Earthquake Risks

Front

What is responsible for most of the damage buildings suffer during earthquakes?

Back

liquefaction

Answer explanation

Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses strength during an earthquake, causing buildings to sink or tilt. This phenomenon is responsible for much of the structural damage observed in seismic events.

Front

The larger the force applied to a fault, the smaller the chance of a large earthquake.

Back

False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because a larger force applied to a fault increases the likelihood of a large earthquake occurring, as it can overcome the friction holding the fault together.

Front

How much more of a magnitude is a 7 earthquake than a magnitude 4 earthquake on the Richter scale?

Back

1000 times

Answer explanation

A magnitude 7 earthquake is 10^3 (1000) times more powerful than a magnitude 4 earthquake, as each whole number increase on the Richter scale represents a tenfold increase in ground motion.

Front

When force on rocks is great enough they break, producing vibrations called: faults, liquefaction, earthquake, tsunami

Back

earthquake

Answer explanation

When rocks experience significant force, they fracture, causing vibrations known as earthquakes. This term specifically refers to the seismic activity resulting from the breaking of rocks, making it the correct answer.

Front

Richter Scale and Moment Magnitude measure what?

Back

energy of the earthquake

Answer explanation

The Richter Scale and Moment Magnitude both quantify the energy released during an earthquake, making 'energy of the earthquake' the correct choice. The other options do not relate to the measurement of earthquake magnitude.

Front

Mercalli Scale measures ____________________ in an earthquake.

Back

damage to structures and people

Answer explanation

The Mercalli Scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects, specifically the damage to structures and people, rather than the physical tremors or phenomena like liquefaction.

Front

Earthquakes occur along

Back

faults and tectonic plate boundaries

Answer explanation

Earthquakes primarily occur along faults, which are fractures in the Earth's crust, and at tectonic plate boundaries where plates interact. Therefore, the correct answer is 'faults and tectonic plate boundaries'.

Front

Earthquakes occur along

Back

faults and tectonic plate boundaries

Answer explanation

Earthquakes primarily occur along faults, which are fractures in the Earth's crust, and at tectonic plate boundaries where plates interact. Therefore, the correct answer is 'faults and tectonic plate boundaries'.

Front

Earthquake is the sudden shaking of Earth.

Back

True

Answer explanation

True. An earthquake is indeed defined as the sudden shaking of the Earth, caused by the movement of tectonic plates and the release of energy in the Earth's crust.

Front

Strong earthquakes can ruin tall buildings and destroy roads and houses.

Back

True

Answer explanation

Strong earthquakes can cause significant damage, including the destruction of tall buildings, roads, and houses. Therefore, the statement is true.