OCR A Level Geology Fundamentals of geology (H414/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level Geology
H414/01 Fundamentals of geology
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
• an HB pencil
• a protractor
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• a scientific or graphical calculator
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 110.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
DC (DE/CB) 346733/5
© OCR 2025 [603/0782/1] OCR is an exempt
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 35 minutes on this section.
For each question write the letter in the box.
1 What is the correct chemical formula for pyrite?
A FeS
B Fe2S
C FeS2
D FeSO4
Your answer [1]
2 Using Mohs hardness test, which of the following conclusions is correct for the hardness of
calcite?
A > copper coin and < steel nail
B < fingernail
C > fingernail and < copper coin
D > steel nail
Your answer [1]
3 This is a description of an igneous rock:
• Light grey in colour
• Flow-banded
• Fine crystal size
What is the rock type?
A Basalt
B Microdiorite
C Obsidian
D Rhyolite
Your answer [1]
, 3
4 The thin section diagram shows a carbonate rock.
1 mm
calcium carbonate mud
Use the Dunham classification scheme to identify the rock type shown in the thin section.
A Grainstone
B Mudstone
C Packstone
D Wackestone
Your answer [1]
5 The diagram shows a cross-section through a sedimentary structure.
1m
Identify the sedimentary structure and the correct way-up.
A Inverted asymmetrical ripple marks
B Inverted cross-bedding
C Right way-up asymmetrical ripple marks
D Right way-up cross-bedding
Your answer [1]
Turn over
, 4
6 The table shows the grain sizes of 16 pebbles collected from a riverbed.
Pebble number Grain size (mm)
1 24
2 13
3 16
4 12
5 25
6 22
7 9
8 15
9 13
10 18
11 24
12 10
13 13
14 23
15 15
16 16
What is the median of these pebble grain sizes?
A 13 mm
B 14 mm
C 15.5 mm
D 16.75 mm
Your answer [1]
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level Geology
H414/01 Fundamentals of geology
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
• an HB pencil
• a protractor
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• a scientific or graphical calculator
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 110.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
DC (DE/CB) 346733/5
© OCR 2025 [603/0782/1] OCR is an exempt
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 35 minutes on this section.
For each question write the letter in the box.
1 What is the correct chemical formula for pyrite?
A FeS
B Fe2S
C FeS2
D FeSO4
Your answer [1]
2 Using Mohs hardness test, which of the following conclusions is correct for the hardness of
calcite?
A > copper coin and < steel nail
B < fingernail
C > fingernail and < copper coin
D > steel nail
Your answer [1]
3 This is a description of an igneous rock:
• Light grey in colour
• Flow-banded
• Fine crystal size
What is the rock type?
A Basalt
B Microdiorite
C Obsidian
D Rhyolite
Your answer [1]
, 3
4 The thin section diagram shows a carbonate rock.
1 mm
calcium carbonate mud
Use the Dunham classification scheme to identify the rock type shown in the thin section.
A Grainstone
B Mudstone
C Packstone
D Wackestone
Your answer [1]
5 The diagram shows a cross-section through a sedimentary structure.
1m
Identify the sedimentary structure and the correct way-up.
A Inverted asymmetrical ripple marks
B Inverted cross-bedding
C Right way-up asymmetrical ripple marks
D Right way-up cross-bedding
Your answer [1]
Turn over
, 4
6 The table shows the grain sizes of 16 pebbles collected from a riverbed.
Pebble number Grain size (mm)
1 24
2 13
3 16
4 12
5 25
6 22
7 9
8 15
9 13
10 18
11 24
12 10
13 13
14 23
15 15
16 16
What is the median of these pebble grain sizes?
A 13 mm
B 14 mm
C 15.5 mm
D 16.75 mm
Your answer [1]
