Understanding Tectonic Hazards

What are subduction zones?

• Areas where tectonic plates collide and push apart.

• Locations where tectonic plates are stationary and do not move.

• Subduction zones are areas where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another.

• Regions where tectonic plates float on magma.

How do deep ocean trenches form?

• Deep ocean trenches form from the erosion of continental shelves.

• Deep ocean trenches form at convergent plate boundaries through the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another.

• Deep ocean trenches form at divergent plate boundaries due to volcanic activity.

• Deep ocean trenches are created by the collision of ocean currents.

What is a volcanic arc?

• A volcanic arc is a series of mountains formed by erosion.

• A volcanic arc is a single volcano located in the middle of a tectonic plate.

• A volcanic arc is a type of earthquake that occurs at divergent boundaries.

• A volcanic arc is a chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plate, typically located at convergent plate boundaries.

What occurs at convergent plate boundaries?

• Tectonic plates collide, causing subduction, earthquakes, and mountain formation.

• Tectonic plates remain stationary, resulting in no geological activity.

• Tectonic plates slide past each other, causing tsunamis.

• Tectonic plates drift apart, leading to volcanic activity.

What are the primary hazards associated with tectonic processes?

• Landslides caused by heavy machinery

• Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and landslides.

• Erosion from wind and water

• Flooding from heavy rain

How do divergent boundaries differ from convergent boundaries?

• Divergent boundaries create new crust, while convergent boundaries destroy crust.

• Divergent boundaries destroy crust, while convergent boundaries create new crust.

• Divergent boundaries occur at subduction zones, while convergent boundaries occur at mid-ocean ridges.

• Divergent boundaries are characterized by earthquakes, while convergent boundaries are not.

What role do hot spots play in volcanic activity?

• Hot spots only occur underwater.

• Hot spots are regions with no volcanic activity.

• Hot spots provide a source of magma that leads to volcanic activity.

• Hot spots are caused by tectonic plate movements.

Why is hazard mapping important in tectonic studies?

• It helps in predicting weather patterns.

• It is used to create geological maps for mining.

• It focuses solely on historical earthquake data.

• Hazard mapping is important in tectonic studies because it identifies risk areas for natural disasters, aiding in preparedness and risk management.

What secondary hazards can result from earthquakes?

• Landslides, tsunamis, liquefaction, aftershocks, infrastructure failures.

• Flooding from heavy rain

• Volcanic eruptions

• Drought conditions

How can monitoring tectonic activity help mitigate risks?

• It helps in early detection and preparedness for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

• It helps in the construction of buildings without considering seismic activity.

• It provides a way to predict weather patterns.

• It increases the likelihood of tectonic shifts.