We are just starting the online quiz sections for various section of ASBOG Geology (FG and PG) tests. More questions will be added to each tests. Please send sample questions to admin@coalgeology.com. The sample questions and answers are also useful for any students studying geology.

Note: ASBOG® is not affiliated with, nor does it provide information for/to, or endorse, any examination preparation course(s), study guide/manuals/aid (e.g., flash cards), or publication other than its own “Professional GeologistsCandidate Handbook”.

None of questions are from any real ASBOG test or from the sample questions from the ASBOG manual. The questions are targeted to improve understanding of the subject matter while helping you improve the score on tests.

The test in this page contains questions from mostly mineralogy. Mineralogy includes a lot of things so does our set of questions.

According to ASBOG, Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry constitute about 11% of the FG test and about 5% of the PG part. Sections include

• Identify minerals and rocks and their characteristics. (FG)
• Identify and interpret rock and mineral sequences, associations, and genesis. (FG)
• Evaluate geochemical and isotopic data, and construct geochemical models related to rocks and minerals. (FG/PG)
• Determine type, degree, and effects of rock and mineral alteration
• Plan and conduct mineralogic, petrologic, and geochemical investigations, including the use of modeling and geophysics.(PG)
  
• Rock and mineral identification; Crystal symmetry, systems, and forms; Igneous rocks and processes; Sedimentary rocks and processes; Metamorphic rocks and processes; Geochemical reactions and diagenesis; Professionalism  and ethics (FG/PG)
• Project management, organization, and economics (PG)
  

Topics to Consider:

• Origin of Elements and Composition-Structure of the Earth
• Physical Properties of Minerals
• Chemical Properties of Minerals
• Chemistry and Structure of Minerals
• Optical Properties of Minerals
• Isotropic and Uniaxial Minerals
• Biaxial Minerals

Best Mineralogy Books to buy for the ASBOG geology test (FG and PG):

1. Geological Hammer

Hammers: Geological hammer is the most essential tool for any geologists. “Estwing E3-22P 22-Ounce Rock Pick” hammer is a great example of geological hammer within budget (cost 33 dollars only). Forged 1 piece head and handle of full polished tool steel. Blue nylon vinyl, Shock Reduction Grip is ergonomically correct to reduce vibration. 22 oz.

2. Rock Chisel

Chisel for Rock: Sometimes it is hard to break hard rocks. Rock-Chisels could be very useful for collecting samples in such cases. Estwing’s geological chisels are forged in one piece and have been reinvented by adding an unbreakable polymer cap and an oil resistant cushion grip. The result is a comfortable grip in both extreme heat and cold weather conditions. Our polymer cap has 2-1/2 times the striking surface of a standard chisel for easier targeting with strength to last. Whether you need a chisel to dig out a T-Rex or just do brick work, these are the tools for you. his Estwing Rock Chisel has a 1-1/8 inch wide flat chisel edge great for working cracks in solid rock, splitting layers looking for fossils, splitting geodes in half, or splitting rocks for tumbling. This is the standard chisel for the rockhound. PROUDLY MADE IN USA Maximum hammer head weight is 3 pounds.

3. Tape Measure

Tape Measures: Measuring the length, weight and height of the rocks or outcrop is essential during field trips. Any good tape measure will do.  Stanley Powerlock tape rules add convenience and usability for all kinds of measuring needs. With Stanley’s unique sidelock the rule holds the exact measurement reading to prevent slippage and costly errors. All Stanley rules are designed with a convenient belt hook. It provides easy access to the tape while you are on the job. With lengths of 3 to 200 feet – Stanley offers tools to fit all your measuring needs. This Tape rule is the badge of the contractor. A few astonishing features have made this product the leader in the industry. The mylar coated blade for unsurpassed durability, blade lasts up to 10 times longer in comparative tests of abrasion resistance. There is a heat treated spring for longer useful product life. The Tru-Zero hook automatically adjusts to allow for its own thickness giving exact readings for either inside or outside measurements. The blade is two colored graphics for better readability and fewer measuring mistakes.

4. Hand Lens

Hand Lens: A good hand-lens is always helpful to identify minerals within the rock and should be part of your field kit all the time. There are many different kinds of hand lens available in the market. We have used “Bausch & Lomb 81-61-71 81-61-71 10x Hastings Bausch & Lomb Magnifiers “with Magnification: 10x Focal Distance: 1 Lens Diameter: 15.80 mm.

Dilute Acid: A bottle of dilute acid helps you to identify the carbonates very easily in the field.

Sampling bag and Markers: Proper sampling bags or containers should be carried to the field. It may be useful to create identifier tags for the bottles at the office before the field trip.

Water Proof Field Book: Field Book should be water proof such as “Rite in the Rain Geological Field Book Kit”. This all-weather bound book kit comes equipped with the C540F Cordura® Pouch, the 540F Geology Field book with 20 helpful reference pages, and a No. 97 All-Weather Pen. Kit does not include an acid bottle.

Map Case: A good map case is essential for extending the life of field maps . For example, b using the “Aqua-Quest 100% Waterproof Map Case “watertight protective pouch, you can extend the life of those expensive and valuable maps. Ideal for topographical maps, small navigation charts for boating, and walking tour maps. It can be used for just about any item that you want to keep dry – including film, food, and first aid supplies. This item is super multifunctional, and very good quality. The map case can hold up to 5 standard sized maps.

Aerial Photo/map: Search Google Maps for the aerial image of the field area if you do not have better source for aerial image. Topographic maps should however always accompany the aerial map. Aerial maps are great for identifying distinct features like houses and roads very easily.

Pocket Stereoscope: Pocket Stereoscope could be very useful for most field survey. Stereoscope adds another dimension to the mapping effort. The Sci Edge Student Stereoscope is a free-standing stereoscope with legs fold for compact storage. It has focal length – 119mm; 2.2X magnification; Adjustable interpupillary distance; it can be used with relief-map books.

[ReviewAZON asin="0789491060" display="inlinepost"]Handbook for Rocks and Minerals: It is often useful to have some books to help identifying rocks and minerals in the field. The Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals combines 600 vivid full–color photos with descriptions of more than 500 specimens. This authoritative and systematic photographic approach, with words never separated from pictures, marks a new generation of identification guides. Each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics of the rock or mineral and distinguishing features. Color–coded bands provide a clear, at–a–glance facts for quick reference. In addition, each mineral entry features an illustration showing the crystal system to which the mineral belongs. Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals explains what rocks or minerals are, how they are classified, and how to start a collection. To help in the initial stages of rock identification, a clear visual key illustrates the differences between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, then guides the reader to the correct rock entry. A concise glossary provides instant understanding of technical and scientific terms.

Camera

Camera: A good camera is essential for all geologists. Photographs are very useful to document features of the field site. For example try Nikon’s Coolpix L110, with 12.1 effective megapixels and an incredible 15x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches. The camera’s new huge bright 3.0-inch high-resolution (460k-dot) LCD that lets you compose and share your pictures with family and friends. The Coolpix L110, with Nikon’s 5-way VR Image Stabilization System takes incredible pictures, incredibly easy plus you can take HD (720p) video with stereo sound! Nikon’s Smart Portrait System which; automatically detects your subjects face, takes a picture when they smile and warns you if they blinked

Clothing: Proper and adequate clothing is also needed for field trips. Choice of clothing will depend on the weather condition during the field trip. Apart from the weather, there could be rules regarding clothing imposed by state agencies or the mining companies. For example, most of the mine sites in West Virginia now require metatarsal boots.

Apart from the regular items listed above, you may need to carry various other specialized tools depending on the type of work. For example, for a water sampling trip, I would typically carry sampling bottles, sampling bags, chain of custody forms; address and phone number of lab; pH-meter; field test kit for dissolved and total iron, field test kit for dissolves gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide and so on. Now, if I am going for a hydrological testing, I would take flow meters, calibrated buckets, stop-watch etc. Read the article on Inflation Packer Tests to know more.

If you like to add some more items to the list, please leave us a comment or email to admin@coalgeology.com

References:

Product Details

* Hardcover: 300 pages
* Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (November 29, 2011)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 3540301526
* ISBN-13: 978-3540301523

Earthquake Impacts: A Handbook on Seismic Risks (Springer Praxis Books / Geophysical Sciences)

[ReviewAZON asin="3540301526" display="fullpost"]