Reducing Impact from Natural Disasters

Engineers are designing a bridge that will better withstand earthquake forces. What is the process called when engineers use a computer to see what happens to their design during an earthquake?

• variables

• modeling

• prediction

• navigation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

What is the best method for a geologist to find a scientific explanation for varying levels of damage in a city after an earthquake?

• Review local newspaper reports

• Conduct a survey of residents in each area

• Create a compute model that takes into account different variables

• Analyze the strength of previous earthquakes that have struck the same area

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Scientists and engineers work together to try to reduce the damage from natural hazards. Which term is used to describe this process?

• mitigation

• technology

• scientific method

• controlling variables

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A scientist is constructing a device that will predict exactly where hurricanes will travel. This device could save many lives but will be extremely expensive. Which term describes the high cost of this device?

• benefit

• criteria

• constraint

• technology

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

Engineers have been asked to develop a plan to reduce the effects of hurricanes on a coastal community. Which is the first step engineers should take when developing a plan to reduce the effects of a natural hazard?

• Identify the need

• propose a solution

• evaluate the solution

• determine the criteria and constraints

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

This data table shows information about earthquakes in Northern California. Which strategy is the most practical way to mitigate damage to buildings as a result of earthquakes in this area?

• research methods of preventing earthquakes from happening

• educate the public about how to respond in case of an earthquake

• research methods of designing buildings to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8.0

• design early detection systems to know when an earthquake larger than magnitude 5.0 will happen next

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

A hurricane destroyed a coastal town. Afterward, the town was rebuilt. Which term describes the rebuilding process after a natural disaster?

• response

• recovery

• mitigation

• preparation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Which process would be an important part of preparatin for a hurricane that is about to strike the city in the photo?

• build buildings farther from the coastline

• determine how to keep traffic moving during an emergency

• use boats to move emergency responders to the island if bridges are closed

• clean up the area so people can return as soon as possible

Answer explanation

Planning an evacuation route is part of the preparation for a natural hazard. Buildings cannot be relocated in the short time before the hurricane strikes. Response and recovery are separate from preparation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of these actions would likely be a part of a hazard mitigation plan to reduce the negative impacts of a blizzrd? Select (ALL) that apply.

• warning about a blizzard before it arrives

• clearning snow from the street as quickly as possible after the storm

• having emergency response personnel availalbe when the snow begins

• assigning work crews to repair damage caused by the weight of the snow

Answer explanation

Warning people helps in preparation; clearing snow and having personnel available helps in response, assigning work crews after the event helps in recovery.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Many cities do no allow parking on the street when a blizzzard has been predicted. How might parked cars interfere with hazard mitigation?

• Poeple cannot get cars out of the parking spaces to drive to work

• Parked cars force traffic to move slower

• Snow-covered cars on the street slow down emergency responders

• The cars make the snow appear worse than it really is

Answer explanation

Emergency personnel cannot easily get around parked cars that are covered in snow, so street parking slows their response time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4