Geologic Hazards Quiz

What is a geologic hazard?

• An adverse geologic condition capable of causing widespread damage or loss of property and life

• A type of rock formation

• A weather phenomenon

• An agricultural practice

What are the physical phenomena caused by an earthquake?

• Tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms

• Drought, heatwaves, and wildfires

• Rainfall, hail, and snow

• Ground shaking, surface fault rupture, and ground failure

What is the principal cause of the partial or total collapse of structures during an earthquake?

• Landslides

• Tsunamis

• Volcanic eruptions

• Ground shaking or ground motion

What is a mud flow?

• A type of soil erosion

• A type of volcanic rock

• Rapidly moving wet earth flows initiated by earthquake shaking or heavy rainstorm

• A type of cloud formation

What determines the difference between gentle lava outpourings and violent volcanic explosions?

• Temperature of the surrounding air

• Distance from the equator

• Amount of rainfall in the area

• Viscosity of the magma and its content of dissolved gas

What are tephra falls and ballistic projectiles associated with?

• Landslides

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

• Tsunamis

What are pyroclastic flows composed of?

• Molten lava

• Sand and rocks

• Water and ice

• Hot, dry pyroclastic material and hot gases

What is a lahar?

• A type of soil erosion

• A type of cloud formation

• A type of rock formation

• A flowing slurry of volcanic debris and water

What determines the movement of lava flows?

• Volume, viscosity, and local topography

• Temperature, pressure, and humidity

• Wind speed and direction

• Latitude and longitude

What causes tsunamis?

• Large-scale sudden movement of the sea floor

• Volcanic eruptions

• Tornadoes

• Human activities