Quiz: Natural Hazards

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

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

• A. damage from flooding and wind

• B. erosion of land along coasts and rivers

• C. sudden crumbling of buildings and chimneys

• D. areas being covered by ash and concrete-like mudslides

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

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?

• A. Lightning damaged many buildings.

• B. Air quality became unsafe for many people.

• C. Buildings and bridges collapsed without warning.

• D. Many structures were damaged by flooding and wind.

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?

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

Which statement is supported by the data in this graph?

• A. Earthquakes are becoming more frequent.

• B. Smaller earthquakes cause the most damage.

• C. The strongest earthquakes are the least common.

• D. Most earthquakes have a magnitude greater than 6.5.

Scientists want to predict when a tornado is most likely to form by identifying certain atmospheric conditions. Which of the following best describes these conditions?

• High atmospheric instability and strong wind shear

• Low humidity and calm winds

• Stable atmosphere with minimal wind shear

• Cold temperatures and high pressure

Floods are a major natural hazard. A map helps determine whether a house is at risk for flooding by highlighting flood-prone areas using geographic and historical data.

• It highlights flood-prone areas using geographic and historical data.

• It shows population density and climate change trends.

• It displays only the location of water bodies.

• It provides short-term weather forecasts only.

A geologic natural hazard that can impact a large number of people is:

• Earthquake

• Flood

• Hurricane

• Tornado