IESO 2016

WRITTEN TEST No 1

Theme
Earth System: Some cyclic events and interactions

Please follow the instructions while answering the questions. The different sets of
questions, linked by sentences in boxes, are independent ; but the whole theme
follows a general guide-line.

Analysing and using the documents are a primary requirement to understand the
questions. Of course, you need to use what you know to analyse those documents!

Circle the questions will be as follows unless otherwise stated :

- Questions with only one correct answer: 1 point (= mark) for the correct
answer; zero point for a wrong answer.
- Questions with many correct answers: 1 point (= mark) for each correct
answer; (minus) – 0.5 for each wrong answer; no question will be marked
less than 0 even if the number of wrong answers exceeds the number of
correct answers. There is always at least one wrong answer. So, even if you
choose ALL the given answers, 0 will be applied.

- Some questions may have a specific way of marking.

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 Geological processes permanently transfer material from one place to another, at the surface of the
earth, or vertically from surface to depth in the geosphere… and vice versa. Some transformations
may occur during those transfers, involving different spheres: hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere
and biosphere. We shall now study SOME of those transfers starting at a local scale.

s
P G

s
Photo 1 Photo 2
G = granite / S = sand on the beach, or between the boulders P : see photo page 3 - white
arrow : joints

Photo 3 – Detail of the joints pointed by the white

arrows in photo 1.

These photos were taken at the seaside, 45° latitude, by the Atlantic Ocean. In both cases,
the rocks are granites, although they look slightly different. The granites have been subjected to
weathering and erosion which we are going to study. Use the documents and your knowledge to answer
the questions.

Table 1 : Mineralogical composition of the granites and of the material that can be found between the
rocks as seen in photo 2.

Granite Material found

between the rocks (%)
(%)
quartz 36 43
feldspar 25 19
muscovite 3 4
biotite 3 4
Clay (kaolinite) - 11
Other minerals 32 17
water 1 2
Total 100% 100%

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1) Choose the correct statements using your knowledge and the documents (several possible
answers):
a) Feldspar is more resistant to chemical weathering than quartz.
b) Quartz is more resistant to chemical weathering than feldspar.
c) The clay (kaolinite) may have come from the chemical weathering of the quartz contained in
granites.
d) The clay (kaolinite) may have come from the chemical weathering of the feldspar contained in
granites.

The intensity of weathering is related with some conditions linked with climate or the rock’s properties.

2) Choose ALL correct statements (several possible answers).

a) The climate here is favorable for weathering because it is warm most of the year.
b) The climate here is favorable for weathering because the place is probably quite rainy.
c) The joints (white arrows) are a result of the volume change of granite due to the decrease of
pressure and temperature as they were brought to the surface.
d) The orientation of the joints (white arrows) is a clue that they are linked with tectonic
faulting.
e) These joints are an important contact surface between rock and water, which makes
weathering easier.

D
B

This photograph is taken at place P shown on Photo 1. A zoom in of zone D

3) Which of the four zones in the photo above represents granite (only one answer)?
a) Zone A
b) Zone B
c) Zone C
d) Zone D

4) Which of the four zones in the photo above presents sand after erosion (only one answer)?
a) Zone A
b) Zone B
c) Zone C
d) Zone D
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5) Which of the four zones in the photo above presents soil (only one answer)?
a) Zone A
b) Zone B
c) Zone C
d) Zone D

6) Using all the preceeding informations and your knowledge, choose ALL the correct
answers (The locations of photo 1 and photo 2 are specified simply as 1 and 2.) (several
possible answers).

a) The erosion of granite seen in 2 is more intense than seen in photo 1.

b) The boulders in 2 were probably transported from the sea.
c) The boulders in 2 probably rolled down due to gravity after weathering only.
d) The boulders in 2 probably rolled down by gravity after weathering AND erosion by water.
e) Weathering was probably more intense or longer in 2 than in 1.
g) The vegetation seen on the top of granites tends to protect the rock from erosion by
preventing water from run off.
h) The vegetation seen on the top of granites could tend to increase the erosion because its
roots tend to widen the fractures, which will help in weathering.

Try to imagine the great quantity of material that must have been produced by the weathering of
the big granite on photographs 2 (and 1). The material on the beach (S) is richer in quartz and has
less feldspar than the material described in Table 1.

7) Where has all the material resulting from granite weathering gone? Choose ALL THE
LIKELY EXPLANATIONS (several possible answers).
a) All of the material stayed on the beach after the granite was weathered and eroded.
b) Most of the material was taken away by the sea and may have been deposited elsewhere.
c) Very little material is left because most of it is now dissolved in sea water.
d) Some of the material may have been taken away for human activities.
e) Most of the feldspar has been eroded by the sea; grains of quartz being heavier stayed on
the beach.
f) It is absolutely certain that all the material on the beach came from the granite nearby.
g) Some of the material may have come from another granite, and may have been brought by
the sea and deposited.

This outcrop itself has, of course, been subjected to interactions among geosphere/ atmosphere/
hydrosphere/ biosphere. Inside (5 cm below the surface ) the soil, inside a granite boulder, inside
the sand layer, or in the weathering zones, which types of interactions have taken place and are
important for the geological evolution of the site?

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8) In the context of the geological evolution of the site, write Y (Yes) in the table below if
there is an interaction with geosphere or N (No) if there is no interaction with geosphere. (1
point per line, only if THE WHOLE line is correct.)

Atmosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere

Surface of outcrop Y Y Y
Inside granite
Inside zone of
weathering
Inside the sand layer

In question 9, we will have a closer look at the soil and the interactions that take
place there

% of water

sand
(maximum
100%)
2
Clay
Field capacity (2)
Pore
Space
Useful water storage
1

Wilting point(1)

S Q
sand loam soil clay
Graph: % of water on y axis; Constitution of the soil in terms of sand and clay contents on x axis. 100%
sand on the left, 100 % clay on the right.

Photo: A microscopic view of a soil, with the consitution of S on the graph (pores texturaux: space
between mineral grains in the structure of soil).
Graph: EAU = % of water; x = constitution of the soil in terms of sand (sable) and clay (Argile) contents.
100% sand on the left, 100 % clay on the right.
Curve 1 (wilting point): The % of water under which plants cannot absorb the water contained in the soil.
(wilting = when a plant dries due to lack of water)
Curve 2 (field capacity): The % of water that is retained by soil after a heavy rain; the excess water is
drained out of the soil and can not be stored.
Useful water storage (Eau utile): The water stored underground, which can be used by plants.
Studying the relations among geosphere/hydrosphere/biosphere is a necessity for agronomists.

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9) Choose ALL THE CORRECT STATEMENTS by considering information from the documents
and using your knowledge (several possible answers).
a) It seems reasonable to think that water stays in the pore spaces of soil and is retained mainly by
strong interactions with sand particles.
b) It seems reasonable to think that water stays in the pore spaces of soil and is mainly retained by
strong interactions with clay particles.
c) The highest proportion of clay (100%) offers the best condition for water availability for the
vegetation.
d) The highest proportion of sand (100%) offers the best condition of water availability for the
vegetation.
e) Water availability of a soil containing 100% clay can be improved by adding sand.
f) A soil with sand and clay in the proportions shown by Q in the graph is the best for vegetation
because it allows the maximum water quantity of about 30 % in the soil.
g) The soil with sand and clay in the proportions shown by Q in the graph is the best for vegetation
because it allows a water availability of about 15 % in the soil.
h) Watering a field continuously as much as possible increases water availability and is a good choice.
i) If the quantity of water in soil is above curve 1, watering a field is just a waste of water and does
not benefit the vegetation.
j) If the quantity of water in soil is above curve 2, watering a field is just a waste of water and does
not benefit the vegetation.

We will now study the process of weathering of the granite.

Photo 4: Thin section of a granite. Names of the main minerals are indicated.

We shall now study the link between the conditions of crystallisation and the weathering of some of the
minerals of granite. Quartz crystalises after Feldspar. The photo of the thin sections above provides clues
to the order of alteration.

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10) Choose the CORRECT STATEMENT (just ONE answer):
a) Having crystallised at a higher temperature, quartz is more stable at the earth’s surface, which
explains why it is less easily weathered than feldspar.
b) Having crystallised at a higher temperature, feldspar is more stable at the earth’s surface, which
explains why it is more easily weathered than quartz.
c) Having crystallised at a higher temperature, quartz is less stable at the earth’s surface, which
explains why it is more easily weathered than feldspar.
d) Having crystallised at a higher temperature, feldspar is less stable at the earth’s surface, which
explains why it is more easily weathered than quartz.

After weathering comes erosion, transportation, deposition……

This experimental diagram gives the relationship among stream speed and the particle size or
diameter and surface geological processes – Erosion, transportation and sedimentation/deposition.
Size limit for clay particles is 0.02 mm.

erosion

transportation

sedimentation

Diameter (mm)

11) Choose ALL THE CORRECT STATEMENTS (several possible answers):

a) A particle with a diametre of 1mm drops to the bottom of the river if the stream speed decreases
to less than 1 cm per second.
b) Considering that river carries particles of different sizes, the bigger ones are carried farther than
the smaller ones as its speed decreases.
c) A 0.1 mm particle has a wider range of speed for transportation than a 1 mm particle.
d) As the diameter of a particle increases, it is more and more difficult to erode.

12) Based on the diagram above, choose ALL THE CORRECT statements or possible explanations
(several possible answers):
a) Clay particles with a diameter less than 0.01 mm would never be eroded.
b) Clay particles with a diameter less than 0.01 mm would never get deposited.
c) Clay particles with a diameter less than 0.01 mm are deposited when the stream speed is very low.
d) Clay particles are so small that they form a stable solution in water.
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 1 3 4
2

The photograph above is of a meander of the River Lisos. Points 1 and 2 are on the river bank,
and points 3 and 4 in the river.

13) Choose the correct answer (just one answer):

a) The speed of the river is higher at point 3 than at point 4.
b) The speed of the river is higher at point 4 than at point 3.
c) The speed of the river is the same at point 3 and at point 4.

14) Choose the correct answer (just one answer):

a) The main geological process at point 1 is erosion.
b) The main geological process at point 1 is transportation.
c) The main geological process at point 1 is deposition.

15) Choose the correct answer (just one answer):

a) The main geological process at point 2 is erosion.
b) The main geological process at point 2 is transportation.
c) The main geological process at point 2 is deposition.

Learning from the present can help in understanding the past….

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The geologist who took pictures below of an outcrop claims that these layers come from wind
transported sediments.

1
2
3

Outcrop A zoom-in of the circled area

Scale: I--------I 20 cm (approximately)

16) Assuming that the sediments are wind-deposited, which of the statements below are correct?
(several possible answers)
a) The size of the grains is uniform.
b) Each deposit could be the back side (downwind side) of a little dune; the wind would have
blown from right to left.
c) Each deposit could be the back side (downwind side) of a little dune; the wind would
have blown from left to right.
d) Wind deposits are never horizontal.
e) The most reliable hypothesis to explain the horizontal lines in 1 and 3 marked areas is that
they present the top of the fossil micro-dunes.
f) The most reliable hypothesis to explain the horizontal lines (layers 1 and 3) is that from
time to time, a strong wind would erode and level the dunes.
g) The unconformity observed at 1 can only be related with tectonic events.

Let us now leave the continents or the continental shelves to study transformation
or exchange processes on a more global scale.

9
The diagram below presents the relation between the depth of the oceanic crust and its distance
from the oceanic ridge. In the map below, point 17 (Y) is deeper than point 16 (X).
Read questions 17 and 18 carefully to be sure you understand the difference between them.

17) Choose ALL THE EXPLANATIONS which can be considered logical (several possible
answers):
a) Underwater currents erode the surface and thus increase the depth of the surface at Y more
than at X.
b) The thickness of the lithosphere decreases from X to Y as it cools and is not compensated
by the addition of sediment.
c) The density increases; so, it sinks progressively into the asthenosphere.
d) The addition of sediments increases the weight and makes the plate sink into the
asthenosphere.
18) Among the explanations that you chose as logical, which is the MOST LOGICAL hypothesis ?
(Use your knowledge of the geological processes) (Just ONE answer):
a) Underwater currents erode the surface and thus increase the depth of the surface at Y
more than at X.
b) The thickness of the lithosphere decreases from X to Y as it cools and is not compensated
by the addition of sediment.
c) The density increases; so, it sinks progressively into the asthenosphere.
d) The addition of sediments increases the weight and makes the plate sink into the
asthenosphere.
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We shall now follow the tectonic plate in the subduction zones. Subduction zones
are regions where a lot of exchange and transformation occur, mainly inside the
geosphere, on a global scale.

You have probably seen a drawing similar to the one given below in your textbook; but in this case,
the author forgot to give the information about the meanings of the different letters.

19) Knowing the characteristics of subduction zones, which of the following interpretations are
correct (several possible answers) :
a) P is an oceanic plate, Q is a continental plate, and an island arc is located below T.
b) P is an oceanic plate; a subducting plate is located at Zone S, and a trench is located at U.
c) Q is an oceanic plate, P is a continental plate, and a trench is located at R.
d) Zone V is the subducting plate; a trench is located at R, and an island arc is located at T.
e) The thick black line on top of plate Q probably represents oceanic lithosphere.
f) The dotted /dashed layer above zone S, on top of plate P probably represents continental
crust.
g) Showing the lower part of plate P and plate Q in the same color (white) is certainly a
mistake because they do not belong to the same layer of the globe.
h) Showing the lower part of plate P and plate Q in the same color (white) is a good choice
because it is considered to be “upper mantle”.

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The western coast of South America is a subduction zone. The cordillera along this coast has zones with
different caracteristics; we will call them ‘type A zones’ (or Zone A) and ‘type B zones’ (or Zone B). We
shall try to find some clues and some explanations for those differences.

0
0

1 1

2
2

MAP 1 Earthquake location MAP 2 Red dots indicate volcanoes

The color indicates the depth of the hypocenter Only the red dots in this map will be used and
all other indications (crosses, yellow dots)
will be ignored for reasons of simplicity

20) Choose the correct answers using the information from maps 1 and 2 (several possible answers):
a) The subducting plate dips at a greater angle along line 1.
b) The subducting plate dips at a greater angle along line 2.
c) Only zones with a high dip angle are associated with volcanism.
d) Only zones with a low dip angle are associated with volcanism.
e) Volcanism occurs irrespective of the subduction dip angle.

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Schematic diagrams A and B below show two different types of subduction zones.

Diagram A : ‘Zone type A’

50 km
T° 1000°C

< - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200km -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - >

Diagram B: ‘Zone type B’ (total width = 200 km)

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 M

Diagram C: Conditions of pressure (in terms of depth in km) and temperature (T° C) for
melting peridotite.
- The red line (solidus) indicates the conditions where dry (waterless) peridotite starts melting.
- The black line (solidus at 5% H20) indicates the conditions when slightly hydrated peridotite
begins to melt.
Other indications in this diagram may be ignored for answering the questions.

For questions 21, 22 and 23, choose the correct answers using the information from Diagrams
A, B and C.
21) Which layer undergoes melting to produce magma? Circle all hypotheses that should be
DISCARDED (i.e., Circle the wrong answers) (several possible answers).
a) Magma is generated mainly from the melting of the mantle.
b) Magma comes mainly from the melting of the lower crust of the subducting plate.
c) Magma comes mainly from the melting of the sedimentary upper layer of the subducting plate
when it warms up in the subduction zone.

22) Circle ONE hypothesis about the influence of metamorphism on magma production that
cannot be proved to be wrong and requires more study.
a) Metamorphism of the sedimentary layer of the subducting plate provides water, which allows
the mantle to melt.
b) Melting of the mantle may be possible in the conditions of point M; hydration by the
metamorphism of sediments is not necessary.
c) If the sedimentary layer of the subducting plate loses water by metamorphism, the melting of
the sedimentary layer is made easier.

23) Please study lines 0 and 2 in Maps 1 and 2 on page 12. Circle the correct option (either line 0 or
line 2) in (a) as well as in (b):
a) Diagram A is a good interpretation of a transect along: line 0 / line 2.
b) Diagram B is a good interpretation of a transect along: line 0 / line 2.

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The upper image in the diagram below represents a section across Central America (location 0 on
Maps 1 and 2 on page 12). The lower image represents a section across Japan.

Note: Seismic tomography is a technique of computerized images of sections of the globe, which is
based on models that use the velocity of seismic wave propagation. It uses a conventional code of
colors for different velocities of seismic propagation:
Blue for high velocity/low temperature ; Red for low velocity/high temperature; Yellow and
orange for medium velocity/temperature.

24) Choose ALL THE CORRECT STATEMENTS. (Several possible answers):

a) The blue zone under the arrow on the diagram above is a cold zone, which is related to the
subducting plate.
b) Fragments of oceanic plates undergoing subduction progressively melt and mix with the upper
mantle.
c) Fragments of oceanic plates undergoing subduction progressively melt and mix with both the
upper and lower mantle.
d) Fragments of oceanic plates undergoing subduction progressively mix with the upper and lower
mantle although they stay solid.
e) The addition of material from the surface to the mantle is compensated by the addition of
material coming from the mantle to the surface.
f) The tomographic image of Japan is similar to 'Type A' zone of the document given for
Question 20.
g) The tomographic image of Japan is similar to 'Type B' zone of the document given for
Question 20.

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Which among the 3 hypotheses below is supported by the information on seismic tomography? (Choose
ONLY ONE ANSWER which you consider the MOST APPROPRIATE.)

25) The energy for plate movements comes mainly from

a) The friction between the mantle convection cells and the lithosphere makes the lithospheric
plates move. The addition of magma in accretion zones pushes apart oceanic plates.
b) Subducting oceanic plates have a higher density than the mantle; so, the plate is pulled due to
gravity. (potential energy)
c) Addition of sediments on the oceanic lithosphere increases its weight and pulls it down.

After going down to the depth of geosphere, some material will eventually
come up to the surface…
Back to granite -

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The granite (G) shown in the first document (photo A below) is surrounded by a bedded rock; the white
dotted line marks the junction between the two rocks. White beds are sandstone (S). Grey beds resulted
from the diagenesis of a mixture of sand and clay (C). So, we will call this rock (CS). Letter (A) stands for
andalusite, which can be found in (CS), but only near the contact with the granite.

Far away from the contact, rock (CS) does not contain andalusite.

Some structures like structure P or F can be observed even far from the granite in all the (CS) formation.

G  Photo A.
The other two photos are enlargements of the
circled zones.

Contact CS / granite

CS
S
A
C

Structure P Details of CS in contact

zone with the granite

Diagram: This diagram

illustrates the conditions of
pressure and temperature which
disthen can lead to the formation of
andalusite, sillimanite and
disthene. These three minerals
Anatexis
Andalusite have the same chemical formula
of Al20(SiO4).

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This rock (CS) tells us a long story of interactions and transformations, all of which take place in different
locations of the geosphere.

26) Choose ALL the plausible (credible) statements. (Several possible answers):
a) The bedding in CS seems to be related to metamorphism and the associated deformation,
which separated beds C from beds S.
b) The bedding in CS is, in all probability, due to alternate sedimentation/deposition of sand
and clay.
c) Andalusite formed simultaneously with the sedimentation/deposition of clay.
d) Andalusite is a mineral associated with contact metamorphism and it formed after the
deposition of rock (CS).
e) The presence of Andalusite in a rock may be used to deduce ‘high temperature’
metamorphism.
f) The presence of Andalusite in a rock may be used to deduce ‘low pressure’ metamorphism.
g) Andalusite could not have formed in beds S for chemical reasons.

27) Which of the following events influenced the entire history of the rock "G"(several
possible answers)? (0.5 for each correct answer ; - 0 .5 for each wrong answer)
a) Erosion
b) Slow cooling
c) Fastcooling
d) Sedimentation
e) Metamorphism
f) Crystallization
g) Folding
h) Uplift
i) Burial

28) Which of the following events influenced the entire history of the layers S in rock "CS"
(several possible answers)? (0.5 for each correct answer ; - 0 .5 for each wrong answer)
a) Erosion
b) Slow cooling
c) Fast cooling
d) Sedimentation
e) Crystallization
f) Folding
g) Melting
h) Uplift
i) Burial

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29) Which of the following events influenced the the entire history of layers C in rock "CS"
near the contact with the granite ? (several possible answers) (0.5 for each correct answer ; -
0 .5 for each wrong answer)
a) Erosion
b) Slow cooling
c) Fast cooling
d) Sedimentation
e) Metamorphism
f) Crystallization
g) Folding
h) Melting
i) Uplift
j) Burial

30) Which of the following statements is correct in relation to the age of these three rocks (G,
S, CS) (several possible answers)?
a) The granite is the oldest rock since the other two are layered.
b) The granite is older than the CS rock since the granite was not folded.
c) The CS rock is the oldest rock, since it contains andalusite.
d) The granite is younger than CS as its intrusion metamorphosed C.
e) The granite crystallised after CS was folded.

31) Which of the following statements is correct in relation with the tectonic history (Just
one answer) ?
a) The structures observed at P show that some compression occurred some time in the past.
b) The structures observed at P show that some extension occurred some time in the past.
c) The structures observed at P show that rock CS was neither compressed nor extended.

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32) In accordance with the geological phenomena shown in this test, which of the schemes
below best summarizes the interactions among the earth systems in that site along its
geological history? (Just one scheme)

a Biosphere Geosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere

Atmosphere Hydrosphere

Geosphere Biosphere

c
Atmosphere Hydrosphere

Geosphere

Biosphere

d Atmosphere Hydrosphere

Biosphere Geosphere

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