CRST 290 Quiz 6: Geology and Physical Geography
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct
Rock Cycle, Plate Tectonics, Catastrophism, Uniformitarianism,
Fossilization, Sedimentary Layers, and Biblical Worldview Integration
Liberty University
School of Religion | CRST 290 Creation Conversation
August 2026
Abstract
This study guide and examination document supports students preparing for CRST 290
Quiz 6, focusing on geology and physical geography from a biblical creationist perspective.
The 30 questions span four domains: foundational geology and the rock cycle, plate
tectonics with contrasting paradigms, fossilization and sedimentary layers, and biblical
worldview integration with 2026 research updates. Each question includes a rationale
applying catastrophist principles and identifying errors in uniformitarian interpretations.
Keywords: Rock Cycle, Plate Tectonics, Catastrophism, Uniformitarianism, Fossilization,
Sedimentary Strata, CRST 290, Flood Geology, Physical Geography, Biblical Worldview
, Section 1: Foundational Geology and the Rock Cycle (Q1-Q8)
Q1: Which of the following best describes the three basic rock types and their formation
processes as understood in CRST 290?
A. A. Igneous rocks form from pressure; sedimentary rocks form from heat; metamorphic rocks
form from cooling.
B. B. Igneous rocks form from cooled molten material (magma or lava), sedimentary rocks
form from compacted and cemented sediments, and metamorphic rocks form from
pre-existing rocks altered by heat and pressure, with the global Flood providing a
catastrophic mechanism for rapid sedimentary rock formation. [CORRECT]
C. C. All three rock types require millions of years to form without exception.
D. D. Only igneous rocks are real; sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are illusions created by
erosion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The rock cycle describes three fundamental rock types with distinct formation mechanisms.
CRST 290 emphasizes that while uniformitarianism assigns vast time to each process, the Genesis Flood
provides a mechanism for rapid sedimentation and lithification. Option A scrambles the formation
processes. Option C makes an absolute claim contradicted by observed rapid formation. Option D is
factually absurd.
Q2: A geologist examines a granite formation and identifies it as an intrusive igneous rock.
What characteristic best distinguishes intrusive from extrusive igneous rocks?
A. A. Intrusive rocks always form on the Earths surface through volcanic eruptions.
B. B. Intrusive rocks form from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earths surface,
producing large visible crystals (such as in granite), while extrusive rocks form from lava that
cools rapidly on the surface, producing fine-grained textures (such as basalt). [CORRECT]
C. C. Intrusive and extrusive rocks are identical in crystal size and formation location.
D. D. Only extrusive rocks contain minerals; intrusive rocks are mineral-free.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrusive (plutonic) rocks cool slowly underground, allowing large crystal growth. Extrusive
(volcanic) rocks cool rapidly at the surface, producing fine-grained textures. This distinction is
observed, not inferred. Option A reverses the definitions. Option C ignores the visible differences.
Option D is false.
Q3: A creation geologist examines a thick sequence of sedimentary rock layers. Which
statement best describes how the rock cycle framework in CRST 290 differs from the
uniformitarian interpretation of these layers?
A. A. Both frameworks interpret the layers identically with no differences in timing or mechanism.
B. B. Uniformitarianism interprets the layers as deposited slowly over millions of years, while
the creationist framework interprets the same layers as deposited rapidly during the global
Flood, with the rock cycle processes operating at greatly accelerated rates during and
immediately after the Flood event. [CORRECT]
C. C. Creationists reject the rock cycle entirely as a valid geological concept.
D. D. The rock cycle only applies to igneous and metamorphic rocks, not sedimentary formations.
Correct Answer: B
Page 2
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct
Rock Cycle, Plate Tectonics, Catastrophism, Uniformitarianism,
Fossilization, Sedimentary Layers, and Biblical Worldview Integration
Liberty University
School of Religion | CRST 290 Creation Conversation
August 2026
Abstract
This study guide and examination document supports students preparing for CRST 290
Quiz 6, focusing on geology and physical geography from a biblical creationist perspective.
The 30 questions span four domains: foundational geology and the rock cycle, plate
tectonics with contrasting paradigms, fossilization and sedimentary layers, and biblical
worldview integration with 2026 research updates. Each question includes a rationale
applying catastrophist principles and identifying errors in uniformitarian interpretations.
Keywords: Rock Cycle, Plate Tectonics, Catastrophism, Uniformitarianism, Fossilization,
Sedimentary Strata, CRST 290, Flood Geology, Physical Geography, Biblical Worldview
, Section 1: Foundational Geology and the Rock Cycle (Q1-Q8)
Q1: Which of the following best describes the three basic rock types and their formation
processes as understood in CRST 290?
A. A. Igneous rocks form from pressure; sedimentary rocks form from heat; metamorphic rocks
form from cooling.
B. B. Igneous rocks form from cooled molten material (magma or lava), sedimentary rocks
form from compacted and cemented sediments, and metamorphic rocks form from
pre-existing rocks altered by heat and pressure, with the global Flood providing a
catastrophic mechanism for rapid sedimentary rock formation. [CORRECT]
C. C. All three rock types require millions of years to form without exception.
D. D. Only igneous rocks are real; sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are illusions created by
erosion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The rock cycle describes three fundamental rock types with distinct formation mechanisms.
CRST 290 emphasizes that while uniformitarianism assigns vast time to each process, the Genesis Flood
provides a mechanism for rapid sedimentation and lithification. Option A scrambles the formation
processes. Option C makes an absolute claim contradicted by observed rapid formation. Option D is
factually absurd.
Q2: A geologist examines a granite formation and identifies it as an intrusive igneous rock.
What characteristic best distinguishes intrusive from extrusive igneous rocks?
A. A. Intrusive rocks always form on the Earths surface through volcanic eruptions.
B. B. Intrusive rocks form from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earths surface,
producing large visible crystals (such as in granite), while extrusive rocks form from lava that
cools rapidly on the surface, producing fine-grained textures (such as basalt). [CORRECT]
C. C. Intrusive and extrusive rocks are identical in crystal size and formation location.
D. D. Only extrusive rocks contain minerals; intrusive rocks are mineral-free.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrusive (plutonic) rocks cool slowly underground, allowing large crystal growth. Extrusive
(volcanic) rocks cool rapidly at the surface, producing fine-grained textures. This distinction is
observed, not inferred. Option A reverses the definitions. Option C ignores the visible differences.
Option D is false.
Q3: A creation geologist examines a thick sequence of sedimentary rock layers. Which
statement best describes how the rock cycle framework in CRST 290 differs from the
uniformitarian interpretation of these layers?
A. A. Both frameworks interpret the layers identically with no differences in timing or mechanism.
B. B. Uniformitarianism interprets the layers as deposited slowly over millions of years, while
the creationist framework interprets the same layers as deposited rapidly during the global
Flood, with the rock cycle processes operating at greatly accelerated rates during and
immediately after the Flood event. [CORRECT]
C. C. Creationists reject the rock cycle entirely as a valid geological concept.
D. D. The rock cycle only applies to igneous and metamorphic rocks, not sedimentary formations.
Correct Answer: B
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