Which of the following processes is/are part of the Rock Cycle ? 1. Lithification 2. Metamorphism 3. Solidification Select the answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, 1, 2 and 3. Lithification, metamorphism and solidification are each a step in the rock cycle, the endless change of rocks from one type into another.
Solidification is the cooling and hardening of molten magma or lava, which forms igneous rocks such as granite and basalt. Weathering breaks rocks into sediments, and lithification, the compaction and cementation of those sediments, turns them into sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale. Metamorphism changes any existing rock under great heat and pressure into a metamorphic rock, as limestone becomes marble and shale becomes slate. Melting then returns rock to magma and the cycle starts again.
A is wrong: lithification alone leaves out the igneous and metamorphic stages.
B is wrong: it omits solidification, the process that creates igneous rocks.
C is wrong: it omits lithification, without which no sedimentary rock forms.
Exam tip: solidification makes igneous, lithification makes sedimentary, metamorphism makes metamorphic rock.
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following rivers is west-flowing?
- A.Godavari
- B.Periyar
- C.Tungabhadra
- D.Cauvery
Show answer
The Periyar rises in the Western Ghats of Kerala and flows west into the Arabian Sea. The Periyar is the longest river of Kerala.
Read the full explanation →Which one of the following is not an igneous rock?
- A.Granite
- B.Gneiss
- C.Pumice
- D.Basalt
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Gneiss is a metamorphic rock, formed when existing rocks are changed by great heat and pressure. Igneous rocks form when molten magma or lava cools and hardens.
Read the full explanation →Consider the following places of India :
1. Itanagar
2. Imphal
3. Agartala
4. Aizawl
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above places in terms of sunrise time?
- A.3-2-1-4
- B.2-1-4-3
- C.1-4-3-2
- D.4-3-2-1
Show answer
The sun rises first in the place farthest east, so the order follows longitude: Imphal, Itanagar, Aizawl and then Agartala.
Read the full explanation →"Viticulture" is a common feature of which one of the following Australian cities ?
- A.Adelaide
- B.Darwin
- C.Hobart
- D.Brisbane
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Viticulture, the growing of grapes, is a hallmark of Adelaide, which is surrounded by Australia's best-known wine regions. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, the conditions grapevines like best.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements regarding Barchan is/are correct ?
1. It is a crescent shaped mound of sand, which is deposited by the wind blowing constantly from one direction in a desert.
2. The windward side has a convex steep slope with maximum height at the centre.
3. Two ends of Barchan are called horns and point opposite to the direction the wind blows.
Select the answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
A barchan is a crescent-shaped sand dune built by wind from one steady direction, but its windward slope is gentle and its horns point downwind.
Read the full explanation →