Social Studies Unit 2B Study Guide - Natural Disasters

1. ______________ occurs when something in nature threatens to have a negative impact on humans.

• A natural hazard

• A scientific experiment

• A technological invention

• A cultural event

Answer explanation

A natural disaster refers to events like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes that pose threats to human safety and well-being, making it the correct choice for something in nature that can have negative outcomes on humans.

2. Earth's ______________ can be damaged by weather.

• surface

• core

• orbit

• gravity

Answer explanation

The Earth's surface can be affected by various weather conditions, such as erosion, storms, and temperature changes. In contrast, the core, orbit, and gravity are not directly impacted by weather.

3. What type of damage occurs during an earthquake?

• Vibrations that cause damage to roads and buildings.

• Increase in rainfall

• Improved air quality

• Growth of vegetation

Answer explanation

During an earthquake, the primary type of damage is structural damage to buildings due to the intense shaking and forces exerted on them. Other options like increased rainfall or improved air quality are unrelated.

A cyclone is:

• storms like hurricanes that cause flooding and severe wind damage.

• a type of earthquake caused by tectonic movements.

• a sudden volcanic eruption.

• a drought caused by lack of rainfall.

Answer explanation

A cyclone is defined as a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, distinguishing it from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts, which are different natural phenomena.

Earthquakes under the ocean can cause:

• Tsunamis

• Volcanoes

• Hurricanes

• Sandstorms

Answer explanation

Earthquakes under the ocean can displace large volumes of water, leading to the formation of tsunamis. Unlike volcanoes, hurricanes, or sandstorms, tsunamis are directly caused by underwater seismic activity.

6. Which natural disasters are most likely to occur in South Carolina?

• Hurricanes and tornadoes

• Tornadoes and blizzards

• Volcanoes and tsunamis

• Droughts and avalanches

Answer explanation

What does FEMA stand for?

• Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Federal Environmental Monitoring Association

• Foreign Emergency Medical Association

• Federal Emergency Management Alliance

Answer explanation

FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is the correct choice. The other options do not accurately represent the agency's name or its purpose.

8. Which organization has a plan to feed people during and after a disaster?

• Feeding America

• World Health Organization

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

• International Monetary Fund

9. The importance of establishing a safe place is:

• to meet in a disaster so that everyone is accounted for

• to encourage risky behavior

• to create confusion

• to promote isolation

Answer explanation

Establishing a safe place is crucial as it provides security and comfort, allowing individuals to feel secure and at ease, which is essential for emotional well-being.

This is not a characteristic of tornadoes:

• They have a rotating column of air.

• Surges that damage beaches along the ocean.

• They can cause significant damage.

• They are associated with severe thunderstorms.

Answer explanation

Tornadoes do not always occur over water; they can form over land as well. The other statements are true characteristics of tornadoes, including their rotating air column and association with severe thunderstorms.