Question

What is the example of unconsolidated formulation?

• A. Limestone
• B. Shale
• C. Granite
• D. Sandstone

Hint:

• Unconsolidated formations consist of loose, unlithified sediments (e.g., sand, gravel, clay, silt).
• Consolidated rocks are formed when these sediments are compacted and cemented together (lithified).
• Limestone, Shale, Granite, and Sandstone are all examples of consolidated rocks.
• The question is problematic as it asks for an example of an unconsolidated formation but lists only consolidated rocks. Sandstone is formed from the consolidation of sand.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The term "unconsolidated formulation" likely refers to unconsolidated geological formations or sediments. Unconsolidated materials are loose, non-cemented aggregations of particles. Consolidated materials, on the other hand, have their particles bound together by cementation or other lithification processes, forming solid rock. Let's examine the options:

• Limestone (option a): Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is a consolidated rock, formed by the lithification of carbonate sediments (e.g., shells, corals, oolites).
• Shale (option b): Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of clay minerals and silt. It is formed by compaction and some cementation of these fine particles, making it a consolidated rock.
• Granite (option c): Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma. It is a hard, crystalline, consolidated rock.
• Sandstone (option d): Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized grains, typically quartz, that have been cemented together. It is a consolidated rock.

All the options provided (Limestone, Shale, Granite, Sandstone) are examples of consolidated rocks, not unconsolidated formations. Unconsolidated formations would include materials like:

• Sand (loose sand grains)
• Gravel (loose pebbles and cobbles)
• Silt (loose fine particles)
• Clay (loose clay particles, though often cohesive)
• Alluvium, glacial till, loess (all types of unconsolidated deposits)

There seems to be a misunderstanding in the question or the provided options/answer, as all listed options are consolidated rocks. However, if one were forced to choose the "least" consolidated or the one that can sometimes be found in a poorly consolidated state among these typical rock types, it's still problematic. Sandstone, for instance, requires cementation to become sandstone; otherwise, it's just sand. Given the provided answer is (d) Sandstone, it is possible that the question is using "unconsolidated formulation" in a very loose or perhaps comparative sense, or there is an error. A "friable" sandstone might be weakly consolidated, but it is still considered a consolidated rock. If the question meant "Which of these can be derived from an unconsolidated material?", then sandstone is derived from sand. But the question asks for an example of an "unconsolidated formulation." Assuming there is an error and the question implies which rock type might be most closely associated with or derived from originally unconsolidated material and perhaps sometimes found in a weakly consolidated state that might be loosely termed "unconsolidated" by a non-geologist: Sand (unconsolidated) lithifies to Sandstone (consolidated). Mud (clay + silt) (unconsolidated) lithifies to Mudstone/Shale (consolidated). Carbonate ooze/sand (unconsolidated) lithifies to Limestone (consolidated). Granite forms from magma, not pre-existing sediment. This question, as posed with the given options and marked answer, is problematic from a standard geological terminology perspective. However, to align with the provided correct answer, we select Sandstone. \[ \boxed{\text{Sandstone}} \]