Caribbean Natural Hazards

What is the most common natural hazard in the Caribbean region?

• Hurricanes

• Volcanic eruptions

• Earthquakes

• Tornadoes

Answer explanation

The most common natural hazard in the Caribbean region is hurricanes, making it the correct choice.

Which month marks the official start of the hurricane season in the Caribbean?

• August

• July

• June

• May

Answer explanation

The correct choice is June, as it marks the official start of the hurricane season in the Caribbean.

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale used for in relation to hurricanes?

• Predicting tornado formation

• Categorizing hurricanes based on wind speed and potential damage.

• Measuring storm surge intensity

• Determining rainfall amounts

Answer explanation

The Saffir-Simpson scale is used to categorize hurricanes based on wind speed and potential damage, not for predicting tornado formation, measuring storm surge intensity, or determining rainfall amounts.

Which Caribbean country experienced a devastating earthquake in 2010?

• Haiti

• Dominican Republic

• Jamaica

• Barbados

Answer explanation

Haiti is the correct choice as it experienced a devastating earthquake in 2010.

What is the name of the active volcano located on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent?

• Mount St. Helens

• Mount Pelée

• Mount Etna

• La Soufrière

Answer explanation

The correct name of the active volcano located on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent is La Soufrière.

In which year did the Montserrat volcano erupt causing widespread devastation?

• 1995

• 1992

• 2010

• 2001

Answer explanation

The Montserrat volcano erupted in 1995, causing widespread devastation. This makes the correct answer choice 1995.

What is the primary cause of landslides in the Caribbean region?

• Earthquakes

• Heavy rainfall

• Volcanic eruptions

• Tectonic plate movement

Answer explanation

The primary cause of landslides in the Caribbean region is heavy rainfall, which saturates the soil and increases the likelihood of slope failure.

Which Caribbean country is known for experiencing frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall?

• Jamaica

• Barbados

• Haiti

• Trinidad and Tobago

Answer explanation

Trinidad and Tobago is known for experiencing frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall.

What is a common method used to prevent landslides in hilly areas of the Caribbean?

• Planting trees, building retaining walls, and installing drainage systems

• Building wind turbines

• Constructing underground tunnels

• Painting the hillsides

Answer explanation

Planting trees, building retaining walls, and installing drainage systems are common methods used to prevent landslides in hilly areas of the Caribbean.

Which hurricane caused significant damage to Puerto Rico in 2017?

• Hurricane Katrina

• Hurricane Irma

• Hurricane Harvey

• Hurricane Maria

Answer explanation

Hurricane Maria caused significant damage to Puerto Rico in 2017, making it the correct choice.