Geology 381 Midterm II-University of Calgary

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Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

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Question 1

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

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

Question 1 Explanation:

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

Question 2

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

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

Question 3

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	low gradient.
C	high gradient.
D	rivers with high width to depth ratio.
E	shallow unstable channels.

Question 3 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 4

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

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

Question 4 Explanation:

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

Question 5

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 6

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

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

Question 6 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 7

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

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

Question 8

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

A	Potassium
B	Sodium
C	Calcium
D	Magnesium
E	Chlorine

Question 9

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

Question 9 Explanation:

This is a difficult question, but a fair question.

Question 10

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 11

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 11 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 12

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

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

Question 13

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

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

Question 14

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	sediment accumulation.
C	helicoidal flow.
D	gravitational flow.

Question 15

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

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

Question 16

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

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

Question 17

What is Eustasy? (ID-SSM2-31)

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

Question 18

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

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

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	Levees
B	Channels
C	Crevasse Splays
D	Floodplains

Question 20

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

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

Question 21

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

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

Question 22

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

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

Question 23

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

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

Question 24

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 25

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

A	rise in sea level cause regression.
B	high energy currents can flow upstream, if the total energy of the current is higher than the gravitational gradient.
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 25 Explanation:

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

Question 26

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

Question 27

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

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

Question 28

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	Fodinichina
B	Cubichina
C	Passichnia
D	Dominichnia
E	Repichinia

Question 29

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

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

Question 30

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

A	True
B	False

Question 30 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 31

What is cementation? (ID-SSM2-06)

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

Question 32

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

A	Carbonate mudstone
B	Rudstone
C	Grainstone
D	Wackestone
E	Boundstone

Question 32 Explanation:

Some instructors do not require students to know this.

Question 33

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

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

Question 33 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 34

What is anhydrite? (ID-SSM2-70)

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

Question 35

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

Question 35 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 36

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

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

Question 37

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

A	Ooids
B	Oncoids
C	Peloids
D	Pisoids

Question 38

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

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

Question 39

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

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

Question 40

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

A	Sylvite
B	Epsomite
C	Selenite
D	Gypsum
E	Apatite

Question 41

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

A	False
B	True

Question 42

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

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

Question 43

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

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

Question 43 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 44

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

Question 45

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

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

Question 46

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

Question 47

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

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

Question 47 Explanation:

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

Question 48

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

Question 49

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

A	graded
B	braided
C	anastomosing
D	meandering

Question 50

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

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

Question 50 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 51

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

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

Question 52

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	stream flow dominated fan
D	low sediment load river bed
E	high sediment load river bed

Question 53

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

Question 54

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

A	True
B	False

Question 55

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

A	Scars are produced by anastomating 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 are produced by braided rivers and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers.
D	Scars and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers. The difference is where oxbow lakes are filled with water.

Question 55 Explanation:

aka meandering scars

Question 56

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

A	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.
B	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.
C	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.
D	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.

Question 57

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

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

Question 58

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

A	True
B	False

Question 58 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 59

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

Question 60

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

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

Question 61

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

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

Question 62

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

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

Question 63

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

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

Question 64

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

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

Question 65

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

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

Question 66

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

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

Question 67

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

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

Question 68

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

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

Question 69

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

A	True
B	False

Question 69 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 70

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

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

Question 71

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

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

Question 72

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

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

Question 73

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

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

Question 74

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

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

Question 75

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

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

Question 75 Explanation:

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

Question 76

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

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

Question 77

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

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

Question 78

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

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

Question 79

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

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

Question 80

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 an increase and then a decrease in base level moving downstream (like a bra cup).
D	observe a increase in base level moving downstream (positive change in slope).

Question 81

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

Question 81 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 82

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

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

Question 83

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

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

Question 84

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

A	Thrombolites
B	Stromatoporoids
C	Stromatolites
D	Oncoids
E	Ahermatypic serpulids

Question 85

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

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

Question 86

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

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

Question 86 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 87

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

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

Question 88

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

Question 89

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

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

Question 89 Explanation:

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

Question 90

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

Question 91

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

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

Question 92

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

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

Question 93

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

A	Halite
B	Glass
C	Quartz
D	Apatite
E	Epsomite

Question 94

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

Question 94 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