Chapter 6
Rocks
Class 9 - Total Geography Morning Star
Choose the correct option
Question 1
An aggregate of minerals, with no definite chemical composition, that forms more or less a
definite unit of the earth's crust:
1. Rock
2. Mineral
3. Crust
4. Metamorphosis
Answer
Rock
Question 2
The magma when forced upwards fills vertical cracks or fissures in existing rocks and it then
hardens there to form ............... .
1. Necks
2. Sills
3. Dykes
4. Laccoliths
Answer
Dykes
Question 3
With reference to Intrusive Igneous Rocks which of the following is incorrect?
1. Batholiths — deep-seated large deposits of igneous rocks like graphite.
2. Hypobyssal Rocks — small rock deposits.
3. Neck — plug at the top of a volcano.
4. Dykes — large deposits of cooled magma on the earth's surface.
Answer
Dykes — large deposits of cooled magma on the earth's surface.
Question 4
The process that turns loose sediments into rocks:
1. Compaction
2. Lithification
3. Cementation
4. None of the above
Answer
Lithification
Question 5
The bonding together of compacted sediments by natural bonding materials such as calcium
compounds, silica and iron:
1. Compaction
2. Lithification
3. Cementation
4. None of the above
Answer
Cementation
Question 6
Transported sediments get deposited in layers leading to increased pressure and temperature
on the lower layers. Select the correct sequence of processes involved in the lithification of
these sediments.
1. Compaction — Evaporation — Cementation.
2. Evaporation — Compaction — Cementation.
3. Evaporation — Cementation — Compaction.
4. Evaporation — Dehydration — Cementation.
Answer
Evaporation — Compaction — Cementation.
Question 7
Sam was working under a geologist. He lost his balance and dropped the bags containing
igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks and the rocks got mixed. How would he separate them?
1. Igneous rocks are hard.
2. Igneous rocks are crystalline.
3. Sedimentary rocks have strata showing layers.
4. Sedimentary rocks are soft.
Answer
Sedimentary rocks have strata showing layers.
Reason — Igneous rocks are hard, compact, granular and crystalline, while sedimentary
rocks are softer than igneous rocks and show layers. However, the best way to identify them
would be by their layers which can be clearly seen due to sediments' deposition over one
another.
Question 8
Assertion (A): Igneous rocks are called primary rocks.
Reason (R): They were the first to be formed.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — Since the igneous rocks were the first to be formed, they are called primary
rocks. They form the basis of formation of other types of rocks.
Question 9
The rocks like peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite are examples of:
1. Igneous rocks
2. Mechanical rocks
3. Metallic rocks
4. Carbonaceous rocks
Answer
Carbonaceous rocks
Question 10
The following pairs are the types of rocks on the basis of agents of their formation. Which of
the following is incorrect?
1. Lacustrine : lake beds
2. Aeolian : sand particles
3. Glacial : ocean floor
4. Riverine : flowing waters of rivers.
Answer
Glacial : ocean floor
Question 11
The alteration of the composition or structure of a rock by heat, pressure or other natural
agency:
1. Hypobyssal
2. Metamorphism
3. Compaction
4. Cementation
Answer
Metamorphism
Question 12
Assertion (A): Igneous rocks are of interest to builders and sculptors.
Reason (R): Igneous rocks are usually compact.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — Igneous rocks are usually compact and are of interest to builders and
sculptors.
Question 13
The transformation of rocks into metamorphic rocks takes place as a result of intense heat
and pressure. Given below are the types of metamorphism and the processes involved. Which
one is incorrect?
1. Thermal Metamorphism : high temperature.
2. Dynamic Metamorphism : pressure at great depths in the crust.
3. Regional Metamorphism : large scale earth movement.
4. Contact Metamorphism : high pressure below ocean bed.
Answer
Contact Metamorphism : high pressure below ocean bed.
Question 14
Study the diagram and identify A, B and C.
1. A: action of agents of weathering B: deposition-sedimentation C: action of heat and
pressure
2. A: deposition-sedimentation B: action of agents of weathering C: action of heat and
pressure
3. A: deposition-sedimentation B: action of heat and pressure C: action of agents of
weathering
4. A: action of heat and pressure B: action of agents of weathering C: deposition-
sedimentation
Answer
A: action of agents of weathering B: deposition-sedimentation C: action of heat and pressure
Question 15
The continuous process of transformation of old rocks into new ones:
1. Metamorphism
2. Rock flow
3. Rock cycle
4. Compactation
Answer
Rock cycle
Question 16
............... are deep-seated intrusion of igneous rocks.
1. Sills
2. Dykes
3. Laccoliths
4. Batholiths
Answer
Batholiths
Question 17
Your sister had gone camping in Uttarakhand. She was fascinated with the smooth striated
rocks she had collected. What type of rocks had she brought home with her?
1. Igneous rocks
2. Sedimentary rocks
3. Metamorphic rocks
4. Both (1) and (3)
Answer
Metamorphic rocks
Question 18
Which of the following is NOT an organically formed rock?
1. Gypsum
2. Peat
3. Chalk
4. Limestone
Answer
Gypsum
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
State two points of distinction between rocks and minerals.
Answer
Rocks Minerals
Rocks are aggregates of mineral Minerals are solid inorganic substances occurring
elements. naturally.
A rock has no definite chemical
Minerals have a definite chemical composition.
composition.
Question 2
Name any three elements of the earth's crust.
Answer
Three elements of the earth's crust are iron, silicon and aluminium.
Question 3
Name three types of rocks.
Answer
Three types of rocks are-
1. Igneous rocks
2. Sedimentary rocks
3. Metamorphic rocks
Question 4
Give two differences between Extrusive Igneous and Intrusive Igneous rocks.
Answer
Extrusive Igneous rocks Intrusive Igneous rocks
They are formed by the cooling of molten magma They are formed when magma solidifies
on the earth's surface. within the earth's crust.
These rocks are smooth, crystalline and fine These rocks are coarse textured, hard rocks
grained. with large crystals.
For example- Basalt For example- Granite
Question 5
Name any two characteristics of Igneous Rocks.
Answer
Two characteristics of Igneous Rocks are-
1. They are hard and compact.
2. They are formed by solidification of molten magma.
Question 6
State two characteristics of Basic Igneous Rocks.
Answer
Two characteristics of Basic Igneous Rocks are-
1. They have higher percentage of oxides of denser elements and silica content varies
between 40 to 60 percent.
2. It is heavy and dark in colour.
Question 7
Name two important landforms made by Igneous Rocks.
Answer
Two important landforms made by Igneous Rocks are lava sheets and lava plateaus.
Question 8
What are Sills? Give an example.
Answer
Sometimes magma flows between layers of rocks horizontally. It then hardens there. This
layer of intrusive rock is called sill. For example- Archuleta Mesa in southern Colorado.
Question 9
Which rocks are associated with ores of metals and which rocks are associated with fossil
fuels?
Answer
Igneous rocks are associated with ores of metals and sedimentary rocks are associated with
fossil fuels.
Question 10
Mention any two characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks.
Answer
Two characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks are-
1. Sedimentary rocks are formed from materials derived from other rocks. They may
also have plant and animal remains. These rocks may thus contain fossils.
2. Sedimentary rocks are generally soft and layered as they are formed by deposition of
sediments.
Question 11
Name the rocks which are most widespread on the earth. Give two examples.
Answer
Sedimentary rocks are most widespread on the earth. Examples of sedimentary rocks are
Gypsum and sand stone.
Question 12
Name the three stages of lithification of Sedimentary rocks.
Answer
The three stages of lithification of Sedimentary rocks are-
1. Evaporation
2. Compaction
3. Cementation
Question 13
Name the types of Sedimentary rocks based on agents of formation.
Answer
The types of Sedimentary rocks based on agents of formation are-
1. Riverine rocks
2. Lacustrine rocks
3. Glacial rocks
4. Aeolian rocks
5. Marine rocks
Question 14
Which agents are responsible for deposition of sediments?
Answer
The main agents responsible for deposition of sediments are water, wind and ice.
Question 15
What are known as metamorphic rocks? Give two examples.
Answer
Metamorphic rocks are formed by complete change of texture and composition of pre-
existing rocks through volcanism and diastrophism. For example, slate is formed from clay
and graphite from coal.
Question 16
Briefly define Mechanical Metamorphism.
Answer
Mechanical metamorphism is the mechanical transformation of pre-existing rocks, in which
texture of rocks is changed by crushing and rubbing processes associated with heat and
compression created by mechanical action.
Distinguish between each of the following
Question 1
Plutonic and Volcanic rocks.
Answer
Plutonic rock Volcanic rock
They are also called intrusive rocks. They are also called extrusive rocks.
They are formed when magma solidifies They are formed by the cooling of molten magma
within the earth's crust. on the earth's surface.
These rocks are coarse textured, hard rocks These rocks are smooth, crystalline and fine
with large crystals. grained.
For example- granite For example- basalt
Question 2
Thermal and Dynamic Metamorphism.
Answer
Thermal Metamorphism Dynamic Metamorphism
It occurs when the transformation of the It occurs when the transformation occurs
original rock takes place due to the influence mainly because of pressure at a great depth
of high temperature. within the earth's crust.
For example- marbles used in Taj Mahal at
For example- slate is formed from clay
Agra are metamorphised from Dolomites.
Question 3
Sills and Dykes.
Answer
Sills Dykes
Sometimes magma flows between layers of rocks The magma when forced upwards fills vertical
horizontally and hardens there. This layer of cracks or fissures in existing rocks and then
intrusive rock is called sills. hardens there to form dykes.
Sills Dykes
Sill is a layer like mass. Dyke is a wall like mass.
Question 4
Calcarious and Carbonacious rocks.
Answer
Calcarious rocks Carbonacious rocks
These rocks are formed by the deposition of shells
These rocks are formed by the sea plants
and skeletons of sea organisms like corals, oysters
which remain buried for a very long time .
etc.
For example- chalk, limestone. For example- coal, peat.
Question 5
Acid Igneous Rocks and Basic Igneous Rocks.
Answer
Acid Igneous Rocks Basic Igneous Rocks
These rocks have silica content between These rocks have higher percentage of oxides of
65% to 85 %. They lack in iron and denser elements and silica content varies between
magnesium. 40% to 60%.
For example- granite. For example- basalt
Structured Questions
Question 1(a)
Distinguish between rocks and minerals.
Answer
Rocks Minerals
Rocks are aggregates of mineral Minerals are solid inorganic substances occurring
elements. naturally.
A rock has no definite chemical
Minerals have a definite chemical composition.
composition.
Minerals are organised to form Elements are organised to form compounds which are
rocks. known as minerals.
For example- basalt, granite etc. For example- iron, silicon etc.
Question 1(b)
Describe how igneous rocks are formed. State their main characteristics.
Answer
Igneous rocks are formed due to cooling, solidification and crystallisation of magma found at
great depths in the interior of the earth.
The main characteristics of igneous rocks are-
1. They are hard and compact.
2. They are formed by solidification of molten magma.
3. They are granular and crystalline.
Question 1(c)
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) Igneous rocks also called the primary rocks.
(ii) Igneous rocks are used by builders and sculptors.
(iii) Sedimentary rocks are called secondary rocks.
Answer
(i) Igneous rocks also called the primary rocks as they form the basis of formation of other
types of rocks.
(ii) Igneous rocks are used by builders and sculptors because these rocks are easily available,
economical, and feasible in nature. These rocks are very strong, which is considered the best
option for the construction of strong structured statues and buildings.
(iii) Sedimentary rocks are called secondary rocks because they are formed by the
solidification of sediments of original igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic parent rocks.
Question 1(d)
Study the picture. Identify the rocks formed in case of A, B and C. Give reasons to support
your answer.
Answer
1. A — Rock A is Extrusive Igneous rock. This is because it is located on the surface of
the Earth, where lava has flowed out through fissure and solidified.
2. B — Rock B is a Dyke. This is because magma when forced upwards fills vertical
cracks or fissures in existing rocks. It then hardens there to form dykes.
3. C — Rock C is a Sill. This is because magma flows between layers of rocks
horizontally and then hardens there. This layer of intrusive rock is called Sill.
Question 2(a)
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Answer
When igneous rocks are exposed on the surface of the earth, they are broken down by
weathering and carried away by forces of gradation. They are then deposited as sediments
over long periods in seas, lakes, streams etc. Subsequent layers are added and due to their
own weight from above, the sediments get cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.
Question 2(b)
Explain the formation of sedimentary rocks on the basis of agents of formation.
Answer
There are five main types of sedimentary rocks on the basis of agents of formation:
1. Riverine Rocks — These are formed by the sediments deposited by running water or
river.
2. Lacustrine Rocks — These are formed by the deposition of silt etc on the bed of
lakes.
3. Glacial Rocks — These are formed by the debris carried on and deposited by
glaciers.
4. Aeolean Rocks — These are formed by the deposition of sand particles accumulated
by wind.
5. Marine Rocks — These are formed by the deposition of sediments at the ocean floor.
These are of two types- Calcarious sedimentary rocks and Carbonaceous sedimentary
rocks.
Question 2(c)
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) Mechanically formed sedimentary rocks are also termed as stratified rocks.
(ii) Rocks like peat, lignite and anthracite are called carbonaceous rocks.
(iii) Fossils are present in sedimentary rocks.
Answer
(i) Mechanically formed sedimentary rocks are also termed as stratified rocks because such
rocks are formed in layers.
(ii) Rocks like peat, lignite and anthracite are mainly made out of carbon composition (almost
60-90%). Due to this majority of carbon composition in these rocks, these rocks are known as
carbonaceous rocks.
(iii) Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks, where gentler pressure and lower temperature
allows preservation of past life-forms. Fossils become a part of sedimentary rocks when
sediments such as mud, sand, shells and pebbles cover plant and animal organisms and
preserve their characteristics through time.
Question 2(d)
What is metamorphism? What are its causes? Give an example of rocks formed by heat and
pressure.
Answer
Metamorphism refers to the alteration of the composition or structure of a rock by heat,
pressure or other natural agency. Metamorphism is caused by heat and pressure.
For example- graphite.
Question 3(a)
State the chief characteristics of metamorphic rocks.
Answer
The chief characteristics of metamorphic rocks are-
1. They are harder and more compact than their original form.
2. Most of them are impermeable.
3. They do not have fossils.
Question 3(b)
State the economic significance of rocks.
Answer
The economic significance of rocks are-
1. Rocks are of great resource value, some directly and some as constituents of minerals.
2. Soils are derived from weathering of rocks.
3. Almost all types of building materials used for paving roads, floors or building walls
of houses or various other structures including bridges come from rocks.
4. Rocks are a source of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum etc.
Question 3(c)
What is Rock Cycle? How does it keep the earth young?
Answer
Rocks undergo cyclic transformation. The continuous process of transformation of old rocks
into new ones is known as rock cycle. The cycle may also pass through the process of
formation of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks.
To keep the earth young, rocks melt again resulting in the formation of igneous rock. This
disintegrated material again forms sedimentary rock, which takes hundreds and thousands of
years.
Question 3(d)
Draw a well labelled diagram of Rock Cycle.
Answer