Question 1

Pieces of evidence about the composition and structure of Earth's interior include:

Accepted Answer

All of the above choices provide evidence about the composition and structure of Earth's interior. Analysis of earthquake waves that pass through Earth helps determine the properties of the different layers of the Earth's interior. The study of interior material that emerges as lava and gases from volcanoes provides information about the composition of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. The study of once-deeply buried rocks that have been uncovered by erosion reveals the composition and structure of deeper layers of the Earth's interior.

Question 2

In terms of earthquake movement, liquefaction is:

Accepted Answer

Liquefaction is the phenomenon that occurs when ground shaking causes loose soils to lose strength and act like viscous fluid. Option A describes a fault or fracture, and Option C describes flooding, which are not related to liquefaction. Option D is incorrect as there is a correct option available.

Question 3

When the rock on both sides of the fault snaps, it releases the stored energy by producing:

Accepted Answer

When the rock on both sides of the fault snaps, it releases energy in the form of seismic waves, which can travel through the Earth and cause ground vibrations and shaking. Tectonic plates are not produced by this process, fault planes are a feature of the fault itself rather than the process of energy release, and lateral spreads are a type of ground movement that can occur during an earthquake but are not produced by the snapping of rock on both sides of a fault.

Question 4

Earthquake intensity is most commonly measured using the _____________________, a twelve-level scale based on direct and indirect measurements of seismic effects:

Accepted Answer

The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale is specifically designed for measuring earthquake intensity based on the observed effects of the earthquake, including damage to structures, ground shaking, and the behavior of people and animals. The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the energy released at the source, rather than the effects felt at the surface. A seismograph is a device used to record seismic waves, which can then be used to calculate both magnitude and intensity. The Microearthquake scale is a term used to describe earthquakes that are too small to be felt by humans.

Question 5

Most buildings and bridges collapse; roads, railways, pipes and cables destroyed; general triggering of other hazards can be described as what level of earthquake intensity:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most buildings and bridges collapse; roads, railways,...

Question 6

Which factor is very likely to infuence the impacts that an earthquake will have on a country or region?

Accepted Answer

Building codes are crucial as they determine the structural integrity of buildings, which can significantly affect the level of damage and casualties during an earthquake.

Question 7

While the East Coast of the United States is threatened by tsunamis, there is essentially no risk of tsunamis on the Pacific coast.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. The Pacific coast is actually at risk of tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity that can trigger tsunamis.

Question 8

Although earthquakes in the central and eastern United States are more frequent than in the western part of the country, they represent little seismic risk.

Accepted Answer

Although earthquakes in the central and eastern United States may be more frequent, they pose a higher risk due to the area's geology and infrastructure not being designed to withstand seismic activity. This can result in more damage and casualties compared to areas with a lower frequency of earthquakes but stronger infrastructure.

Question 9

A volcano is a vent in the surface of the Earth through which magma and associated gases and ash erupt.

Accepted Answer

A volcano is indeed a vent in the surface of the Earth through which magma and associated gases and ash can erupt.

Question 10

Cinder cones are the simplest type of volcano.

Accepted Answer

Cinder cones are indeed the simplest type of volcano, formed by eruptions of gas-rich, basaltic magma that builds up around a vent in the Earth's surface.

Question 11

Shield volcanoes are formed by lava piles that are too thick, or viscous, to flow far away from the vent.

Accepted Answer

Shield volcanoes are actually formed by low viscosity lava that flows easily away from the vent, resulting in a broad, shield-shaped volcano.

Question 12

Composite volcanoes, also called stratovolcanoes, are large volcanoes that are also oceanic craters. True of False?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Composite volcanoes, also called stratovolcanoes, are large...

Question 13

One of the most common risks associated with volcanic activity involves lava flows.

Accepted Answer

Lava flows are a common risk associated with volcanic activity, as the flow of molten rock can destroy anything in its path, including homes, forests, and infrastructure.

Question 14

Volcanic ash flows remain close to the ground, but they can travel downhill from the volcano summit very quickly, up to 150 kilometers (90 miles) per hour, incinerating anything in their path as they roar down the slope.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Volcanic ash flows remain close to the...

Question 15

Poisonous gases from volcanic activity also pose a danger to humans and animals.

Accepted Answer

Poisonous gases, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, can be emitted from volcanic activity and pose a danger to humans and animals if inhaled in high concentrations.

Question 16

The _______ _______is an open-ended logarithmic scale that describes the energy release of an earthquake through a measure of shock wave amplitude.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The _______ _______is an open-ended logarithmic scale...

Question 17

Areas that are prone to frequent volcanic activity are known as_____________, such as the one in Hawaii.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Areas that are prone to frequent volcanic...

Question 18

The major driving force behind landslides is gravity, assisted by ____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The major driving force behind landslides is...

Question 19

____________ is the gradual settling of the Earth's surface that occurs because of subsurface movement of earth materials and the resulting loss of support below ground, which can occur naturally or by human activity, such as removal of groundwater.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________ is the gradual settling of the...

Question 20

_______ __________ is the wearing away of the land surface adjacent to the ocean by detachment and movement of sand, soil and rock fragments

Accepted Answer

The answer of _______ __________ is the wearing away of...

Quiz 4: Geologic Hazards