Multiple choice questions on earthquakes

Which earthquake caused the largest number of deaths in history?

• The 1556 earthquake in China

• The 2010 earthquake in Haiti

• The 2004 earthquake in Sumatra

• The 1960 earthquake in Chile

Which factor does NOT directly affect the casualty rate of an earthquake?

• Magnitude

• Location

• Time

• Wind speed

On the Richter scale, an earthquake with a magnitude over 8 is usually described as:

• Deadly

• Small

• Catastrophic

• Funny

Why did the 1960 earthquake in Chile cause fewer deaths despite being very strong?

• It occurred at night when people were sleeping.

• It happened far from densely populated areas.

• People were warned and evacuated beforehand.

• The earthquake was prevented by aliens.

One of the reasons for the great devastation in the Haiti earthquake in 2010 is what?

• The earthquake occurred in the ocean.

• Poor construction.

• The earthquake occurred during the day.

• Haiti is located on Mars.

What can mitigate the devastation in a severe earthquake?

• Using modern construction techniques.

• Having strong winds during the earthquake.

• Building taller skyscrapers.

• Painting buildings a specific color.

Which measurement system is used to determine the strength of an earthquake?

• Richter scale

• Fahrenheit scale

• Kelvin scale

• Clock

How many people died in the tsunami in 2004 in Sumatra?

• More than 830,000

• More than 200,000

• More than 2,000

• 12 people

Earthquakes that occur at night are often more deadly because:

• People are inside their homes.

• People can see the earthquake.

• Buildings are stronger at night.

• Earthquakes are weaker during the day.

What is the magnitude of the strongest earthquake ever recorded?

• 9.5

• 8.5

• 6.5

• 3.5