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Basque PAU Geology And Environmental Sciences study materials
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Basque PAU Geology And Environmental Sciences practice questions

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Question 1Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following seismic waves cannot travel through liquids, providing evidence for a liquid outer core?

  1. P-waves
  2. S-waves Correct answer.
  3. L-waves
  4. R-waves

Explanation

Secondary (S) waves are shear waves that cannot propagate through fluid media. Their absence in the shadow zone beyond 105 degrees from an earthquake epicenter indicates that the Earth's outer core is liquid.

Question 2Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What type of plate boundary is characterized by the formation of a mid-ocean ridge?

  1. Convergent boundary
  2. Transform boundary
  3. Divergent boundary Correct answer.
  4. Collision boundary

Explanation

Divergent plate boundaries occur where tectonic plates move apart. In oceanic lithosphere, this leads to decompression melting of the mantle, generating magma that forms new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.

Question 3Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which mineral is a key indicator of high-grade regional metamorphism?

  1. Chlorite
  2. Biotite
  3. Sillimanite Correct answer.
  4. Muscovite

Explanation

Sillimanite is an index mineral that forms at high temperatures and pressures, characteristic of high-grade regional metamorphism. It represents the highest metamorphic grade in the sequence of index minerals (chlorite -> biotite -> garnet -> staurolite -> kyanite -> sillimanite).

Question 4Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

The primary cause of the stratospheric ozone depletion is:

  1. Increased carbon dioxide emissions
  2. Release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Correct answer.
  3. Methane emissions from agriculture
  4. Sulfur dioxide from volcanic eruptions

Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere when exposed to UV radiation. These chlorine atoms catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion.

Question 5Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which renewable energy source depends directly on the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun?

  1. Geothermal energy
  2. Solar energy
  3. Tidal energy Correct answer.
  4. Wind energy

Explanation

Tidal energy is generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides, which are primarily driven by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun.

Question 6Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In a folded sequence of sedimentary rocks, if the oldest rocks are found in the core of the fold, the structure is a:

  1. Syncline
  2. Anticline Correct answer.
  3. Monocline
  4. Basin

Explanation

An anticline is a type of fold that is arch-like in shape and has its oldest beds at its core. It is formed by compressional stress during tectonic deformation.

Question 7Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to:

  1. The maximum number of species the ecosystem can support
  2. The maximum population size of a species that the environment can sustain indefinitely Correct answer.
  3. The total biomass of all producers in the ecosystem
  4. The rate at which energy is transferred between trophic levels

Explanation

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained by that specific environment, given the food, habitat, water, and other necessities available.

Question 8Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which process is a significant natural sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide over geological time scales?

  1. Volcanic eruptions
  2. Respiration
  3. Chemical weathering of silicate rocks Correct answer.
  4. Decomposition of organic matter

Explanation

The chemical weathering of silicate rocks consumes atmospheric CO2. The carbon is eventually transported to the oceans and precipitated as carbonate rocks (like limestone), acting as a long-term geological sink.

Question 9Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is basaltic magma?

  1. high volatile content
  2. low viscosity and low silica content Correct answer.
  3. explosive eruptions
  4. high viscosity

Explanation

Basaltic magma is fundamentally described by low viscosity and low silica content. This concept is critical when studying magmatism.

Question 10Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is granitic magma?

  1. effusive eruptions
  2. high viscosity and high silica content Correct answer.
  3. low silica content
  4. low viscosity

Explanation

Granitic magma is fundamentally described by high viscosity and high silica content. This concept is critical when studying magmatism.

Question 11Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines regional metamorphism?

  1. foliation due to directed pressure Correct answer.
  2. lack of pressure
  3. contact aureoles
  4. hydrothermal veins

Explanation

Regional metamorphism is fundamentally described by foliation due to directed pressure. This concept is critical when studying metamorphism.

Question 12Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes contact metamorphism?

  1. high temperature with low pressure Correct answer.
  2. high pressure and low temperature
  3. widespread foliation
  4. blueschist facies

Explanation

Contact metamorphism is fundamentally described by high temperature with low pressure. This concept is critical when studying metamorphism.

Question 13Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a reverse fault?

  1. horizontal movement only
  2. tensional stress
  3. the hanging wall moving up relative to the footwall Correct answer.
  4. the hanging wall moving down

Explanation

A reverse fault is fundamentally described by the hanging wall moving up relative to the footwall. This concept is critical when studying structural-geology.

Question 14Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a normal fault?

  1. the hanging wall moving up
  2. the hanging wall moving down relative to the footwall Correct answer.
  3. compressional stress
  4. strike-slip motion

Explanation

A normal fault is fundamentally described by the hanging wall moving down relative to the footwall. This concept is critical when studying structural-geology.

Question 15Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of chemical weathering?

  1. exfoliation
  2. alteration of the chemical composition of minerals Correct answer.
  3. frost wedging
  4. physical breakdown of rocks

Explanation

Chemical weathering is fundamentally described by alteration of the chemical composition of minerals. This concept is critical when studying weathering.

Question 16Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes mechanical weathering?

  1. oxidation
  2. physical disintegration without chemical change Correct answer.
  3. hydrolysis
  4. dissolution

Explanation

Mechanical weathering is fundamentally described by physical disintegration without chemical change. This concept is critical when studying weathering.

Question 17Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes a braided river?

  1. multiple intersecting channels separated by bars Correct answer.
  2. a single highly sinuous channel
  3. an estuary
  4. a v-shaped valley

Explanation

A braided river is fundamentally described by multiple intersecting channels separated by bars. This concept is critical when studying fluvial-processes.

Question 18Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a meandering river?

  1. multiple intersecting channels
  2. a single sinuous channel with point bars Correct answer.
  3. a straight channel
  4. an alluvial fan

Explanation

A meandering river is fundamentally described by a single sinuous channel with point bars. This concept is critical when studying fluvial-processes.

Question 19Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a U-shaped valley?

  1. formation by river erosion
  2. wind erosion
  3. formation by glacial erosion Correct answer.
  4. V-shaped cross-section

Explanation

A u-shaped valley is fundamentally described by formation by glacial erosion. This concept is critical when studying glacial-processes.

Question 20Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines an aquifer?

  1. low porosity
  2. an aquiclude
  3. impermeable rock layers
  4. high porosity and high permeability Correct answer.

Explanation

An aquifer is fundamentally described by high porosity and high permeability. This concept is critical when studying hydrogeology.

Question 21Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines an aquitard?

  1. a karst system
  2. high permeability
  3. low permeability that restricts groundwater flow Correct answer.
  4. an unconfined water table

Explanation

An aquitard is fundamentally described by low permeability that restricts groundwater flow. This concept is critical when studying hydrogeology.

Question 22Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes eutrophication?

  1. increase in dissolved oxygen
  2. reduction of heavy metals
  3. depletion of nutrients
  4. excess nutrient input leading to algal blooms Correct answer.

Explanation

Eutrophication is fundamentally described by excess nutrient input leading to algal blooms. This concept is critical when studying water-pollution.

Question 23Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of bioaccumulation?

  1. nutrient cycling
  2. biodegradation
  3. the accumulation of toxins in an organism over time Correct answer.
  4. the breakdown of toxins

Explanation

Bioaccumulation is fundamentally described by the accumulation of toxins in an organism over time. This concept is critical when studying pollution.

Question 24Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?

  1. trapping of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases Correct answer.
  2. reflection of solar radiation by clouds
  3. acid rain formation
  4. depletion of the ozone layer

Explanation

The greenhouse effect is fundamentally described by trapping of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases. This concept is critical when studying climate-change.

Question 25Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes photochemical smog?

  1. indoor air pollution
  2. particulate matter from coal burning
  3. sulfur dioxide emissions
  4. formation of secondary pollutants like ozone via sunlight Correct answer.

Explanation

Photochemical smog is fundamentally described by formation of secondary pollutants like ozone via sunlight. This concept is critical when studying air-pollution.

Question 26Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes acid rain?

  1. CFC emissions
  2. lowered pH of precipitation due to SO2 and NOx emissions Correct answer.
  3. increased pH due to ammonia
  4. ozone depletion

Explanation

Acid rain is fundamentally described by lowered pH of precipitation due to SO2 and NOx emissions. This concept is critical when studying air-pollution.

Question 27Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a renewable resource?

  1. finite availability
  2. fossil fuels
  3. the ability to be replenished on a human timescale Correct answer.
  4. nuclear energy

Explanation

A renewable resource is fundamentally described by the ability to be replenished on a human timescale. This concept is critical when studying sustainability.

Question 28Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a non-renewable resource?

  1. formation at rates slower than consumption Correct answer.
  2. solar energy
  3. wind energy
  4. biomass

Explanation

A non-renewable resource is fundamentally described by formation at rates slower than consumption. This concept is critical when studying sustainability.

Question 29Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines the lithosphere?

  1. the asthenosphere
  2. liquid iron composition
  3. rigid mechanical behavior comprising crust and uppermost mantle Correct answer.
  4. plastic behavior

Explanation

The lithosphere is fundamentally described by rigid mechanical behavior comprising crust and uppermost mantle. This concept is critical when studying earth-structure.

Question 30Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is the asthenosphere?

  1. ductile behavior allowing for tectonic plate movement Correct answer.
  2. liquid outer core
  3. rigid behavior
  4. continental crust

Explanation

The asthenosphere is fundamentally described by ductile behavior allowing for tectonic plate movement. This concept is critical when studying earth-structure.

Question 31Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines a divergent boundary?

  1. continent-continent collision
  2. subduction zones
  3. destruction of lithosphere
  4. creation of new lithosphere Correct answer.

Explanation

A divergent boundary is fundamentally described by creation of new lithosphere. This concept is critical when studying plate-tectonics.

Question 32Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a convergent boundary?

  1. mid-ocean ridges
  2. creation of oceanic crust
  3. transform faults
  4. destruction of lithosphere at subduction zones Correct answer.

Explanation

A convergent boundary is fundamentally described by destruction of lithosphere at subduction zones. This concept is critical when studying plate-tectonics.

Question 33Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a transform boundary?

  1. volcanic arcs
  2. subduction
  3. lateral sliding of plates without crust creation or destruction Correct answer.
  4. sea-floor spreading

Explanation

A transform boundary is fundamentally described by lateral sliding of plates without crust creation or destruction. This concept is critical when studying plate-tectonics.

Question 34Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines the Richter scale?

  1. a logarithmic measure of earthquake amplitude Correct answer.
  2. a qualitative measure of damage
  3. the Modified Mercalli scale
  4. a measure of volcanic explosivity

Explanation

The richter scale is fundamentally described by a logarithmic measure of earthquake amplitude. This concept is critical when studying seismology.

Question 35Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines the Modified Mercalli scale?

  1. moment magnitude
  2. the Richter scale
  3. a measure of energy released
  4. assessment of earthquake intensity based on observed effects Correct answer.

Explanation

The modified mercalli scale is fundamentally described by assessment of earthquake intensity based on observed effects. This concept is critical when studying seismology.

Question 36Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes primary (P) waves?

  1. shear motion perpendicular to propagation
  2. surface wave characteristics
  3. compressional motion parallel to wave propagation Correct answer.
  4. inability to travel through liquids

Explanation

Primary (p) waves is fundamentally described by compressional motion parallel to wave propagation. This concept is critical when studying seismology.

Question 37Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of secondary (S) waves?

  1. ability to travel through the outer core
  2. shear motion and inability to travel through liquids Correct answer.
  3. compressional motion
  4. fastest seismic waves

Explanation

Secondary (s) waves is fundamentally described by shear motion and inability to travel through liquids. This concept is critical when studying seismology.

Question 38Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is a tsunami?

  1. hurricanes
  2. tidal forces from the Moon
  3. wind-driven waves
  4. displacement of a large volume of water by a seafloor disturbance Correct answer.

Explanation

A tsunami is fundamentally described by displacement of a large volume of water by a seafloor disturbance. This concept is critical when studying coastal-hazards.

Question 39Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

In the context of geology and environmental science, what is karst topography?

  1. dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone Correct answer.
  2. volcanic activity
  3. glacial deposition
  4. wind erosion

Explanation

Karst topography is fundamentally described by dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone. This concept is critical when studying geomorphology.

Question 40Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of a moraine?

  1. wind-blown loess
  2. a volcanic landform
  3. accumulation of unsorted glacial debris (till) Correct answer.
  4. sorted river deposits

Explanation

A moraine is fundamentally described by accumulation of unsorted glacial debris (till). This concept is critical when studying glacial-processes.

Question 41Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines an alluvial fan?

  1. deep marine deposition
  2. deposition of sediment where a stream exits a mountain front Correct answer.
  3. a delta in a lake
  4. glacial erosion

Explanation

An alluvial fan is fundamentally described by deposition of sediment where a stream exits a mountain front. This concept is critical when studying fluvial-processes.

Question 42Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes a delta?

  1. deposition of sediment where a river enters a standing body of water Correct answer.
  2. a mountain front deposit
  3. erosion in the upper course
  4. a braided stream pattern

Explanation

A delta is fundamentally described by deposition of sediment where a river enters a standing body of water. This concept is critical when studying fluvial-processes.

Question 43Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes soil erosion?

  1. soil formation
  2. accumulation of organic matter
  3. weathering of bedrock
  4. removal of the topsoil layer by water or wind Correct answer.

Explanation

Soil erosion is fundamentally described by removal of the topsoil layer by water or wind. This concept is critical when studying soil-degradation.

Question 44Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of desertification?

  1. increased precipitation
  2. glaciation
  3. expansion of forests
  4. degradation of land in arid and semi-arid areas Correct answer.

Explanation

Desertification is fundamentally described by degradation of land in arid and semi-arid areas. This concept is critical when studying soil-degradation.

Question 45Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines the carbon cycle?

  1. the depletion of ozone
  2. exchange of carbon between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere Correct answer.
  3. the nitrogen fixation process
  4. only the respiration of animals

Explanation

The carbon cycle is fundamentally described by exchange of carbon between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This concept is critical when studying biogeochemical-cycles.

Question 46Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines the nitrogen cycle?

  1. evaporation from oceans
  2. weathering of silicate rocks
  3. fixation of N2 by bacteria for biological use Correct answer.
  4. photosynthesis

Explanation

The nitrogen cycle is fundamentally described by fixation of N2 by bacteria for biological use. This concept is critical when studying biogeochemical-cycles.

Question 47Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Identify the statement that correctly defines an ecological footprint?

  1. the depth of a carbon sink
  2. the size of an animal's habitat
  3. the measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems Correct answer.
  4. the carrying capacity

Explanation

An ecological footprint is fundamentally described by the measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems. This concept is critical when studying sustainability.

Question 48Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes sustainable development?

  1. depleting non-renewable resources
  2. unrestricted population growth
  3. maximizing short-term economic growth
  4. meeting present needs without compromising future generations Correct answer.

Explanation

Sustainable development is fundamentally described by meeting present needs without compromising future generations. This concept is critical when studying sustainability.

Question 49Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

What is a primary characteristic of basaltic magma?

  1. explosive eruptions
  2. high volatile content
  3. high viscosity
  4. low viscosity and low silica content Correct answer.

Explanation

Basaltic magma is fundamentally described by low viscosity and low silica content. This concept is critical when studying magmatism.

Question 50Geology, Earth systems, resources, hazards and environmental evidence

Which of the following best describes granitic magma?

  1. high viscosity and high silica content Correct answer.
  2. low viscosity
  3. effusive eruptions
  4. low silica content

Explanation

Granitic magma is fundamentally described by high viscosity and high silica content. This concept is critical when studying magmatism.