown of skeletal fragments.
C	Planktonic yellowgreen algae that are extremely important contributors to marine sediments.
D	Layers bound by cyanobacteria found as clasts within carbonate sediments.
E	Fragments of calcium carbonate material that has been partly lithified.

Question 5

Which type of alluvial fans most likely to preserve imbrication of clasts and up stream cross-stratification? (ID-SSM2-85)

A	Sheetflood deposition
B	Subaerial debris flows
C	Stream-channel fans
D	Channel banks

Question 6

On a sandy braided river system, the slip face would form on transverse bars on the.... (ID-SSM2-55)

A	right side in N. America and left side in Australia.
B	left and right side, parallel to the flow.
C	downstream side.
D	upstream side.
E	left side in N. America and right side in Australia.

Question 7

Pedogenesis is caused by which of the following processes within sediments? (ID-SSM2-86)

A	Chemical and mechanical
B	Chemical and biological
C	Physical, chemical and biological
D	Physical and chemical
E	Chemical and nuclear

Question 8

Bonus; Calgary Elbow River will fall under what type of river system? (ID-SSM2-59)

A	anastomosing
B	braided
C	meandering
D	graded

Question 9

Alluvial fans are differ from deltas because alluvial fans are formed as a direct result of flow expansion. (ID-SSM2-50)

A	False
B	True

Question 9 Explanation:

Both alluvial fans AND deltas are formed as a direct result of flow expansion. However, alluvial fans are deposited at the mouth of the canyon when it enters a low lying land while deltas are formed at the mouth of the river where a body of sediments deposited in a large body of standing water (ocean, lake).

Question 10

What is Eustasy? (ID-SSM2-31)

A	It is the term given to absolute sea level.
B	It is the term given to local base level of a fluvial system.
C	It is a drug that most geologists take to get high in the woods.
D	It is the term given to local sea level.

Question 11

In alluvial fan transverse cross sections a geologist will___. (ID-SSM2-20)

A	observe a drop in base level moving downstream (negative change in slope).
B	observe a no change in base level or overall elevation since the sediments get deposited in a rapid rate.
C	observe a increase in base level moving downstream (positive change in slope).
D	observe an increase and then a decrease in base level moving downstream (like a bra cup).

Question 12

Chert is mostly composed of which of the following mineral? (ID-SSM2-72)

A	Apatite
B	Glass
C	Epsomite
D	Halite
E	Quartz

Question 13

Walther's law state... (ID-SSM2-30)

A	high energy currents can flow upstream, if the total energy of the current is higher than the gravitational gradient.
B	rise in sea level cause regression.
C	only beds with above 6 cm in thickness can be consider as a facies.
D	the vertical succession of facies reflects lateral changes in environment.

Question 13 Explanation:

Another way to state this would be; only those facies that were deposited side-by-side may be juxtaposed vertically.

Question 14

What can be interpreted from presence of histosols in a core sample? (ID-SSM2-87)

A	The area must have been concentrated with poorly developed soil.
B	The area must have been arid.
C	This particular core section must have been taken from the distal edge of a weave dominated delta deposit.
D	This particular core section represents a channel bar deposit.
E	The area must have been enriched in organic matter.

Question 15

What is the best reasonable paleoenvironment interpretation for the following geological observations? (ID-SSM2-81)
-Several channels filled with sandy to muddy deposits
-Most of the channel fills overlaps each others
-Both vertically and laterally the channels are closer to each other

A	River avulsion must have occurred with a much higher rate of channel fill and slow subsidence rate relative to the rate of overbank fill.
B	River avulsion must have occurred with a much lower rate of channel fill and higher subsidence rate relative to the rate of overbank fill.
C	Must have been a submarine deposit channels within a large underwater deltaic environment.
D	Several rivers must have been cut across the paleo flood plane at the same period of time, resulting multiple channels.
E	Sediment load must have been enriched in sand relative to muddy and other materials.

Question 16

In general, rivers are stable systems. (ID-SSM2-54)

A	False
B	True

Question 17

On the following diagram, the type of delta that would formed in section B is.... (ID-SSM2-39)

A	alluvial dominated.
B	fluvial dominated.
C	wave dominated.
D	tidal dominated.

Question 18

Majority of modern day seawater is concentrated with which of the following ion? (ID-SSM2-69)

A	Sodium
B	Potassium
C	Magnesium
D	Calcium
E	Chlorine

Question 19

Large scale sandy deposits, important to the petroleum industry, are most likely to be found within which of the following river system sub-environments? (ID-SSM2-75)

A	Channels
B	Levees
C	Crevasse Splays
D	Floodplains

Question 20

Which of the following is the best possible location for a oil (petroleum) exploration? (ID-SSM2-73)

A	Older point bar
B	Older oxbow lake
C	Older alluvial fan
D	Younger/modern river bed
E	Younger/modern point bar

Question 21

The submarine delta deposits from when... (ID-SSM2-47)

A	density of effluent < density of the ambient
B	density of effluent > density of the ambient Hint: aka hyperpycnal flow
C	density of effluent = density of the ambient
D	density of effluent/density of the ambient = infinity

Question 21 Explanation:

Density of effluent (river water) is higher than the density of the ambient (sea water) causing river sediments to transport further and deposit in the ocean.

Question 22

What are Tufa or travertine? (ID-SSM2-93)

A	Clastic lake margin deposits.
B	A type of sediment that was undergoing transition to coal from peat.
C	Inorganic precipitate of calcium carbonate.
D	Deep lake facies characterized by high concentrations of oncoids.
E	Organic precipitate of calcium carbonate.

Question 23

Which direction a facies sequences can propagate? (ID-SSM2-29)

A	vertically upwards
B	vertically and laterally
C	laterally left or right
D	vertically downwards

Question 24

The process of compaction will result in... (choose the most suitable) (ID-SSM2-09)

A	precipitation of minerals into the pore spaces reducing the porosity.
B	reduce porosity causing beds to be thinner and dehydrated.
C	creates facies due to increase in temperature and pressure.
D	increase in volume as a direct result of increase in pressure due to burial.

Question 24 Explanation:

Few answers above can be considered as a right answers, but only one choice can be considered by technical definition.

Question 25

Where would you expect braided rivers to form? (ID-SSM2-79)

A	Between meandering section and the upstream of rivers with high sediment load.
B	At low gradient slopes near the mouth of the river with high sediment load.
C	Between meandering section and the upstream of rivers with low sediment load.
D	At low gradient slopes near the mouth of the river with low sediment load.

Question 26

How is scars different from oxbow lakes? (ID-SSM2-33)

A	Scars are produced by braided rivers and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers.
B	They are the same thing, scars formed in dry-humid environment and oxbow lakes formed in wet environments.
C	Scars and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers. The difference is where oxbow lakes are filled with water.
D	Scars are produced by anastomating rivers and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers.

Question 26 Explanation:

aka meandering scars

Question 27

On the following diagram, the type of delta that would formed in section C is__I__ and these deltas become__II__. (ID-SSM2-41)

A	I. tidal dominated II. flood plains
B	I. tidal dominated II. flood plains
C	I. tidal dominated II. estuary
D	I. wave dominated II. estuary

Question 27 Explanation:

Estuary is an area which mixing of salt and fresh water can occur as a direct result of low slope and reverse(landwards) ocean tides.

Question 28

What type of flow is turbidity flow? (ID-SSM2-01)

A	Liquified Flow
B	Density Flow
C	Debris Flow
D	Sediment Gravity Flow

Question 29

On the following diagram, the type of delta that would formed at point 3 (blue) can be described as... (ID-SSM2-43)

A	wave energy based delta (smear)
B	tidal energy based delta (smear)
C	tidal energy based delta (bird's foot)
D	wave energy based delta (cupcake)

Question 30

Diagenesis is the process in which... (ID-SSM2-05)

A	sediments get buried.
B	soil created.
C	original horizontally changed due to a tectonic event.
D	grains transported to a new environment.

Question 30 Explanation:

To be clear; Diagenesis is the process of compaction and lithofication of sediments into sedimentary rocks.

Question 31

What is the difference between avulsion and migration? (ID-SSM2-38)

A	Migration is the rapid change of a river channel and usually caused by a sudden event such as a flood or an earthquake. Avulsion is the normal lateral motion of an alluvial river channel across its floodplain.
B	Avulsion and migration both caused by the rapid change of a river channel. But avulsion is found in braided rivers and migration found in meandering rivers.
C	Avulsion and migration both caused by the rapid change of a river channel. But migration is found in braided rivers and avulsion found in meandering rivers.
D	Avulsion is the rapid change of a river channel and usually caused by a sudden event such as a flood or an earthquake. Migration is the normal lateral motion of an alluvial river channel across its floodplain.

Question 32

According to Dunham Classification, this type of rock has an extensive organic framework. (ID-SSM2-67)

A	Boundstone
B	Rudstone
C	Wackestone
D	Carbonate mudstone
E	Grainstone

Question 32 Explanation:

Some instructors do not require students to know this.

Question 33

Turbidity flows result in deposits known as turbidites. In the ideal turbidite sequence, where would you expect to find ripples? (ID-SSM2-02)

A	Section C; the third one from the bottom.
B	Section E; the fifth one from the bottom.
C	Section A; the first one from the bottom.
D	Section B; the second one from the bottom.
E	Section D; the fourth one from the bottom.

Question 34

Tidal inlets form under____ (pick the most suitable) (ID-SSM2-60)

A	low density flows.
B	high density flows.
C	low energy conditions.
D	high energy conditions.

Question 34 Explanation:

While density of the flow may play a role in how inlets in a tidally dominated deltas, it is the high energy condition drives the mechanism for the formation of inlets.

Question 35

What are ephemeral lakes? (ID-SSM2-89)

A	Lakes that are temporary bodies of water that exist for short periods of time.
B	Lakes with very high heat capacity hence able to reduce the temperate of the surrounding regions.
C	Lakes that form in a volcanic crater or caldera.
D	Lake that are hydrologically closed and produce large deposits of precipitate minerals.

Question 36

A geological formation can have several lithofacies. (ID-SSM2-28)

A	True
B	False

Question 37

A Geologist noticed that Bouma sequence in the area only indicate deposition of lower units (ex A and B only). He/she is most likely at the... (ID-SSM2-04)

A	beginning of the flow.
B	middle of the flow.
C	end of flow.

Question 38

This is an areal image taken in 1996 of a geologic feature in Skeidararsandur (Iceland). What is the best interpretation for this image? (ID-SSM2-48)

Copyrighted to Magnus Tumi Gumundsson and Finnur Palsson

A	Alluvial fan formed by a stream with heavy sediment load
B	Delta formed due to tidal flow
C	Delta formed due to hyperpycnal flow
D	Alluvial fan formed by a stream with high density sediment load
E	Delta formed due to hyperpycnal flow

Question 38 Explanation:

This is a difficult question, but a fair question.

Question 39

A Professional Geologist have made the following observations: (ID-SSM2-24)
-active and extinct distributaries
-poorly sorted and mostly matrix supported
-reverse grading in basal section
-very steep surface with no vegetation
A possible environment for such observations could be....

A	humid-desert extreme weather dominated river bed
B	debris flow dominated fan
C	low sediment load river bed
D	stream flow dominated fan
E	high sediment load river bed

Question 40

Which of the following describes characteristics of floatstones according to Dunham Classification? (ID-SSM2-68)

A	Organic framework supported with original components organically bounded.
B	Mud supported with less than 10% grains.
C	Grain supported with some mud within the matrix.
D	Mud supported with more than 10% grains.
E	Matrix supported with more than 10% grains.

Question 40 Explanation:

Some instructors do not require students to know this.

Question 41

Which of the following describe oncoids? (ID-SSM2-66)

A	Planktonic yellowgreen algae that are extremely important contributors to marine sediments.
B	Bodies of calcium carbonate less than 2mm in diameter and form by the precipitation of calcium carbonate.
C	Fragments of calcium carbonate material that has been partly lithified.
D	Very fine grained material that precipitate by the breakdown of skeletal fragments.
E	Layers bound by cyanobacteria found as clasts within carbonate sediments.

Question 42

Crevasse splays are deposits found in __A__ systems and generally have __B__ grains than flood plain facies. (ID-SSM2-36)

A	A. alluvial B. coarser
B	A. alluvial B. finer
C	A. fluvial B. finer
D	A. fluvial B. coarser

Question 43

Choose all the correct statements. (more than one answer) (ID-SSM2-49)

A	imbricated clasts can be observed om gravel braided system.
B	anastomosing rivers are avulsion dominated rivers.
C	braided rivers are part of alluvial systems.
D	point bar is an area of high erosion.
E	ε cross beds form in the point bar side of a meandering river.

Question 44

Due to modern day global warming, the change in overall global sediment accommodation space has undergone.... (ID-SSM2-15)

A	erosion
B	base level increase
C	subsidence
D	transgression
E	regression

Question 45

Alluvial fan deposits are typically associated with ______ facies and rivers deposits are typically associated with ______ facies. (ID-SSM2-83)

A	sheet flood , aeolian dunes
B	ephemeral lake , estuarine
C	delta , ephemeral lake
D	estuarine , sheet flood

Question 46

These type of fragments commonly found within limestone are faecal pellets of marine organisms such as gastropods. (ID-SSM2-64)

A	Pisoids
B	Oncoids
C	Ooids
D	Peloids

Question 47

Which of the following characteristic of lake deposit is incorrect? (ID-SSM2-95)

A	Very high degree of palaeocurrents preservation with extensive paleocurrent networks.
B	Often wave ripples and very fine parallel lamination are observed.
C	Typically sands are moderately well sorted.
D	Facies an be best described as commonly occur with fluvial deposits, evaporites and associated with aeolian facies.
E	Dominated by sandstone, mudstone, fine-grained limestones and evaporites lithologies.

Question 47 Explanation:

The lake environments are relatively clam. Hence, development of palaeocurrents is very minimal and in most cases insignificant. While clam waters are good for preservation of sedimentary structures, palaeocurrents are not usually observed in lake type settings.

Question 48

______ is an important source of industrial potash that occurs associated with halite. (ID-SSM2-71)

A	Selenite
B	Apatite
C	Sylvite
D	Gypsum
E	Epsomite

Question 49

How large is the lateral width of a crevasse splay(generally)? (ID-SSM2-37)

A	100s of ms
B	It can varies widely between 10 of cms to 1000s of Kms depend on the environment.
C	100s of Kms
D	10 of cms
E	1000s of Kms

Question 50

Turbidity flows can most likely occur in what kind of environment? (ID-SSM2-08)

A	this question is stupid
B	muddy rivers enter the lake
C	areas with high friction
D	rivers with low sediment load

Question 51

A fan delta is a depositional feature that is formed where an alluvial fan develops directly in a body of standing water(lake/ocean) as a result of streams originating from a steep environment. (ID-SSM2-23)

A	False
B	True

Question 52

Where would you most likely to find palustrine environments? (ID-SSM2-92)

A	Within deep channels in a braided river system.
B	Areas of mixing salt water with fresh water.
C	Lake margins with very gentle slopes.
D	At the mouth of rivers that carry large sediment load.
E	At the toe of wave dominated deltas with large scale muddy deposits.

Question 53

What is cementation? (ID-SSM2-06)

A	Addition of chemicals from outside of the strata into the pore spaces reducing the porosity.
B	Precipitation of minerals into the pore spaces reducing the porosity.
C	Precipitation of minerals into the pore spaces increasing the porosity.
D	Addition of chemicals from outside of the strata into the pore spaces increasing the porosity.

Question 54

Where can you find the apex of the alluvial fan? (ID-SSM2-19)

A	Close to the canyon.
B	In the most expanded area.
C	Close to the lowest base level.
D	Close to an extinct channel.

Question 54 Explanation:

Apex is the first point in which the flow expansion occur as a result of widening the area of flow.

Question 55

Which of the following is associated with lake turbidite deposits? (ID-SSM2-90)

A	Epilimnion waters
B	Thermocline waters
C	Sediment load dominated by fine grains
D	Oxic environment
E	Hypolimnion waters

Question 55 Explanation:

Hypolimnion = cold water and it is below the thermocline. It is also anoxic.

Question 56

What would you always expect to find in an alluvial fan? (ID-SSM2-18)

A	Avulsion
B	Distributaries
C	Extinct channels.
D	Tributaries
E	Overbanks

Question 57

Sandy braided river systems will form __A__ and gravel braided rivers systems will form __B__. (ID-SSM2-56)

A	A. longitudinal bars B. transverse bars
B	A. transverse bars B. longitudinal bars
C	A. stable channels B. unstable channels
D	A. levees B. point bars.
E	A. unstable channels B. stable channels

Question 58

Typically what is the radius of debris flow alluvial fans? (ID-SSM2-82)

A	100s of meters to a few kilometers.
B	One to ten kilometers.
C	Less than 20 meters.
D	1 km to tens of kilometers.
E	Hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Question 58 Explanation:

As a good Geologist, you should know the typical shapes and sizes for different types of alluvial fans. This will help identify different environments and improve geological interpretations.

Question 59

How is Alizarin Red-S staining agent is used to identify dolomite? (ID-SSM2-62)

A	It will increase the relief by staining the dolomite grain boundaries.
B	It will stain dolomite red but will not stain the other carbonates.
C	It will react with dolomite and stain it in green.
D	It will not stain dolomite but colours the other carbonates pink.

Question 60

Alluvial fans dominated by debris flows tend to form with __A__, while stream-flow dominated fans tend to form with __B__. (ID-SSM2-25)

A	A. shallower slopes in a small area B. steeper slopes in a small area
B	A. steeper slopes in a small area B. shallower slopes in a wide area
C	A. shallower slopes in a small area B. steeper slopes in a wide area
D	A. steeper slopes in a small area B. shallower slopes in a small area
E	A. steeper slopes in a wide area B. shallower slopes in a small area

Question 61

When working on a scientific project,__A__ comes before__B__. (ID-SSM2-12)

A	A. analysis B. observations
B	A. interpretations B. observations
C	A. alcohol B. dirty girls
D	A. observations B. interpretations
E	A. observations B. analysis

Question 62

On the following diagram, the type of delta that would formed at point 2 (blue) can be described as... (ID-SSM2-42)

A	tidal flow delta with a shape of a cupcake.
B	sediment impact delta with a shape of a bird's foot.
C	wave influx delta with a shape of a cupcake.
D	wave influx delta with a shape of a bird's foot.

Question 63

As the amount of evaporation increases in lakes, the type of mineral precipitation varies. Which of the following has the correct order of mineral precipitation as lakes environment move from low evaporation to high evaporation? (ID-SSM2-94)

A	Calcium carbonate - Gypsum - Sodium sulphates (eg. mirabilite) - Halite
B	Gypsum - Calcium carbonate - Sodium sulphates (eg. mirabilite) - Halite
C	Gypsum - Sodium sulphates (eg. mirabilite) - Calcium carbonate - Halite
D	Calcium carbonate - Halite - Sodium sulphates (eg. mirabilite) - Gypsum
E	Calcium carbonate - Sodium sulphates (eg. mirabilite) - Gypsum - Halite

Question 64

Which of the following would increase the sediment accommodation space? (ID-SSM2-53)

A	increase in elevation
B	subsidence
C	increase in sediment load Hint: this will decrease the accommodation space due to higher rate of sed accumulation.
D	uplift

Question 65

According the the classification of trace fossils based on interpretation of the activity of organism, which of the following is typically associated with crawling, gracing and feeding traces? (ID-SSM2-96)

A	Passichnia
B	Fodinichina
C	Repichinia
D	Cubichina
E	Dominichnia

Question 66

Which of the following is indicative of phreatic zone sediments? (ID-SSM2-77)

A	Isopachous cement between grains.
B	Saturated zones of calcite within the matrix.
C	Meniscus cements between grains.
D	Complete dolomitisation.
E	Presence of globular masses of digenetic minerals within matrix.

Question 67

Which of the following is a characteristic of wave dominated delta? (ID-SSM2-84)

A	Flat or straight distal edge.
B	Lobe shaped bay fill towards the sea with a shape like a "bird's foot".
C	Large distributary channels developed well into the distal regions.
D	Increase in sediment accumulation towards the distal edge due to sandy deposits.

Question 68

Which of the following statement is true about facies and/or beds? (ID-SSM2-10)

A	Facies only form in complex geologic environments.
B	A rock or lithologic unit that has consistent properties is known as a facies.
C	Bed are vertical planer features resulted from recent geologic activities.
D	Beds are composed of several facies.

Question 69

When moving from A to B on the following flow chart (with respect to deltas), (ID-SSM2-52)

(A) Channels --> Levees --> Crevasse splay --> Floodplain (B)

A	the bioturbation decreases.
B	the grain size increases.
C	the density decreases.
D	the grain size decreases.
E	the density increases.

Question 70

What is the difference between Calcite and Aragonite? (ID-SSM2-61)

A	Calcite is a carbonate mineral while aragonite is a silicate mineral.
B	Calcite is calcium carbonate, CaCO₃ while aragonite is calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂.
C	Calcite has a trigonal crystal form, aragonite has an orthorhombic crystal form.
D	Calcite has a different chemical properties than aragonite because calcite has an extra calcium ion.
E	Calcite is calcium carbonate, CaCO₃ while aragonite is iron carbonate, FeCO₃.

Question 71

A core sample can be exclusively used to identify the depositional environment with strong geologic constraints. (ID-SSM2-11)

A	True if the core is taken perpendicular to the natural depositional surfaces.
B	True if the core samples are taken within few lateral meters from each other.
C	False
D	True if the core penetrated across different strata.

Question 71 Explanation:

A core sample by itself cannot be used to identify the depositional environment. Several samples are needed to analyze the geological conditions in a given area.

Question 72

Where can a sheetflood (sheet erosion) can be observed? (ID-SSM2-26)

A	stream-flow dominated fans
B	gradual erosional environments such as a beach/river bed.
C	all alluvial fans
D	poorly-sorted load dominated currents
E	debris flow dominated fans

Question 73

Meandering rivers most likely to formed in areas with... (ID-SSM2-34)

A	stable channels carrying a lose sediment load (such as sand/mud).
B	shallow unstable channels.
C	high gradient.
D	rivers with high width to depth ratio.
E	low gradient.

Question 73 Explanation:

Low gradient=low width to depth ratio. In some areas the difference is so small, it is harder for a Geologist to find the downstream direction (assuming river is not flowing).

While the meander is caused by several factors; the main factor is the low slope of the channel.

Question 74

The process which the pressure difference drives the water from cut bank to point bar is caused by... (ID-SSM2-44)

A	gravitational force.
B	helicoidal flow.
C	sediment accumulation.
D	gravitational flow.

Question 75

What is the primary process that derive formation of rhizocretions? (ID-SSM2-88)

A	Physical weathering
B	Fall of water table
C	Chemical weathering
D	Gravity and pressure due to overburden sediment load
E	Rise of water table

Question 76

Which of the following describes Banded Iron Formations or BIFs? (ID-SSM2-74)

A	BIFs forms in modern environment, but at much smaller scale and rate.
B	BIFs most likely formed in deep basins with very high iron rich organic sediment influx.
C	Iron within BIFs must have been oxidized before they were deposited as bands of thin beds.
D	Typically thin iron rich beds are composed of haematite rich sediments.

Question 77

What is the most common type of flow that contributes to the creation of alluvial fans? (ID-SSM2-22)

A	diagenesis flow
B	sediment-gravity flows
C	oscillatory flows
D	density flows

Question 78

How does large scale oxbow lakes get filled up by sediments? (ID-SSM2-80)

A	During a flooding event.
B	Collapse of sediments from overbanks.
C	Development of soil form vegetation. Hint: Yes, but typically for smaller oxbow lakes.
D	Gravel deposits through biological activities in the surrounding area.

Question 79

What is flow expansion? (ID-SSM2-21)

A	Flow expansion is caused by decrease in area of the fluid flow.
B	Flow expansion is caused by decrease in sediment load of the fluid flow.
C	Flow expansion is caused by increase in area of the fluid flow.
D	Flow expansion is caused by increase in sediment load of the fluid flow.

Question 80

If you have to identify the single most cause(while it is a combination of many) of alluvial fans formation, it would be... (ID-SSM2-17)

A	the gain of energy(velocity) of the load bearing currents.
B	the change in base level.
C	the loss of energy(velocity) of the load bearing currents.
D	the change in elevation.

Question 80 Explanation:

This is a tricky question... While several answers above can be right, the fundamental cause is the velocity change which in trigger density change causing deposition.

Question 81

Imbricated clasts often can be found in this type of system. (ID-SSM2-45)

A	gravel braided system.
B	tidal energy delta system.
C	sandy braided system.
D	wave energy delta system.

Question 82

Ogoki River hydro power dam in Ontario will result in___. (ID-SSM2-16)

A	fall in global base level.
B	fall in local base level.
C	rise in global base level.
D	rise in local base level.

Question 83

What is anhydrite? (ID-SSM2-70)

A	It is the dehydrated version of gypsum.
B	It is the fibrous mineral version of halite.
C	It is a type of quartz that lacks water.
D	It is a type of precipitate occurs between grains of iron rich sediments.
E	It is the dehydrated and fibrous version of sylvite.

Question 84

What is the most common type of cements in nature? (ID-SSM2-07)

A	pyrite and calcite
B	calcite and silica
C	silica and iron
D	silica and pyrite

Question 85

It is impossible to have a base level lower than the sea level. (ID-SSM2-14)

A	True
B	False

Question 85 Explanation:

Because the base level is actually the LOCAL lowest point in a river/lake. Imagine if you have a river 100s of km long and base level in can be lower than sea level in some area, but as long as gradient of the overall slope is downwards, the water will flow.

Question 86

In lakes where sediment plumes and turbidity currents are the main transport mechanisms... (ID-SSM2-91)

A	deep lake facies will consist of very finely laminated muds deposited from suspension alternating with thin graded turbidites.
B	shallow lake facies will consist of very finely laminated muds deposited from suspension alternating with thin graded turbidites.
C	deep lake facies will consist of alternating large scale muddy beds and sandy beds.
D	shallow lake facies will consist of alternating large scale muddy beds and sandy beds.
E	None of the answers are correct.

Question 87

Cyanobacterial communities that have an irregular rather than layered form is known as... (ID-SSM2-63)

A	Ahermatypic serpulids
B	Oncoids
C	Stromatoporoids
D	Thrombolites
E	Stromatolites

Question 88

Multiple interconnected channels are most likely to form within.... (ID-SSM2-78)

A	underwater fluvial deposits.
B	anastomosing rivers.
C	overbanks of lakes.
D	meandering rivers.

Question 89

Dedolomitisation result in which of the following? (ID-SSM2-76)

A	Increase the salinity of the groundwater.
B	Decrease in the normal level of water table.
C	Replacement of dolomite by anhydrites.
D	Increase in the normal level of water table.
E	Calcium sulphate enrichment of groundwater.

Question 90

An oxbow lake most likely to be formed... (ID-SSM2-32)

A	in a high density flow dominated stream.
B	in a braided river.
C	near a braided river.
D	near a meandering river.
E	in the anastomosing river.

Question 91

When you move from bottom to top in ideal turbidite Bouma sequence (A -> E), the flow velocity will... (ID-SSM2-03)

A	remain consent
B	None of the answers are correct because it could either increase or decrease depending on the environment.
C	increase
D	fluctuate between high and low
E	decrease

Question 92

Your job title is "Master of Exploitation of Natural Resources". If you were to search for hydro-carbons, which would be the best place to start(with the lowest cost to the company)? (ID-SSM2-27)

A	on a large vegetated point bar
B	an oxbow lake
C	an alluvial fan
D	on a river bed

Question 92 Explanation:

An oxbow lake is the best for coal formation. In general it takes less resources(both human and technological) to extract coal from an oxbow lake than extract oil from an alluvial fan. This question is testing your IQ. 🙂

Question 93

Inconsistent change in water level is the the primary driving force for meandering rivers. (ID-SSM2-35)

A	True
B	False

Question 93 Explanation:

Centrifugal force(F_c) is the the primary driving force for meandering rivers. While gravity also play a role, it is minor compared to F_c because the low-slope.

Question 94

What is the process of transgressions? (ID-SSM2-13)

A	Seaward movement of the shore line often as a direct result of rise in sea level.
B	Landward movement of the shore line often as a direct result of fall in sea level.
C	Seaward movement of the shore line often as a direct result of drop in sea level.
D	Landward movement of the shore line often as a direct result of rise in sea level.

Question 95

What type of environment would you expect to find this type of facies? (ID-SSM2-46)

A	tidal dominated delta
B	alluvial fan
C	wave dominated delta
D	braided river
E	meandering river
F	fluvial dominated delta

Question 96

Please the following items from bottom to top (aka, A to E) according to ideal Bouma sequence. (ID-SSM2-57)

1. normally graded bed (fining upwards)
2. silt and mud
3. ripples
4. lamination
5. fine lamination

A	2 (bottom) --> 4 --> 3 --> 5 --> 1 (top)
B	3 (bottom) --> 4 --> 1 --> 2 --> 5 (top)
C	1 (bottom) --> 4 --> 5 --> 3 --> 2 (top)
D	1 (bottom) --> 4 --> 3 --> 5 --> 2 (top)

Question 96 Explanation:

Sanuja Senanayake

Geology 381 Midterm II-University of Calgary

Go to: Midterm I | Final

Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

Some of the Lab Final sample images | Click here

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Go to: Midterm I | Final

Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

Some of the Lab Final sample images | Click here

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Standing on the shoulders of giants