Unit 1B - Human Technology

How will the satellite weather technology help prevent another hurricane disaster like Katrina?

• It can be used to help divert destructive hurricanes out to sea.

• It will improve predictions of potential hurricane pathways and allow for early evacuation.

• It will help get the media in place early so we can watch the events on television.

• We will know exactly where the hurricane is headed, its exact impact to the areas, and can plan accordingly.

Global positioning satellite (GPS) technology has vastly innovated agriculture. How does GPS technology contribute to farming by making planting, fertilization, and crop harvesting easier?

• It tells the farmer when rain is coming.

• It cost too much, so it makes crops more expensive.

• GPS makes the farmer lazy because he doesn't have to work as hard.

• GPS technology has led development of robotic tractors for planting, fertilization, and crop harvesting.

A geographic information system (GIS) helps scientists visualize, analyze, and interpret data about locations on Earth. Which example BEST describes how city officials can use GIS to plan their response to a natural disaster, ensuring the safety of citizens?

• They can determine how destructive an earthquake will be, how deep floodwaters will be, and how fast winds will be.

• They can decide if they should close schools, reschedule high school football games, and set a curfew for teenagers.

• They can find the neighborhoods that are in the most danger, where to set up shelters, and which routes will help people reach safety.

• They can determine the safest places to build tourist attractions, find the best routes for avoiding traffic problems, and where to set up shelters.

Meteorologists use thermometers to gather data about the weather. How does a thermometer help in the collection of weather data?

• It collects data on temperature

• It collects data on wind.

• It collects data on air pressure.

• It collects data on precipitation.

What type of weather-related hazard might the AquaFence_TM best be used for?

• heat/drought

• Flooding

• lightning

• tsunami

Scott is a scientist charged with monitoring volcanic activity. What is one of the BEST indicators that a volcano is about to erupt?

• Scott notices an increase in seismic activity.

• Scott notices smoke rising from the top of the volcano.

• Scott notices lava running down the side of the volcano.

• Scott notices an increase in volcanic ash clouds surrounding the volcano.

Flood barriers, like the one shown here, are built in areas with high flood risk. These areas usually contain low-lying land into which floodwaters can easy flow and collect. Which statement best describes how flood barriers work to reduce the impact of floods?

• They filter harmful chemicals from floodwaters so residents can have clean water during hazardous conditions.

• They prevent high water from pouring into towns, and can hold excess water in storage compartments.

• When power goes out during a flood, turbines inside the barriers create electricity as floodwater runs through.

• They are stuffed with cotton, wool, and recycled cardboard pieces that act as sponges to soak up excess water.

  
  

  Explanation:

Severe weather can cause excessive flooding, which can damage homes, communities, and natural habitats. Which of these design solutions to weather-related hazards best prevents flood damage to communities?

• Houses Built on Stilts

• Pitched Roofs

• Lightning Rods

• Flood Barriers

Weather forecasts, news stations, and cities and towns rely on hurricane maps during hurricane season. Hurricane maps are important and tell us ALL BUT ONE of the following things. Which one is NOT an important use of hurricane maps?

• It is a way to warn people to take shelter.

• They predict the path of a hurricane.

• It shows people where flooding will occur.

• They help city officials decide if they should evacuate the residents.

Forecasting of a seismic event does not prevent the event from happening, but it can help us reduce the destruction caused by

• Flooding

• Tornadoes

• Earthquakes

• Hurricanes