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Structural geology MCQs

1. What is the definition of dip in structural geology?

a) The angle between the strike and the horizontal plane
b) The angle between the bedding plane and the horizontal plane
c) The angle between the fold axis and the horizontal plane
d) The angle between the fault plane and the horizontal plane

Answer: b) The angle between the bedding plane and the horizontal plane

Explanation: Dip refers to the angle of inclination of a geological feature, such as a bedding plane or fault plane, measured from the horizontal plane.

2. What is strike in structural geology?

a) The angle between the dip and the horizontal plane
b) The angle between the fold axis and the horizontal plane
c) The direction of intersection between a geological feature and a horizontal plane
d) The direction of movement along a fault plane

Answer: c) The direction of intersection between a geological feature and a horizontal plane

Explanation: Strike is the compass direction of a line formed by the intersection of a horizontal plane and an inclined geological surface, such as a bedding or fault plane.

3. What is the significance of outcrops in structural geology?

a) They represent the surface expression of geological structures
b) They provide information about the subsurface geology
c) They are locations where fossils are found
d) They indicate the presence of oil reserves

Answer: a) They represent the surface expression of geological structures

Explanation: Outcrops are portions of rock formations that are visible at the Earth’s surface, providing valuable information about the geological structures present in an area.

4. Which of the following is NOT a type of geological structure?

a) Folds
b) Faults
c) Minerals
d) Joints

Answer: c) Minerals

Explanation: Minerals are chemical compounds, while folds, faults, and joints are geological structures related to the deformation of rocks.

5. Which geological structure involves the bending or curving of rock layers?

a) Fault
b) Joint
c) Fold
d) Unconformity

Answer: c) Fold

Explanation: Folds result from the bending or curving of rock layers due to tectonic forces, typically occurring at convergent plate boundaries.

6. What type of geological structure is characterized by a fracture in rocks without significant movement along the fracture plane?

a) Fault
b) Fold
c) Joint
d) Unconformity

Answer: c) Joint

Explanation: Joints are fractures in rocks where there is no significant movement along the fracture plane, often resulting from the release of stress during the cooling or drying of rock masses.

7. Which geological structure represents a discontinuity in the deposition of sedimentary layers?

a) Fault
b) Fold
c) Joint
d) Unconformity

Answer: d) Unconformity

Explanation: An unconformity is a geological feature that represents a gap in the geological record, typically caused by erosion or non-deposition followed by renewed deposition.

8. In civil engineering, why is the study of faults important?

a) To determine the mineral composition of rocks
b) To identify potential sites for groundwater extraction
c) To assess the risk of earthquakes and ground movements
d) To design efficient road networks

Answer: c) To assess the risk of earthquakes and ground movements

Explanation: Faults can pose significant hazards to civil engineering projects by causing earthquakes and ground movements, making their study crucial for assessing risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.

9. How do folds influence civil engineering projects?

a) They provide locations for underground water reservoirs
b) They create scenic landscapes for tourist attractions
c) They may affect the stability of structures and foundations
d) They have no significant impact on civil engineering

Answer: c) They may affect the stability of structures and foundations

Explanation: Folds can influence the stability of civil engineering structures and foundations, particularly in areas prone to geological deformation, by causing uneven stress distribution and potential failure.

10. What role do joints play in civil engineering projects?

a) They serve as natural drainage channels
b) They provide locations for underground transportation tunnels
c) They can facilitate the movement of groundwater
d) They influence the stability of excavations and rock slopes

Answer: d) They influence the stability of excavations and rock slopes

Explanation: Joints can significantly impact the stability of excavations and rock slopes in civil engineering projects by influencing the mechanical properties and structural integrity of rock masses.

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