Natural Disasters Review

On December 26, 2004, a major tsunami occurred in the Indian Ocean. The tsunami traveled from its point of origin to as far away as Africa—nearly 5,000 km. What was the cause of this tsunami?

• an earthquake beneath the ocean

• the impact of a large meteorite in the ocean

• a sudden violent windstorm above the ocean water

• a typhoon moving from the Indian Ocean toward India

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Natural hazards can cause a variety of problems. Which type of destruction can be caused only by volcanic activity?

• damage from flooding and wind

• erosion of land along coasts and rivers

• sudden crumbling of buildings and chimneys

• areas being covered by ash and concrete-like mudslides

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which event can produce an earthquake?

• the crash of tsunamis against a shoreline

• convection of hot rock deep within the mantle

• movement of tectonic plates along a boundary

• the violent shaking of sections of the lithosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A hurricane was predicted and people were asked to evacuate from an area. The area experienced a strong hurricane. Which description of damage is most typical for this type of natural disaster?

• Lightning damaged many buildings.

• Air quality became unsafe for many people.

• Buildings and bridges collapsed without warning.

• Many structures were damaged by flooding and wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

During the year 2003, the number of earthquakes that occurred was higher than usual. The map shows the locations of some of these earthquakes. Which question does the information on this map help answer?

• How often do earthquakes happen?

• When will the next earthquake happen?

• Where are earthquakes likely in the future?

• What will be the strength of the next earthquake?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Alicia wants to buy a house. She does not want to buy a house in an area where earthquakes and flooding are common. Which information would help her most in choosing where to buy a house?

• a map that includes elevation of land and location of faults

• a map that shows typical rainfall and location of volcanic activity

• a graph of the number of earthquakes and floods in the last ten years

• a graph of how much damage is caused by earthquakes compared with floods

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The San Andreas Fault System in Northern California has produced many strong earthquakes over the past two centuries. The graph shows the strongest of the earthquakes along this fault system. The number on the left axis is the year. The number to the right of the bar indicates the magnitude of the earthquake. A greater number corresponds to a stronger earthquake. Which statement is supported by the data in this graph?

• Earthquakes are becoming more frequent.

• Smaller earthquakes cause the most damage.

• The strongest earthquakes are the least common.

• Most earthquakes have a magnitude greater than 6.5.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Scientists want to predict when a tornado is most likely to form. What atmospheric conditions should they look for?

• High humidity and low wind shear

• Low pressure and high wind shear

• High pressure and low humidity

• Stable air and clear skies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Floods are a major natural hazard. Why and how can a map help people find out whether their house is at risk for flooding?

• A map shows elevation levels and flood zones.

• A map provides weather forecasts.

• A map displays local wildlife habitats.

• A map indicates nearby shopping centers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which geologic natural hazard can impact a large number of people?

• Earthquake

• Volcanic eruption

• Landslide

• Tsunami

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2