ES 7 Test review

Locating the epicenter of an earthquake typically involves, at minimum, how many seismometers, located in different locations?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Answer explanation

To accurately locate an earthquake's epicenter, at least three seismometers are needed. This allows for triangulation, where the intersection of the circles drawn from each seismometer's data reveals the epicenter's location.

The largest volcanoes are typically produced by which type of plate boundary?

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Transform

• Normal

• Reverse

Answer explanation

The largest volcanoes are typically formed at convergent plate boundaries, where an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, leading to significant volcanic activity and the creation of large stratovolcanoes.

Smaller fissure volcanoes are typically produced by which type of plate boundary?

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Transform

• Normal

• Reverse

Answer explanation

Smaller fissure volcanoes are typically formed at divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create volcanic activity. This is why the correct answer is 'Divergent'.

The Hawaiian islands were formed by a hot plume of magma that consistently burns through the mantle of Earth and rises towards the surface, cooling in the ocean waters and creating land. This phenomena is known as a -

• Seafloor Spreading

• Zone of Subduction

• Oceanic Trench

• Hot Spot

• Rift Valley

Answer explanation

The Hawaiian islands are formed by a hot spot, where magma rises from deep within the Earth, creating land as it cools in the ocean. This process is distinct from seafloor spreading or subduction zones.

The first waves indicated on a seismograph, which serve as a warning of an impending earthquake, are known as -

• P Waves

• S Waves

• R Waves

• T Waves

• Q Waves

Answer explanation

The first waves detected by a seismograph are P Waves (Primary Waves). They travel fastest and provide early warning of an earthquake, unlike S Waves, R Waves, T Waves, or Q Waves, which arrive later.

The second waves indicated on a seismograph, which cause the most movement and damage during an earthquake, are known as -

• P Waves

• S Waves

• R Waves

• T Waves

• Q Waves

Answer explanation

S Waves, or secondary waves, are the second type of seismic waves detected by a seismograph. They cause significant ground movement and damage during an earthquake, unlike P Waves, which arrive first but are less damaging.

The location, on the fault line, where an earthquake originates in the ground, is known as a -

• Focus

• Hypercenter

• Epicenter

• Hot Spot

• Isocenter

Answer explanation

The correct term for the location where an earthquake originates is the 'Focus'. The 'Epicenter' refers to the point directly above the focus on the Earth's surface, while the other options are not related to earthquake terminology.

The location on the surface of the Earth, directly above the hypocenter, is known as a -

• Focus

• Hypercenter

• Epicenter

• Hot Spot

• Isocenter

Answer explanation

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter, where an earthquake originates. It is commonly used to describe the location of seismic activity.

What is most likely responsible for the folding and faulting found within the Blue Ridge Mountains?

• Mountain building due to a hot spot volcano

• Convergence of two continental plates

• Divergence of two oceanic plates

• Convergence of two oceanic plates

• Global warning due to increased carbon dioxide emissions

Answer explanation

The folding and faulting in the Blue Ridge Mountains are primarily due to the convergence of two continental plates, which creates significant geological stress and deformation, leading to the mountain's complex structure.

Which of the five regions of Virginia contains sedimentary rock and is a primary location of coal, one of Virginia's primary resources?

• Valley and Ridge

• Piedmont

• Appalachian Plateau

• Blue Ridge

• Coastal Plains

Answer explanation

The Appalachian Plateau region of Virginia is known for its sedimentary rock formations and is a major source of coal, making it the correct answer to the question.