The Challenges of Earthquake Prediction

What was the primary function of Zhang Heng's invention presented to the Han court?

• To measure the intensity of earthquakes

• To predict weather changes

• To monitor volcanic activity

• To detect and indicate the direction of earthquakes

What are tectonic plates?

• Large bodies of water

• Regions of high volcanic activity

• Vast, jagged slabs of rock making up Earth's crust

• Layers of the atmosphere

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes tectonic plates to move?

• Magnetic fields

• A hot, partially molten layer of Earth's mantle

• Ocean tides

• Wind currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following factors can influence the occurrence of seismic events?

• The altitude of the region

• The presence of wildlife

• The amount of rainfall

• The type of rocks along fault lines

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How do some rocks reduce fault line friction?

• By expanding in size

• By absorbing water

• By cooling down rapidly

• By releasing lubricating fluids made of superheated minerals

What is one of the most reliable clues for long-term earthquake forecasting?

• Animal behavior

• Historical patterns of earthquake occurrences

• The color of the sky

• Changes in air pressure

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How can smartphones contribute to earthquake prediction?

• By tracking wind speeds

• By measuring temperature changes

• By recording primary seismic waves

• By sending emergency alerts

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What did researchers observe just before the 2011 earthquake in Japan?

• A sudden drop in temperature

• High concentrations of radon and thoron gases

• Unusual animal behavior

• A change in ocean currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is a potential benefit of a network of radon-thoron detectors?

• Measuring the depth of the ocean

• Monitoring air quality

• Tracking volcanic eruptions

• Predicting earthquakes a week in advance

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the ultimate goal of future earthquake prediction technologies?

• To predict weather changes

• To track and predict large-scale geological changes in real time

• To monitor wildlife movements

• To measure atmospheric pressure

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2