GEOL 1121L Lab 5: Sedimentary Rocks Analysis Exam 2026 GSU
1. Which process involves the physical breakdown and chemical alteration of
rock at or near the Earth’s surface?
A. Erosion
B. Weathering
C. Lithification
D. Metamorphism
Answer: B
Rationale: Weathering is the physical breakdown and chemical alteration of rocks,
whereas erosion is the transport of that weathered material.
2. What is the primary basis for classifying detrital (clastic) sedimentary rocks?
A. Mineral composition
B. Particle size
C. Color
D. Hardness
Answer: B
Rationale: Detrital sedimentary rocks are primarily classified by the size of the particles
(grains) that make up the rock.
3. Which of the following describes a rock with large, angular fragments?
A. Conglomerate
B. Sandstone
C. Breccia
D. Shale
Answer: C
,Rationale: Breccia consists of large, angular fragments, indicating the material was not
transported far from its source.
4. Lithification is a process that involves:
A. Melting and cooling
B. Compaction and cementation
C. Evaporation and precipitation
D. Folding and faulting
Answer: B
Rationale: Lithification is the process of turning loose sediment into solid rock through
compaction and cementation.
5. Which mineral is the most common cement in sedimentary rocks?
A. Olivine
B. Calcite
C. Pyroxene
D. Biotite
Answer: B
Rationale: Calcite, silica, and iron oxide are the most common cementing agents in
sedimentary rocks.
6. A sedimentary rock consisting of silt and clay-sized particles that is fissile
(splits into thin layers) is called:
A. Siltstone
B. Shale
C. Mudstone
D. Sandstone
Answer: B
Rationale: Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock that is characterized by its fissility
(ability to split into thin layers).
, 7. In which environment would you most likely find a conglomerate?
A. Deep ocean floor
B. Mountain stream bed
C. Quiet lake
D. Desert sand dune
Answer: B
Rationale: Conglomerates require high-energy water, such as a fast-moving mountain
stream, to transport large rounded gravel.
8. What does ‘well-sorted’ sediment indicate about its transport history?
A. The sediment was moved by ice.
B. The energy of the transport medium was consistent.
C. The sediment was deposited very quickly.
D. The sediment was not transported far.
Answer: B
Rationale: Well-sorted sediment indicates that the wind or water energy was consistent
enough to separate grains by size over time or distance.
9. Which of these is a chemical sedimentary rock?
A. Travertine
B. Breccia
C. Arkose
D. Siltstone
Answer: A
Rationale: Travertine is a form of limestone that precipitates from chemical rich waters,
making it a chemical sedimentary rock.
1. Which process involves the physical breakdown and chemical alteration of
rock at or near the Earth’s surface?
A. Erosion
B. Weathering
C. Lithification
D. Metamorphism
Answer: B
Rationale: Weathering is the physical breakdown and chemical alteration of rocks,
whereas erosion is the transport of that weathered material.
2. What is the primary basis for classifying detrital (clastic) sedimentary rocks?
A. Mineral composition
B. Particle size
C. Color
D. Hardness
Answer: B
Rationale: Detrital sedimentary rocks are primarily classified by the size of the particles
(grains) that make up the rock.
3. Which of the following describes a rock with large, angular fragments?
A. Conglomerate
B. Sandstone
C. Breccia
D. Shale
Answer: C
,Rationale: Breccia consists of large, angular fragments, indicating the material was not
transported far from its source.
4. Lithification is a process that involves:
A. Melting and cooling
B. Compaction and cementation
C. Evaporation and precipitation
D. Folding and faulting
Answer: B
Rationale: Lithification is the process of turning loose sediment into solid rock through
compaction and cementation.
5. Which mineral is the most common cement in sedimentary rocks?
A. Olivine
B. Calcite
C. Pyroxene
D. Biotite
Answer: B
Rationale: Calcite, silica, and iron oxide are the most common cementing agents in
sedimentary rocks.
6. A sedimentary rock consisting of silt and clay-sized particles that is fissile
(splits into thin layers) is called:
A. Siltstone
B. Shale
C. Mudstone
D. Sandstone
Answer: B
Rationale: Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock that is characterized by its fissility
(ability to split into thin layers).
, 7. In which environment would you most likely find a conglomerate?
A. Deep ocean floor
B. Mountain stream bed
C. Quiet lake
D. Desert sand dune
Answer: B
Rationale: Conglomerates require high-energy water, such as a fast-moving mountain
stream, to transport large rounded gravel.
8. What does ‘well-sorted’ sediment indicate about its transport history?
A. The sediment was moved by ice.
B. The energy of the transport medium was consistent.
C. The sediment was deposited very quickly.
D. The sediment was not transported far.
Answer: B
Rationale: Well-sorted sediment indicates that the wind or water energy was consistent
enough to separate grains by size over time or distance.
9. Which of these is a chemical sedimentary rock?
A. Travertine
B. Breccia
C. Arkose
D. Siltstone
Answer: A
Rationale: Travertine is a form of limestone that precipitates from chemical rich waters,
making it a chemical sedimentary rock.
