1964 Alaska Earthquake Impact Assessment

The transcript describes the 1964 Alaska earthquake, its causes, and its impact. It begins with a personal account of the earthquake's onset, characterized by a loud boom and rumbling. The text explains that the earthquake was caused by the subduction of the Pacific plate under Alaska, leading to a release of built-up pressure. The earthquake, the largest recorded in North American history, caused significant shaking, tsunamis, and structural damage. Fires broke out due to overturned stoves, and the town of Valdez experienced ground shifts and evacuations. The community was deeply affected, with some residents never returning.

What was the initial sound described by the narrator before the earthquake?

• A loud crash

• A siren

• A whistle

• A loud boom like a bomb

What causes the Earth's surface to be restless?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Human activities

• Wind and water erosion

• Continental and oceanic plates moving and colliding

What was the magnitude of the 1964 Alaska earthquake?

• 8.5

• 9.2

• 7.8

• 6.9

How long did the violent shaking last during the 1964 Alaska earthquake?

• Ten minutes

• Two minutes

• Three minutes

• Five minutes

What was the primary cause of the local tsunami waves during the earthquake?

• Heavy rainfall

• A volcanic eruption

• A landslide

• Unstable sediments breaking off

How high were the local tsunami waves generated by the earthquake?

• 40 feet

• 30 feet

• 20 feet

• 10 feet

What happened to the docks in Valdez during the earthquake?

• They were submerged underwater

• They were slightly damaged

• They were unaffected

• They were completely destroyed

What caused the fire in Valdez during the earthquake?

• A gas leak

• A short circuit

• An oil stove falling over

• A lightning strike

How much did the ground near the waterfront drop during the earthquake?

• 5 feet

• 7 feet

• 9 feet

• 11 feet

What was the horizontal shift of the ground in town during the earthquake?

• 10 feet

• 20 feet

• 30 feet

• 40 feet