Arkansas History Flashcard

Front

Most __________ occur along cracks in the earth called faults.

Back

earthquakes

Answer explanation

Most earthquakes occur along cracks in the earth called faults. This is because faults are the locations where stress builds up and is released, causing seismic activity, which we recognize as earthquakes.

Front

The ____________ fault line runs through Arkansas.

Back

New Madrid

Answer explanation

The New Madrid fault line is a significant seismic zone that runs through Arkansas, making it the correct choice. The other options do not refer to any known fault lines in the region.

Front

scientists who study how the earth was formed and how it changes

Back

geologists

Answer explanation

Geologists are scientists who specifically study the Earth's formation and changes over time. Seismologists focus on earthquakes, biologists study living organisms, and 'earthologists' is not a recognized scientific term.

Front

layers of rock beneath the earth's crust that fit together like puzzle pieces

Back

plates

Answer explanation

The layers of rock beneath the earth's crust are known as tectonic plates. They fit together like puzzle pieces, which is why 'plates' is the correct answer, while the other options do not relate to geological structures.

Front

scientists who study earthquakes

Back

seismologists

Answer explanation

Seismologists are scientists who specifically study earthquakes and seismic waves. Geologists study the Earth, but not exclusively earthquakes. The other options, 'richters' and 'quakeologists', are not recognized scientific terms.

Front

used to measure the size and strength of earthquakes

Back

Richter scale

Answer explanation

The Richter scale is specifically designed to measure the size and strength of earthquakes, making it the correct choice. Other options like 'fossils' and 'earthquake scale' do not pertain to this measurement.

Front

traces of ancient plants and animals imbedded in rocks

Back

fossils

Answer explanation

Fossils are traces of ancient plants and animals that are preserved in rocks. They provide evidence of past life and are distinct from igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are types of rock formations.

Front

small rivers that empty into larger rivers

Back

tributaries

Answer explanation

The term 'tributaries' refers to small rivers that flow into larger rivers, making it the correct choice. The other options do not relate to this definition.

Front

Layered rock that is made of sediment pressed together

Back

sedimentary

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rock forms from the accumulation and compaction of sediment. This process involves layers of materials being pressed together over time, making 'sedimentary' the correct choice for layered rock made of sediment.

Front

rocks formed when melted rocks cool

Back

igneous

Answer explanation

Rocks formed when melted rocks cool are called igneous rocks. They originate from magma or lava that solidifies, distinguishing them from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.