Geology 381 Midterm II-University of Calgary

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Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

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Question 1

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

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

Question 2

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

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

Question 3

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 4

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

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

Question 5

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	Hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
E	Less than 20 meters.

Question 5 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 6

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

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

Question 7

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	Beds are composed of several facies.
D	A rock or lithologic unit that has consistent properties is known as a facies.

Question 8

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

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

Question 9

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 lower rate of channel fill and higher 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 higher rate of channel fill and slow subsidence rate relative to the rate of overbank fill.

Question 10

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

A	Apatite
B	Selenite
C	Sylvite
D	Epsomite
E	Gypsum

Question 11

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

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

Question 12

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

A	Calcium
B	Chlorine
C	Magnesium
D	Potassium
E	Sodium

Question 13

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

A	False
B	True

Question 13 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 14

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

Question 14 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 15

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

Question 16

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. wave dominated II. estuary
D	I. tidal dominated II. estuary

Question 16 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 17

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

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

Question 18

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

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

Question 18 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 19

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

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

Question 20

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

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

Question 21

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

A	False
B	True

Question 21 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 22

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

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

Question 23

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

Question 24

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

Question 25

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

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

Question 26

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

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

Question 27

What is anhydrite? (ID-SSM2-70)

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

Question 28

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

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

Question 28 Explanation:

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

Question 29

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

Question 29 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 30

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 31

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

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

Question 32

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 33

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

Question 34

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

Question 35

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	Dominichnia
D	Passichnia
E	Repichinia

Question 36

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

A	anastomosing
B	braided
C	graded
D	meandering

Question 37

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

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

Question 37 Explanation:

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

Question 38

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

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

Question 39

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

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

Question 39 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 40

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

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

Question 40 Explanation:

Some instructors do not require students to know this.

Question 41

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

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

Question 42

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	upstream side.
D	downstream side.
E	left side in N. America and right side in Australia.

Question 43

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

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

Question 44

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

A	False
B	True

Question 45

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

A	They are the same thing, scars formed in dry-humid environment and oxbow lakes formed in wet environments.
B	Scars are produced by braided rivers and oxbow lakes are produced by meandering rivers.
C	Scars are produced by anastomating 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 45 Explanation:

aka meandering scars

Question 46

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

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

Question 47

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	Floodplains
B	Channels
C	Crevasse Splays
D	Levees

Question 48

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

Question 49

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 49 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 50

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

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

Question 50 Explanation:

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

Question 51

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

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

Question 52

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

A	BIFs most likely formed in deep basins with very high iron rich organic sediment influx.
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	Iron within BIFs must have been oxidized before they were deposited as bands of thin beds.

Question 53

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

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

Question 54

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

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

Question 55

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

Question 56

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

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

Question 57

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

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

Question 58

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 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. transverse bars B. longitudinal bars
D	A. stable channels B. unstable channels
E	A. unstable channels B. stable channels

Question 60

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

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

Question 61

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

A	Epsomite
B	Apatite
C	Quartz
D	Halite
E	Glass

Question 62

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

Question 62 Explanation:

more info-external link

Question 63

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

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

Question 64

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

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

Question 65

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

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

Question 66

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	gravitational flow.
D	helicoidal flow.

Question 67

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

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

Question 67 Explanation:

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

Question 68

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	Delta formed due to hyperpycnal flow
E	Alluvial fan formed by a stream with high density sediment load

Question 68 Explanation:

This is a difficult question, but a fair question.

Question 69

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

A	Ooids
B	Pisoids
C	Peloids
D	Oncoids

Question 70

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

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

Question 71

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

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

Question 72

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 local base level of a fluvial system.
D	It is the term given to absolute sea level.

Question 73

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

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

Question 74

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

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

Question 75

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

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

Question 76

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

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

Question 77

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

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

Question 78

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

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

Question 79

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	True
B	False

Question 80

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

A	True
B	False

Question 81

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 82

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

Question 83

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

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

Question 84

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

A	Stromatolites
B	Oncoids
C	Thrombolites
D	Ahermatypic serpulids
E	Stromatoporoids

Question 85

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

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

Question 86

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

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

Question 87

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	False
C	True if the core samples are taken within few lateral meters from each other.
D	True if the core penetrated across different strata.

Question 87 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 88

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

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

Question 88 Explanation:

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

Question 89

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

Question 90

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

Question 90 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 91

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

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

Question 92

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

A	Rudstone
B	Carbonate mudstone
C	Wackestone
D	Grainstone
E	Boundstone

Question 92 Explanation:

Some instructors do not require students to know this.

Question 93

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

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

Question 94

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 94 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 95

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

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

Question 95 Explanation:

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

Question 96

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

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

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Credits: Based on the excellent class notes provided by, Dr. Melissa Giovanni during Fall 2012. This version has been updated on between January and February 2016.
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My personal advice: Since the exams are written, if you score less than 90% on the following MC questions, seriously reconsider your study strategies for this class.

Sanuja Senanayake

Geology 381 Midterm II-University of Calgary

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Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

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Standing on the shoulders of giants

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Geology (GLGY 381-UCAL) Midterm Exam II

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Standing on the shoulders of giants