California Specific Exam (CSE) Professional Geologist (PG) Practice Exam

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• Which magnitude earthquake does the term "Blind Thrust" most commonly describe?
• What does UCERF stand for?
• Which term describes a small-diameter pipe used during well sealing?
• What geological period are the rocks in the Pelona Schist dated to?
• What refers to the movement within a mass of rock or soil that leads to its continuous deformation?
• What is the maximum severity level of earthquake effects as considered in Chapters 16 and 16A of the California Building Code?
• Which organization regulates the construction of schools, hospitals, and essential services buildings in California?
• In soil mechanics, what does the term 'dilatancy' refer to?
• How is "Ma" best described in a geological context?
• What characterizes the Los Angeles Basin?
• What happens when the shearing resistance of soil decreases rapidly due to stress?
• Which block is located west of the San Andreas Fault zone and east of the Nacimiento Fault Zone?
• What is the primary geological feature separating the Franciscan Basement from the Transverse Ranges Basement?
• Which type of scarp is created due to differential erosion along a fault line?
• Which entity oversees the regulation of stormwater discharges in the state?
• Why is the California Code of Regulations significant in geology?
• What is the term for a steep slope formed directly by movement along a fault before any erosion occurs?
• What process involves a reduction in the amplitude of seismic waves due to divergence, scattering, reflection, and absorption?
• What is the phenomenon called when unsupported cliffs or stream banks move toward a free face during an earthquake?
• What does RCRA stand for?
• What does IWMB represent in waste management?
• What term describes the dowels or pins driven into the earth around a shaft for support?
• What shear wave velocity range is typical for a Site Class B classification?
• What type of rocks mainly composes the Sierra Nevada Batholith?
• What is referred to as the steep surface at the top of a landslide, marking the upper slide surface?
• What does overdraft refer to in a geological context?
• What is the primary characteristic of a liquefaction event?
• Which California statute regulates the injection of hazardous wastes into wells?
• According to regulatory definitions, what area is designated as a flood hazard area?
• What magnitude earthquake is associated with the San Fernando Valley?
• What type of movement is characterized by a block sliding?
• How is the difference in energy release between two earthquakes calculated?
• What measure of earthquake size depends on rock rigidity, amount of slip, and area of rupture?
• Which formation consists of graywacke and inter-bedded shale?
• What is defined as a very rapid downward movement of rock or earth that may travel through the air?
• Which site class classification is assigned to very dense soil or soft rock?
• What does NPDES stand for?
• Which series refers to rocks younger than the Nevadan Orogeny?
• What is a primary outcome of the “Heat of Hydration” process in construction?
• What significant earthquake event was associated with 63 deaths and led to the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act?
• What are values of Fa and Fv found in CBC Chapter 16 tables used for?
• What does liquefaction in soils typically result in during an earthquake?
• What seismic phenomenon is created by movements on the ocean floor following large earthquakes?
• What term describes bedrock or soil that has been pulverized by high accelerations during many cycles of earthquake shaking?
• What is the term for the exothermic reaction that occurs when water is added to cement?
• Which earthquake led to findings that influenced new regulations for earthquake insurance?
• Which of the following is not associated with seismic evaluation?
• Which fault is a northwest-trending, right-lateral, strike-slip fault over 750 feet long?
• What type of rock is associated with low-grade metamorphosis in the Transverse Ranges?
• What does HAR stand for in the context of geotechnical assessments?
• What does IBC stand for in building regulations?
• What do we call the slow, aseismic movement along a fault line?
• What is the maximum width of an earthquake fault zone?
• Which fault acts as the boundary between the Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges Provinces?
• What is the prominent circular feature in the Central Valley that has a volcanic origin?
• How many people died as a result of the 7.3 magnitude Landers earthquake?
• What classification applies to faults with evidence of Holocene movement?
• Which of the following factors is NOT generally considered when assessing an area for earthquake hazard?
• Which type of rock is formed in areas of high pressure and temperature, typically from sedimentary rock?
• What was the magnitude of the Johnson Valley / Landers earthquake?
• The Northridge earthquake led to which significant legislative updates?
• What does DTSC stand for in relation to California environmental regulations?
• What is the name given to the point where an earthquake rupture originates?
• What term is used for the slow, gradual movement of sediment or soil down a slope?
• What is the name of the fault that the Coalinga Nose earthquake is mainly associated with?
• What describes a flood with a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in a given year?
• Site Coefficients are utilized in which type of classification?
• Which of the following is NOT a role of the Division of the State Architect (DSA)?
• Which measure evaluates how an earthquake is felt and its damage effects on human structures?
• What is an earthquake fault zone typically established to ensure?
• What is the shear wave velocity for Site Class A?
• How is the moment magnitude of an earthquake generally measured?
• What is described as the upper surface of a slide in geological terms?
• What major types of rocks are categorized under the Superjacent Series?
• What is the movement characterized as a rotational type with few units involved?
• What physical aspect of seismic activity does an epicenter represent?
• The Southern California Batholith mainly consists of which of the following rocks?
• What natural event is primarily responsible for creating pressure waves as a result of rock displacement?
• Which term refers to any fault that showed evidence of displacement during the Quaternary time and is no longer used on AP maps?
• What does CSLM stand for in materials science?
• What is the term for the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake?
• What type of water is defined as being trapped at the time of deposition?
• What material remains in place and is adjacent to the highest parts of the main scarp of a landslide?
• Which term refers to translational movement involving many units?
• What type of landslide movement is characterized by a turning moment about a point above the center of gravity?
• Which department is referred to by the acronym HCD?
• What do you call a fault that has had displacement within the last 11,000 years?
• Which site class corresponds to a shear wave velocity of 2500-5000 ft/s?
• What is the magnitude of the Loma Prieta earthquake?
• What is the term for the distance from the nearest point of a building to the closest edge of an active fault according to CBC Chapter 16A?
• Which term describes the magnitude of an earthquake estimated from the amplitude of body waves?
• The Sierra Nevada Batholith was primarily emplaced during which geological period?
• According to the AP Act, what is the minimum distance a structure for human occupancy must be from an active fault?
• What gravitational sea wave is produced by large-scale, short-duration events on the ocean floor?
• Which classification is based on the types of soils present and their engineering properties?
• What form of geological movement is characterized by lateral motion along a shear zone?
• Which term indicates mostly fine soils in slope movement?
• What does the term "blueschist facies" refer to?
• What earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, is noted for left lateral thrust motion?
• Which formations are separated by the San Andreas Fault?
• What is the common term incorrectly used for magnitude regardless of how it is measured?
• What does the term "lagging" refer to in excavation practices?
• In terms of soil mechanics, what is a 'slide' primarily associated with?
• What type of building is required to remain operational in the event of natural disasters?
• What does CHG refer to in geology?
• What site class designation is assigned to hard rock?
• Which earthquake is described as having a magnitude of 7.0 and resulted in 9 deaths, noted for its first instrumental strong-motion measurement?
• What is the term for the outermost margin of displaced landslide material that is farthest away from the head scarp?
• What does the acronym OSHPD stand for?
• Which earthquake is notable for being one of the largest recorded in California with significant impacts on safety regulations?
• Which kind of fault is defined by having ruptured during historic times, going back to 1700 in California?
• What is the term for the interval of time required for the completion of a cyclic motion or recurring event?
• What was the magnitude of the Coalinga Nose earthquake?
• Which term describes a material designed to have lower strength in construction applications?
• According to the CBC, what is the Base Flood Elevation?
• Which designation is given to a geologist certified in engineering?
• Which major earthquake resulted in 57 deaths and $40 billion in property damage, leading to seismic upgrades to the 1997 UBC?
• What is a critical component when evaluating earthquake-induced structural responses?
• What type of pipe is used to apply grout when sealing a well?
• What standard is referenced by the CBC chapters 16 and 18 for civil engineers?
• What is the term for mostly coarse soils involved in slope movement?
• What is the term for creep that occurs on a fault triggered by a strong earthquake on another fault?
• What is the primary geological feature associated with the Coalinga Nose earthquake?
• What layer under the lithosphere is responsible for isostatic adjustments and seismic wave attenuation?
• What is the equation known as for calculating seismic moment?
• What is the process whereby soils collapse when they are wetted called?
• What does TPCA stand for?
• What is the term for the logarithm of the maximum seismic-wave amplitude recorded on a seismograph?
• Which geological event is associated with the formation of the Monterey Formation?
• What is a characteristic of the Salinian Block?
• What California statute established the State Water Resources Control Board?
• What does ASTM stand for?
• Which of the following represents CFR?
• Essential facilities must remain operational during which types of major events?
• The Pelona Schist is primarily composed of what type of rock?
• What geological layer is known for being strong and approximately 100km thick?
• What describes the Moment Magnitude Equation?
• How is the strength of an earthquake typically measured?
• What is the term for the uneven lowering of different parts of an engineered structure, often resulting in damage?
• What geological feature is the result of earthquake activity causing a steep slope but is not visible in slip surfaces?
• Which qualifications are required to be a Private Site Manager (Class II environmental assessor)?
• Which of the following environments is most likely to have high radon levels?
• In the context of slope movement, what is characterized as "debris"?
• What does TIWCA stand for?
• What term refers to more or less continuous motion in the Earth that is unrelated to earthquakes?
• What is the strength threshold for CSLM to be excavatable?
• What is one of the primary roles of a Geotechnical Specialist?
• What are boards called that are joined side-by-side to line an excavation?
• What does the abbreviation DSA stand for in the context of California's regulatory framework?
• What was the former name of the California Geologic Survey?
• What term describes a fault without recognized Quaternary displacement, based on direct geologic evidence of inactivity?
• What is the mathematical relationship between the velocity of P waves (v_p) and S waves (v_s)?
• What is anorthosite primarily composed of?
• What term describes a fault that has exhibited surface displacement within the last 11,000 years?
• What is the average time interval between earthquake occurrences of equal magnitude on the same fault called?
• What type of ground displacement occurs slowly without accompanying earthquakes, and may be due to tectonic activity?
• What term refers to a large mass of snow, ice, soil, rock, or mixtures that falls or flows rapidly due to gravity?
• Which fault was primarily impacted by the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3?
• What is the structure for human occupancy rate specified in regulations?
• Which theory proposed by Reid explains the cause of earthquakes through tension buildup in moving crusts?
• In the context of seismic studies, what does "AP" stand for?
• What is the principal danger associated with the Monterey Formation?
• Which term would best describe bedrock in relation to slope movement?
• What denotes the gradual, steady downhill movement of soil and loose rock material?
• What term describes a person capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards that may endanger employees?
• Which designation is used for a Professional Geophysicist?
• Which type of fault has movement occurring contemporaneously with deposition, resulting in increased throw with depth?
• What does CBC stand for in the context of Californian regulations?
• What term describes landslide movement that occurs predominantly along planar or gently undulating surfaces?
• In California building code, which factor influences the design earthquake ground motion?
• What classification pertains to a fault that has a clearly detectable trace at or just below the ground surface?
• Which earthquake center is linked with the 6.9 magnitude event known as Loma Prieta?
• What classification is used for soil or soft rock with shear wave velocity between 1200-2500 ft/s?
• What term refers to a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a particular place?
• What earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 and is categorized under blind thrust earthquakes?
• What is the phenomenon called when the natural period of a structure coincides with a dominant frequency of the ground motion?
• What basement types is the Franciscan Basement associated with?
• Which organization focuses on regulating the extraction of geological resources in California?
• Which type of casing is referred to as 'conductor casing'?
• What does the factor of safety measure in geological terms?
• What is the magnitude of the Blind Thrust / Northridge earthquake?
• During which geological period was explosive activity in the Sutter Buttes recorded?
• What does SWRCB stand for?
• What term describes a wave oscillation of the surface water in an enclosed basin?
• What shear wave velocity range applies to very dense soil or soft rock?
• Which organization provides guidelines for testing materials in civil engineering?
• What is the term for the maximum ground acceleration experienced by rock or soil during an earthquake motion?
• Which term describes a type of geological fault that increases in thickness on the downthrown side?
• What does CBC Chapter 16, section 1613 specify regarding building safety?
• Which earthquake occurred with a magnitude of 5.6 and led to the establishment of EarthScope's fault observatory?
• What classification is assigned to a structure based on its occupancy category and the severity of the design earthquake ground motion?
• Which earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 and resulted in one death while triggering movements on 10 additional faults?
• What is the abbreviation for Registered Civil Engineer?
• What is the shear wave velocity range defined for rock?
• Which law regulates existing hazardous waste facilities in the US?
• What is a cone-shaped deposit of sand formed during an earthquake called?
• Which term describes a rapid rock or earth movement that can involve free fall?
• What is the equation for calculating the factor of safety of a slope?
• Which fault is associated with a magnitude of 6.7?
• Which counties in California are noted for having the highest risk of radon?
• What is the expected effect on the ground during a triggered creep event?
• What is an important aspect of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration?
• In geology, which factor is crucial for environmental assessments?
• Which province includes the greatest uplift of granitic rocks?
• What earthquake had a magnitude of 6.6, led to 65 deaths, and resulted in several legislative acts related to seismic safety?
• What process describes the movement of a fractured mass laterally, often along a basal shear surface?
• What is the correct term for a series of parallel cracks formed during an earthquake that separate the ground into blocks?
• Which aspect of structural engineering does ASCE 7 primarily address?
• What is the term for fault displacement that occurs over a time span of days to months without an accompanying earthquake?
• What is the shear wave velocity range for hard rock?
• Which term refers to areas along active faults that are established for public safety?
• What type of sedimentary rock comprises the majority of the Franciscan Formation?
• What is used for classifying the structural response to seismic activity?
• What term defines a fault not considered historic but shows evidence of activity during approximately the last 2 million years?
• Which type of wave, called S waves, move slower than P waves in the Earth's crust?
• What does Cal/OSHA stand for?
• What is the composition of the primary rock outcrop in the Peninsular Ranges?
• What phenomenon is described as the powerful and concentrated digging action of flowing water during a flood?
• What is the term for aseismic fault slip that occurs following a significant earthquake?
• Which earthquake had a magnitude of 6.0?
• What is the formula used to compare energy release levels in earthquakes?
• What site class designation corresponds to rock?
• Which term describes the rigid layer of the Earth composed of the crust and upper mantle?
• What does the term 'rigidity' refer to in the context of geological stress?
• What is the primary responsibility of a competent person in a workplace?
• What is the acronym CCR commonly associated with?
• What does the term GE refer to in the context of geological regulations in California?
• What importance does the classification of faults hold in geological analysis?
• What is primarily deposited in the Monterey Formation?
• What term is used to describe the occurrence of a historical rupture defined in California's fault map?
• What does CERCLA primarily address?
• What phenomenon occurs due to a sudden large decrease in shearing resistance of cohesionless soil?
• What is the California statute that regulates the discharge of liquid hazardous wastes or hazardous waste containing free liquids?
• What is the geological significance of Lake Corcoran?
• What does the term "Point of Compliance" refer to?
• In California, who is authorized to perform geological and engineering studies as per the Education Code?
• Which term refers to bedrock in slope movement?
• Which professional specializes in soil mechanics and has a minimum of three years applicable experience?
• What does the Distance from an Active Fault primarily affect in engineering studies?
• Which code would you refer to for regulations concerning building safety in California?
• Which phenomenon is characterized by tension building up and eventually "snapping back into position" as described in a theoretical model of earthquakes?
• What is the abbreviation for a Professional Geologist?
• Which term describes a localized mass movement that involves the gradual downward settling or sinking of the Earth's surface?
• How do you calculate the factor of safety?
• What is the primary source of much of the petroleum and natural gas in the Transverse Ranges Province?
• What is the increase in volume of rocks due to elastic and nonelastic changes during deformation called?
• What does the NPDES regulate?
• What describes slope movement due to forces that cause an overturning moment about a pivot point below the center of gravity?
• What type of slope movement is characterized by a rapid downward movement of soil and debris?