ASBOG: FG (Fundamentals of Geology) Sample Questions and Answers with Detailed Explanations, Questions 1-5

Meanwhile, we launched a website to help you going through the preparation of ASBOG exam, www.geologier.com. Here, we provide simulated exams following the ASBOG exam blueprint, and for each of the questions, there are detailed explanations, so you can check how well your bases are covered. Check out the website for more details.

In previous post, we went through the general blueprint from ASBOG official manual. Now, we are going to dig deeper into the manual for FG and PG exams, and look into those specific sample questions for FG and PG exams.

Below are some questions from the Candidate Handbook 2016, from ASBOG website, the link is here: http://www.asbog.org/documents/Candidate%20Handbook%202016.pdf, and thus ASBOG has all of the rights.

However, in the handbook, only the answers are given. Here, I provide detailed explanation for questions with sources of reference, hoping can of some help. Due to time limitations, I will prepare and post bit by bit for the rest of the sample questions in the FG practice section in the Candidate handbook. Please comment if you have any questions. 

1. When water contacts pyrite at the earth's surface, the runoff is commonly: 

A) acidic 

B) basic 

C) oxygenated 

D) nitrogen-rich

Answer: A

Reason: Acid drainage is an important topic in the FG and PG exams. The mineral pyrite is iron disulfide (FeS2). Pyrite is one of the most important sulfides found in the waste rock of mines. When exposed to water and oxygen, it can react to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The following oxidation and reduction reactions express the breakdown of pyrite that leads to acid mine drainage.

1. 2FeS₂ + 7O₂ + 2H₂O -> 2FeSO₄ + 2H₂SO₄

2. 2Fe²⁺ + 1/2 O₂ + 2H⁺ -> 2Fe³⁺ + H₂O

3. Fe³⁺ + 3H₂O -> Fe(OH)₃ + 3H⁺

4. FeS₂ (s) + 15/4 O₂ + 7/2 H₂O <--> 4H⁺ + 2SO₄^- +Fe(OH)₃ (s)

Source: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/waterq/wqchemistry.html

2. What is the correct order of the ages of the units from the oldest to the youngest on the geologic map in Figure 13?

A) Aa, Fo, Mo, Di, Pm 

B) Di, Mo, Fo, Aa, Pm 

C) Pm, Di, Mo, Fo, Aa 

D) Pm, Aa, Fo, Mo, Di

Answer: A

Reason: In order to correctly answer this question, you have to understand the stratigraphic rules, such as cross-cutting, lateral continuity etc., and the stratigraphic relationship of strata in fold (anticline vs. syncline). 

First, you can get rid of option B and D due to the continuity rule. Then, this is a case of fold/fault truncation. Since the fault is dipping north, so it is a normal fault, and the lower portion of Aa is larger than the upper portion, so, only anticline can offer this type of stratigraphic presence. 

3. In an eolian sand aquifer, hydraulic conductivity would be expected to generally: 

A) increase upward 

B) increase downward 

C) be uniform 

D) be lowest in the middle of the unit

Answer: C

Reason: In comparison with many other deposits, eolian sands are quite homogeneous due to the process of wind transfer, sorting and depositing. 

The hydraulic conductivity is the capacity of a porous medium to transmit water. The rate of movement is dependent upon properties of the fluid as well as properties of the medium through which the fluid passes. It is determined jointly by specific weight and dynamic viscosity of the fluid and the intrinsic permeability of the medium. Since the sand in eolian sand aquifer is treated as homogeneous, then the hydraulic conductivity is generally to be uniform. 

4. Which of the following pairs likely would be composed of sediments with DIFFERENT grain size and sorting characteristics? 

A) outwash plain - end moraine 

B) esker - kame 

C) tuff - tephra 

D) barchan dune - parabolic dune

Answer: A

Reason: In order to correctly answer this question, you will have to know which sediment is deposited in which environment. 

outwash plain (glacier), fine deposit - end moraine (glacier), soil and rocks

esker (glacier) stratified sand and gravel- kame (glacier) stratified sand and gravel

tuff (volcanic eruption) - tephra (volcanic eruption) 

barchan dune (eolian sand deposit) - parabolic dune (eolian sand deposit)

5. It has been determined that a prospective strippable reserve contains 1000 acres (1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft.) of lignite in beds averaging 20 feet in thickness. Assume specific gravity of 1.28 (80 lbs/ft3). What is the reserve in tons?

A) 362,880,000

B) 3,484,800

C) 6,696,600,000

D) 34,848,000

Answer: D

Reason: converting among different units is the key of this question.

1000 acres of lignite with thickness of 20 feet gives a total volume of 871,200 cu. ft., which gives 6969600000 lbs. Since 1 lb = 0.45kg, the total is 31,363,200 tons. D is the closest.