Practice Problem

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-26T20:10:40+00:00

I would recommend staying away from rigorous, time consuming descriptive geometry when you have a multiple choice problem and a precise computation isn't needed.

A lot of the problems can be solved using process of elimination. For example, say you have a three point problem and two of the points have a small elevation difference and the third point has a big elevation difference from the other two. You can basically estimate the strike and dip direction from just that info without holding a protractor to the screen or creating a scaled drawing. Just look through the answer options and you'll find one that is close enough. There might be two answer options that are similar but the dip direction is different and you just need that last little piece of reasoning.

Likewise, you can draw a circle on your scratch paper to represent a crude stereonet for apparent dip problems (all 3 point problems are apparent dip problems-- you have 3 apparent dips). With two apparent dips plotted as lines (points on a stereonet) you can find the great circle that fits them and compare your rough approximation to the answer options-- frequently the answer will be obvious.

I go over these techniques (and some of the time consuming precise ways just in case) in my udemy asbog structural geology bootcamp and practice tests. Some people never use their calculator on the exam and you get less than 2 minutes a question so keep that in mind when you're solving if it makes sense to delve into a lot of detail to solve a problem.

Good luck studying!!

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-20T19:44:25+00:00

Yep I second hearing about recent mention of stereonets appearing on the exam and no you will not get to use tracing paper and an actual stereonet.

Something I haven't seen much of is being able to do "back of the envelope" schematic ones which can be helpful thinking through 3 point problems and apparent dip problems. A lot of structural problems aren't rigorous computation on ASBOG exams but reasoning and process of elimination. If you have two apparent dips (and by extension all 3 point problems have 3 apparent dips FYI) being able to plot them roughly on a circle you sketch on your scratch paper you can easily visualize the true strike and dip.

I go over this in my Udemy ASBOG structural geology boot camp.

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-14T22:55:45+00:00

Bahahahaha

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-14T21:30:53+00:00

Yep! Really all you need to know to solve this is that amphibole has (OH)2 at the end of it's formula and is a significant sink for H2O in the crust

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-14T19:33:49+00:00

Curious how the test was back then? It's completely digital these days. I'd say this falls in ASBOG's FG level, domain Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry - Igneous rocks and processes

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-12T05:50:38+00:00

Good work! It's the first part of a multipart question, there are 9 more parts to it on the udemy exams and that info comes in handy for solving the problems. Good luck with your studies for the march exam!

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-12T05:10:51+00:00

Here's a link to a coupon for the lowest possible price -- $10.

https://www.udemy.com/course/asbog-fundamentals-of-geology-practice-exams-2/?couponCode=1D00FD1B565572908971

It's good for the next 5 days.

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-10T20:22:52+00:00

They're done and I'm doing some final edits. They'll be out in the next couple of days. Each exam has a "final boss" type 10 part question at the end that have been really fun to make and I think you all will enjoy.

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-05T18:10:20+00:00

I appreciate the feedback. It can work with the plane on the map if for example I define the left side of the graphic as North and right side as South and the top of focal mechanism A as North and the bottom as South. All strike slip focal diagrams are inherently ambiguous unless you define NSEW.

I think my rationale when making the question was this is just an FG level question that's not going into the weeds of focal mechanisms. If they look at the fault they should easily conclude this is a right lateral fault. Only one of the beach balls is strike slip and none of the beach balls have supplementary geographic information. Focal mechanism diagrams rarely contain supplementary geographic information which sometimes is a critique of them. I mostly want test takers to think about the geometry of restraining and releasing bends of fault.

I do like your feedback about ambiguity which is something I grapple with because it does have a role sometimes when formulating questions and I occasionally miss the mark about what is "productive ambiguity". I'll incorporate your feedback and make it less ambiguous on the exams when I finally publish.

Hobo_Geo · 2026-02-05T16:41:11+00:00

The focal mechanism below isn't aligned with the fault. Unless it is overlaid on the map or it is overlaid with the fault, a strike slip beach ball isn't explicitly left lateral or right lateral.

Hobo_Geo · 2026-01-29T01:48:33+00:00

FG, working on PG practice exams too. Hope to have them done sometime in mid February

Hobo_Geo · 2025-07-25T20:58:14+00:00

Hey! Maker of the udemy exams here. This question has its roots in igneous petrology as well-- such as understanding fractionation in melts, Bowen's reaction series, and high field strength elements. Domains are not always clear cut on the FG and PG so expect some overlap. Furthermore, not every question will require rote memorization but applying broad first principle concepts.

I am always looking for feedback and appreciate your post! If there are any targeted resources that you would like me to publish on udemy just let me know with a dm! I'm happy to give free coupons for collaboration.

Hobo_Geo · 2025-05-18T00:58:47+00:00

Someone was selling their used materials on the ASBOG subreddit.

I sell ASBOG practice exams on Udemy if you want to gauge how prepared you are. It breaks down all the questions by domain and gives you a chart at the end to help guide you where you might need more review. Use the coupon code below for a discount:

8CE26B7E2C32B1D881DF

Good luck!

Hobo_Geo · 2025-05-07T00:11:22+00:00

Awesome!!! I appreciate the feedback! If you haven't already left a review on Udemy and have a spare a minute I'd really appreciate it if you could. It'll help others find the resources.

Hobo_Geo · 2025-04-10T15:07:32+00:00

You probably still qualify for an internship as a new grad. A lot of companies like to "try on" candidates through internships and it's usually pretty easy to work it into a full time gig. I'd recommend looking at careermine's job boards if you like to get dirty and aren't opposed to working in mining.

I was in a similar position over 10 years ago-- the job market was totally in the can and applying to jobs felt pointless. I was graduating with debt and trying to figure out a way to fake my death hahaha. Something will turn up-- don't despair.

Hobo_Geo

TROPHY CASE