PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Spain Galicia PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Galicia PAU Applied Mathematics for Social Sciences II

Practice Questions

Galicia PAU Art Foundations

Practice Questions

Galicia PAU Artistic Drawing II

Practice Questions

Galicia PAU Biology

Practice Questions

Galicia PAU Business and Business Model Design

Practice Questions

Galicia PAU Chemistry

Practice Questions
Exam Review

Key Facts: Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences Exam

90 min

Time limit for CIUG Geology and Environmental Sciences paper

Comisión Interuniversitaria de Galicia (CIUG)

EUR 63.67

Ordinary PAU registration fee in Galicia

CIUG 2026 Fee Schedule

4.0 / 10

Minimum Access Phase score required to combine with GPA

CIUG PAU Regulations

es, gl

Official exam languages (Spanish & Galician)

CIUG Guidelines

100

Practice questions in this LOMLOE-focused study bank

OpenExamPrep

The Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences exam is administered by CIUG for university entry in Galicia. The 90-minute evaluation covers plate tectonics, Galician petrology (granite and Hercynian basement), geomorphology (Rías Baixas/Altas), environmental systems, coastal dynamics, natural hazards, and sustainability.

Sample Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which seismic wave property explains why S-waves cannot travel through the Earth's outer core?
A.S-waves are shear transverse waves that require a rigid medium with shear strength to propagate.
B.S-waves travel faster than P-waves and are deflected by the Mohorovičić discontinuity.
C.S-waves are longitudinal compressional waves that undergo total internal reflection at the mantle-core boundary.
D.S-waves suffer extreme thermal attenuation caused by radioactive decay in the lower mantle.
Explanation: S-waves (secondary or shear waves) propagate by displacing particles perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, which requires shear strength. Liquids lack shear resistance and cannot transmit transverse shear stresses, preventing S-waves from passing through the liquid outer core. This absence creates an S-wave shadow zone beyond 103° from an earthquake epicenter.
2What defines the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) in Earth geophysics?
A.A compositional boundary separating the silicate crust from the denser peridotitic mantle, marked by a sharp increase in P-wave velocity.
B.A thermal boundary between the rigid lithosphere and the ductile asthenosphere where partial melting decreases P-wave velocity.
C.A phase-transition boundary between spinel and perovskite crystal structures within the mantle transition zone.
D.A liquid-solid phase boundary separating the iron-nickel outer core from the solid inner core.
Explanation: The Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) is the seismic and compositional boundary between Earth's crust and upper mantle. Across the Moho, P-wave velocities abruptly increase from approximately 6–7 km/s in the crust to over 8 km/s in the peridotite-rich mantle. Its depth varies from about 5–10 km under oceanic crust to 30–70 km under continental crust.
3What is the primary driving mechanism of plate tectonics supported by modern geodynamic models?
A.Mantle thermal convection combined with slab pull at subduction zones and ridge push at mid-ocean ridges.
B.Gravitational tidal forces exerted by the Moon and Sun pulling the oceanic lithosphere westward.
C.Centrifugal forces generated by Earth's axial rotation driving continental drift toward the equator.
D.Convective currents restricted exclusively to the liquid iron-nickel outer core transferring shear stress to the crust.
Explanation: Plate tectonics is driven primarily by mantle thermal convection, where dense, cold subducting lithospheric slabs sink into the mantle under gravity (slab pull), providing the largest driving force. Supplementary forces include ridge push, caused by the gravitational sliding of warm, elevated lithosphere away from mid-ocean ridges, and basal drag from convective mantle flow.
4During which stage of the Wilson Cycle does continental collision occur, closing an ocean basin and forming mountain belts?
A.Suture (collision) stage.
B.Embryonic stage.
C.Juvenile stage.
D.Terminal stage.
Explanation: The Wilson Cycle describes the cyclical opening and closing of ocean basins. The suture or continental collision stage occurs when subduction fully consumes the oceanic lithosphere separating two continental masses, causing them to collide, crumple, and form major collisional orogens (such as the Himalayas or the ancient Hercynian belt).
5How do symmetrical magnetic anomaly stripes on the ocean floor support the theory of seafloor spreading?
A.They record periodic reversals of Earth's magnetic field frozen into basaltic oceanic crust as it crystallizes and spreads from mid-ocean ridges.
B.They indicate that continental rocks periodically gain and lose iron content during intense metamorphic episodes.
C.They demonstrate that solar wind variations induce localized magnetism in marine sedimentary layers near oceanic trenches.
D.They show that Earth's mantle undergoes magnetic polarity inversions every 100 years.
Explanation: As basaltic magma erupts at mid-ocean ridges, iron-rich minerals like magnetite cool below their Curie temperature (~580°C) and align with Earth's prevailing magnetic field (thermoremanent magnetization). Because Earth's geomagnetic field periodically undergoes polarity reversals, seafloor spreading creates a symmetrical pattern of normal and reversed magnetic anomaly stripes parallel to ridge crests.
6Why does subduction-zone magmatism typically produce explosive andesitic and rhyolitic eruptions rather than effusive basaltic flows?
A.Hydration of the mantle wedge lowers the melting point, generating magmas enriched in silica and volatiles that increase viscosity and gas pressure.
B.Oceanic trenches act as thermal insulators that heat subducting basalt to extreme temperatures without volatile involvement.
C.Subducting slabs release pure carbon dioxide that solidifies into diamond pipes upon reaching the surface.
D.Magma in subduction zones is depleted in silica, allowing gases to escape freely without building pressure.
Explanation: In subduction zones, dehydrating oceanic crust releases water and volatiles into the overlying mantle wedge, lowering the mantle peridotite solidus and inducing partial melting. As the resulting magma ascends through thick continental or arc crust, assimilation and fractional crystallization increase its silica content and volatile concentration, producing high-viscosity magmas that trap expanding gases and trigger explosive eruptions.
7What is the fundamental difference between earthquake magnitude (e.g., Moment Magnitude scale) and earthquake intensity (e.g., Modified Mercalli scale)?
A.Magnitude quantifies the absolute energy released at the earthquake source, whereas intensity measures observed shaking effects and structural damage at specific surface locations.
B.Magnitude varies depending on distance from the epicenter, whereas intensity remains constant for a given earthquake event.
C.Magnitude is assessed using post-event field interviews, whereas intensity is measured exclusively by logarithmic seismograph amplitudes.
D.Magnitude applies only to volcanic earthquakes, whereas intensity applies strictly to tectonic fault ruptures.
Explanation: Earthquake magnitude measures the physical size and total seismic energy released at the fault rupture source (a single quantitative value per event). In contrast, earthquake intensity describes the localized qualitative effects of ground shaking on humans, structures, and the natural environment at different distances from the epicenter.
8What is the main source of Earth's internal heat driving geothermal dynamics?
A.Radiogenic decay of long-lived isotopes (238U, 235U, 232Th, 40K) combined with primordial heat from planetary accretion and differentiation.
B.Continuous nuclear fusion reactions occurring within Earth's nickel-iron inner core.
C.Absorption of high-energy cosmic rays and solar radiation penetrating through the mantle.
D.Frictional heating generated exclusively by oceanic tides dragging across shallow continental shelves.
Explanation: Earth's internal heat budget is sustained primarily by two sources: radiogenic heat generated by the radioactive decay of unstable isotopes (uranium-238, uranium-235, thorium-232, and potassium-40) in the mantle and crust, and primordial heat remaining from planetary accretion and core-mantle differentiation 4.5 billion years ago.
9Which major Paleozoic tectonic event led to the formation of the Hercynian (Variscan) basement that forms the geological foundation of Galicia?
A.The collision between Gondwana and Laurussia during the late Paleozoic, forming the supercontinent Pangea.
B.The opening of the Atlantic Ocean during the early Mesozoic break-up of Pangea.
C.The Cenozoic collision between the African and Eurasian plates that formed the Pyrenees and Alps.
D.The Neoproterozoic breakup of Rodinia resulting in extensive basaltic rift volcanism.
Explanation: The Hercynian (Variscan) orogeny occurred during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods (approx. 380–280 Ma) when the supercontinents Gondwana and Laurussia collided to assemble Pangea. This continental collision metamorphosed, folded, and intruded the crust of Iberian Massif, creating the granitic and metamorphic basement characteristic of Galicia.
10According to the Airy model of isostasy, how do high mountain ranges maintain gravitational equilibrium?
A.Mountain ranges have deep crustal roots of low-density material projecting down into the denser mantle.
B.Mountain ranges consist of high-density basaltic columns floating on a uniform liquid mantle layer.
C.Mountain ranges are supported entirely by lateral compression forces with no vertical buoyancy involved.
D.Mountain ranges have uniform crustal thickness everywhere, but varying rock densities establish balance.
Explanation: The Airy model of isostasy posits that Earth's crust has a relatively uniform density, so higher topographic elevations (mountains) are compensated by thicker crustal 'roots' extending deeper into the denser mantle, analogous to icebergs floating in water. In contrast, the Pratt model assumes varying crustal densities across blocks of equal depth.

About the Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences Exam

The Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences (Geología y Ciencias Ambientales) exam tests 2º Bachillerato students on internal and external geological dynamics, petrology, stratigraphy, environmental systems, atmospheric and oceanic dynamics (including Galician coastal upwelling and Rías formation), natural hazards, and environmental management. This 100-question practice bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation for CIUG PAU candidates.

Exam sponsor: Comisión Interuniversitaria de Galicia (CIUG). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

90-minute standardized written exam set by CIUG containing compulsory and optional structured geological and environmental problem-solving tasks, adapted into a 100-question practice set.

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 63.67 ordinary registration fee for PAU (50% discount EUR 31.84 for general large family status; full exemption for special large family, disability, or terrorism victims).

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Planet Earth & Internal Geodynamics

Internal zoning of Earth, seismic wave propagation, mantle convection, lithospheric plate boundaries, Wilson cycle, and magmatic systems.

20%

Minerals, Rock Cycle & Stratigraphy

Mineral structure, igneous petrology, metamorphic grades, sedimentary environments, stratigraphical laws, paleontology, and Galician Variscan/Hercynian basement.

20%

External Geodynamics & Coastal Geomorphology

Weathering mechanisms, erosion-transport-deposition systems, river profiles, karst, coastal dynamics, formation of Galician rías, and granitic weathering structures (tor/penedo/bolau).

20%

Environmental Systems, Hydrosphere & Atmosphere

Atmospheric layers, thermal inversion, oceanic circulation, Galician coastal upwelling (nortada wind dynamics), aquifers, and biogeochemical cycles.

20%

Geological Hazards, Natural Resources & Management

Mass movement processes, flood mitigation, seismic and volcanic risk, soil erosion, mineral extraction in Galicia, EIA procedures, and protected areas (Fragas do Eume, Illas Atlánticas).

Preparing for the Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: 90-minute standardized written exam set by CIUG containing compulsory and optional structured geological and environmental problem-solving tasks, adapted into a 100-question practice set.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 63.67 ordinary registration fee for PAU (50% discount EUR 31.84 for general large family status; full exemption for special large family, disability, or terrorism victims). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master plate tectonic mechanisms and their relationship to seismic wave velocities (P, S, surface waves) across internal Earth discontinuities (Mohorovičić, Gutenberg, Lehmann).
2Understand the geological formation of Galician Rías through coastal submergence of fluvial valleys during post-glacial transgression combined with tectonic fault systems.
3Study granitic weathering processes (spheroidal weathering, hydrolysis of feldspars to kaolinite) and their characteristic landforms (penedos, tors, corestones, and grus).
4Review coastal upwelling dynamics in Galicia, focusing on trade-off winds (nortada), Ekman transport, and nutrient enrichment of ría ecosystems.
5Learn the steps of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under Spanish/Galician law, including baseline studies, impact matrix evaluation, and mitigation measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the official Galicia PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences exam?

The official CIUG exam is a 90-minute written examination presented in Galician and Spanish containing structured geological diagrams, case studies, map interpretations, and essay/problem questions. This website provides a 100-question English MCQ practice bank adapted to test the same LOMLOE curriculum competencies.

What local Galician geological features are emphasized on the exam?

The curriculum highlights the Hercynian (Variscan) basement of NW Iberia, Galician granitic petrology and weathering landforms (tors, penedos, borralheiros), the tectonic and eustatic formation of the Rías Baixas and Rías Altas, coastal upwelling dynamics driven by northerly winds, and local protected habitats such as the Illas Atlánticas National Park.

How is the final university admission mark calculated in Galicia?

The University Access Mark (Nota de Acceso) is composed of 60% Bachillerato GPA and 40% Access Phase PAU average. Candidates must score at least 4.0 out of 10 in the Access Phase and achieve a final weighted mark of 5.0 or higher. Voluntary Admission Phase subjects can add up to 4 additional points depending on university weighting coefficients (0.1 or 0.2).

What is the registration fee for the PAU exam in Galicia?

The CIUG ordinary registration fee for PAU is EUR 63.67. A 50% discount (EUR 31.84) applies to general large family members, and complete exemptions are granted for special category large families, individuals with recognised disability >= 33%, or victims of terrorism.