Earth Science Quiz

What happens when two plates of the Earth suddenly slip past one another?

• A volcano erupts

• A mountain is formed

• An earthquake occurs

• The earth's crust expands

What is the location directly above the start of an earthquake on the Earth's surface called?

• Hypocentre

• Epicentre

• Fault line

• Tectonic plate

What percentage of the world's volcanoes are found in the Ring of Fire?

• 50%

• 75%

• 90%

• 100%

What is the Richter scale used to measure?

• The intensity of a volcano eruption

• The magnitude of an earthquake

• The depth of the ocean

• The height of a mountain

How is the Richter scale different from the Mercalli scale?

• The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake, while the Mercalli scale is based on observable effects.

• The Richter scale measures the depth of an earthquake, while the Mercalli scale measures the magnitude.

• The Richter scale is logarithmic, while the Mercalli scale has a fixed upper limit.

• The Richter scale is based on scientific measurements, while the Mercalli scale is a theoretical model.

What is the Ring of Fire?

• A volcanic eruption pattern

• A tectonic plate boundary

• A region with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity

• A mountain range

What are tectonic plates?

• Layers of the Earth's atmosphere

• Pieces of the Earth's crust and upper mantle that move and cause geological activity

• Types of rocks found on the Earth's surface

• Ocean currents that shape the coastline

What can be a primary effect of a high Richter scale earthquake?

• The cost of rebuilding may be high

• Trade will decrease

• Buildings may collapse due to the shaking of the ground

• Spread of diseases may rise

Which country experienced an earthquake in 2011 that lasted 40 seconds and caused $30 billion in total damage?

• Japan

• New Zealand

• USA

• None of the above

According to the text, why are developing countries more vulnerable to natural disasters?

• Because they have better infrastructure

• Because they have advanced technology

• Because people live in areas at high risk from natural disasters

• Because they have more resources to cope with disasters