Quacking Earth, Racing Waves

The passage states that the Sunda Megathrust Fault was storing energy that would result in a massive undersea earthquake. What does massive mean?

• lengthy

• heavy

• tough

• large

What did Sieh and the other scientists learn after examining samples of coral?

• Coral can grow tall enough to wipe out an entire village.

• Islands on top of a continental plate were rising each year.

• Major earthquakes occurred about every 200 years.

• Some tsunamis can be up to 100 feet tall.

What evidence from the passage supports the fact that Tello Island was sinking?

• People started building their houses out of lightweight wood.

• Many islanders had moved away from the shore.

• Pathways were built to higher ground.

• Wells were full of salty seawater.

According to the passage, what is the relationship between underwater earthquakes and tsunamis?

• Tsunamis cause underwater earthquakes.

• Tsunamis form as a result of underwater earthquakes.

• The size of tsunamis determines the severity of underwater earthquakes.

• The season will affect whether a tsunami will develop after an underwater earthquake.

Why do Sieh and his colleagues recommend that people on the island use bamboo to build their homes?

• Bamboo is lightweight and will cause less damage than heavy concrete if toppled in an earthquake.

• Bamboo is an expensive material, which means it is a good quality building material.

• Bamboo is traditionally used to build villages, and this tradition should continue.

• Bamboo is flexible and easy to harvest.