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Natural Hazards

Total questions: 106

Worksheet time: 1hrs 17mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

This map shows tornado activity in the United States between 1950 and 1998. Based on the data provided by this map, which of the following cities would be most likely to experience a tornado with a rating of F3 or greater in the next year?

a)

Phoenix, Arizona

b)

Topeka, Kansas

c)

Orlando, Florida

d)

Columbia, South Carolina

2.

Which of the following is NOT a natural hazard?

a)

Hurricane

b)

Tornado

c)

House Fire

d)

Earthquake

3.
Earthquakes are caused by all of the following EXCEPT...
a)
movement of tectonic plates.
b)
tsunamis.
c)
volcanic activity. 
d)
underground collapses. 
4.
Which of the following statements about natural hazards is NOT true?
a)
Hazards are natural processes that CAN be dangerous, but have not yet caused damage.
b)
Hazards become disasters when they harm many people.
c)
Some hazards can be predicted, but usually can't be stopped.
d)
Hazards are natural processes that harm people on a regular basis.
5.
A natural disaster occurs when a natural hazard...
a)
causes major damage and harms humans.
b)
poses a danger to any part of the earth.
c)
changes the physical features of the earth.
d)
impacts everyday life for humans.
6.

a type of natural hazard that includes thunderstorms, tropical storms, lightning and tornadoes.

a)

natural disaster

b)

geology hazard

c)

unnatural disaster

d)

weather hazard

7.

a type of natural hazard that includes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

a)

geologic hazard

b)

weather hazard

c)

natural disaster

d)

volcano emergency

8.

a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows along the ground away from a volcano

a)

aa lava

b)

pyroclastic flow

c)

lahar

d)

supercell

9.

a powerful wave caused by movement of ocean water after an earthquake, landslide or a volcanic eruption

a)

tidal wave

b)

tsunami

c)

ocean wave

d)

earthquake wave

10.

intense, rotating thunderstorms that can develop into tornadoes

a)

supercell thunderstorms

b)

tornado

c)

hurricane

d)

volcanic eruption

11.

is used to assign a tornado a 'rating' based on estimated wind speeds and related damage

a)

Tornado Scale

b)

Richter Scale

c)

Mercalli Scale

d)

Fugita Scale

12.

violent type of mudflow or debris flow composed of pyroclastic material, rocky debris and water

a)

aa lava

b)

pyroclastic flow

c)

lahar

d)

supercell

13.
Which type of storm forms over water in warm air conditions?
a)
hurricane
b)
blizzard
c)
thunderstorm
14.
Which type of storm forms over land in warm air conditions?
a)
hurricane
b)
blizzard 
c)
thunderstorm
15.
A sudden shift in the earth's crust is called a...
a)
Earthquake 
b)
Volcano 
c)
Tsunami
d)
Flood
16.
A spinning funnel cloud which causes much destruction is called a...
a)
Tornado 
b)
Earthquake
c)
Tsunami 
d)
Hurricane 
17.
What catastrophic event is caused by an unusually large amount of water for an area?
a)
Hurricane
b)
Flood
c)
Blizzard
d)
Tsunami 
18.
When lava or ash spew from a mountain vent, what catastrophic event does this describe? 
a)
Volcano 
b)
Drought
c)
Wildfire
d)
Meteor
19.
Where are hurricanes most likely to do the most damage?
a)
Near the coast
b)
In the forest
c)
In a desert
d)
On the North Pole
20.
What causes damage in a hurricane?
a)
Winds
b)
Flooding
c)
Storm Surge
d)
All of the above
21.

A natural hazard is

a)

an event in nature that may have a negative effect

b)

an event in nature that does not impact human life

22.

What is a dormant volcano?

a)

A volcano that erupted in the past and is expected to erupt again in the future.

b)

A volcano that has not erupted for a very long time.

c)

A volcano that scientists think cannot erupt.

d)

A volcano that is about to erupt very soon.

23.

Which of the following is TRUE about earthquakes?

a)

Earthquakes occur randomly all over the planet, so it is impossible to determine where earthquake risk is high.

b)

Earthquakes can be accurately predicted with scientific monitoring.

c)

Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can only be felt near the epicenter of the quake.

d)

Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can be felt over large areas.

24.

Which statement BEST explains why the earth shakes during an earthquake?

a)

Cracks in the ground radiate outward from an earthquake’s origin.

b)

Energy is released as waves that travel and interact with the earth.

c)

Underground volcanic activity causes the shaking.

d)

Water rushes in through all the cracks caused by the earthquake.

25.

Why does having lots of plants make flooding slower?

a)

The plants cannot absorb water very fast

b)

The plants' roots are connected to the river

c)

The plants absorb water (interception) so the water takes longer to reach the river

d)

Plants increase run-off

26.

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?

a)

How often do earthquakes happen?

b)

When will the next earthquake happen?

c)

Where are earthquakes likely in the future?

d)

What will be the strength of the next earthquake?

27.

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

28.

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)

a map that includes elevation of land and location of faults

b)

a map that shows typical rainfall and location of volcanic activity

c)

a graph of the number of earthquakes and floods in the last ten years

d)

a graph of how much damage is caused by earthquakes compared with floods

29.

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

Choose the correct answer.

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

30.

Which event can produce an earthquake?

a)

the crash of tsunamis against a shoreline

b)

convection of hot rock deep within the mantle

c)

movement of tectonic plates along a boundary

d)

the violent shaking of sections of the lithosphere

31.

What conditions are likely for a tornado to form?

a)

Severe thunderstorms form, air pressure suddenly drops, warm air rises quickly, & winds are blowing in the opposite direction

b)

A low pressure system forms over warm water, moist air rises into it to give it energy, and has wind speeds of at least 74 mph

c)

Potential energy builds up and suddenly released near fault zones, large vibrations move through rock or other Earth materials, and causes rocks to deform slowly over time

d)

Unusually persistent dry weather due to a lack of precipitation and increased temperatures

32.

The ring of fire is where the pacific plate meets other tectonic plates at a tectonic plate boundary. The events that are common in this area include mountain formation, volcanoes and what else?

a)

Hurricanes

b)

Earthquakes

c)

Tornadoes

d)

Landslides

33.

Which of the following statements is true?

a)

The number of tornadoes per year remains about the same.

b)

The number of tornadoes per year varies from year to year.

c)

The number of tornadoes per year is increasing each year.

d)

The number of tornadoes per year is decreasing each year.

34.

Natural hazard predictions are efforts to forecast the ____, ____, and ____ of natural hazards.

a)

occurrence

b)

intensity

c)

effects

d)

precursors

35.

All natural hazards are predictable.

a)

true

b)

false

36.

Precursor events are known events that occur ____ hazards.

a)

before

b)

after

c)

before or after

d)

before and after

37.

How are natural hazard predictions improved?

a)

by gaining scientific understanding of hazards

b)

collecting and analyzing data

c)

using monitoring techniques

d)

guessing based off of what others think

38.

What are examples of historical data?

a)

locations

b)

frequencies

c)

magnitudes

d)

effects on environment or people

39.

What information can be provided from past eruption data for a volcano?

a)

eruption timing

b)

precursor events

c)

eruption types

d)

eruption warnings

40.

What are volcanoes that often have steady lava flows rather than explosive eruptions?

a)

shield volcano

b)

active volcano

c)

reactive volcano

d)

dormant volcano

41.

What are types of technology used to monitor volcanoes?

a)

GPS instruments

b)

thermal imaging sensors

c)

seismometers

d)

tiltmeters

42.

Which technology monitors vibrations in the ground?

a)

GPS instruments

b)

thermal imaging sensors

c)

seismometers

d)

tiltmeters

43.

What technology monitors changes in volcanoes shape that are related to pressure changes?

a)

seismometers

b)

tiltmeters

c)

GPS instruments

d)

thermal imaging sensors

44.

What information is used to make earthquake risk maps?

a)

historical data

b)

seismograph data

c)

GPS data

d)

thermal data

45.

What do earthquake risk maps show?

a)

likelihood

b)

specific size

c)

given area

d)

given time frame

46.

What are hazards that occur in locations where the atmosphere, ocean, and land interact to create specific conditions?

a)

weather hazards

b)

climate hazards

c)

water hazards

d)

atmospheric hazards

47.

What are large-scale phenomena that are related to long-term weather patterns?

a)

weather hazards

b)

climate hazards

c)

geographic hazards

d)

atmospheric hazards

48.

How is data collected for predicting tornadoes?

a)

weather satellites

b)

weather balloons

c)

weather stations

d)

reports from weather observers

49.

What technology uses radio waves to identify direction and intensity of precipitation, wind direction and speed, and the locations of boundaries between large air masses?

a)

telescopes

b)

seismometers

c)

tiltmeters

d)

doppler radar

50.

What are floods that occur suddenly as very fast moving water from excessive rainfall runs over land?

a)

flash floods

b)

overbank floods

c)

coastal floods

d)

climate floods

51.

What are floods that happen slowly when rain or melting snow makes river or lake levels rise?

a)

flash floods

b)

overbank floods

c)

coastal floods

d)

climate floods

52.

What are floods that happen when high winds or storms push ocean water onto shore?

a)

flash floods

b)

overbank floods

c)

coastal floods

d)

climate floods

53.

What are asteroids that orbit close enough to Earth to pose a threat?

a)

potentially hazardous asteroids

b)

potentially disastrous asteroids

c)

shooting stars

d)

potential orbits

54.
Which data is most helpful in predicting volcanic activity?
a)
sea surface temperatures and wind speed
b)
satellite data about atmospheric conditions
c)
historic information about landslides and flooding
d)
frequency of earthquakes and stability of land surface
55.
A scientist wants to track a hurricane and predict where it will go next. Which tools are best for making predictions about hurricanes?
a)
thermometers and GPS
b)
geologic maps and tiltmeters
c)
satellites and computer models
d)
weather balloons and seismometers
56.
A scientist used a model to predict the path of a hurricane. The hurricane followed a similar path but did not follow the exact path that was predicted. How does this example demonstrate a limitation of models?
a)
Models cannot be used to predict things.
b)
Models cannot account for how every factor may suddenly change.
c)
Models can be used to predict weather events before the event occurs.
d)
Models can be used to show only physical structures, not events such as hurricanes.
57.
A town is deciding where to build a new road. There have been landslides in this town in the past. Which information will help the engineers decide where to put the road to avoid damage due to landslides?
a)
the number of houses in different areas
b)
the steepness of the ground in different areas
c)
weather predictions about amount of rainfall in different states
d)
the number of cars expected to use the road at different times of day
58.
The map shows the epicenters of some major earthquakes of 2003. Based on this information, on which continent is an earthquake least likely to happen in the future?
a)
Asia
b)
Africa
c)
South America
d)
North America
59.
The weather has been warmer than usual in a town in California. A student wants to know if warmer weather means that an earthquake is more likely to happen. Which statement about earthquakes and weather is true?
a)
Earthquakes and weather are not related.
b)
Earthquakes cannot happen in cold weather.
c)
Atmospheric conditions cause both earthquakes and weather.
d)
The movement of tectonic plates causes both earthquakes and weather.
60.
This diagram shows how layers of information can be combined to create one map. Based on the layers present on the map, what could this map best be used for?
a)
to study the effect erosion has had on the path of the river
b)
to measure the distance from the town library to the school
c)
to compare the elevation of one town with the elevation of another town
d)
to determine which areas and streets would be most at risk for flooding
61.

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?

a)

variables

b)

modeling

c)

prediction

d)

navigation

62.

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

a)

Review local newspaper reports.

b)

Conduct a survey of residents in each area.

c)

Create a computer model that takes into account different variables.

d)

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

63.

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

a)

mitigation

b)

technology

c)

scientific method

d)

controlling variables

64.

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?

a)

benefit

b)

criteria

c)

constraint

d)

technology

65.

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?

a)

identify a need

b)

propose a solution

c)

evaluate a solution

d)

determine criteria and constraints

66.

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?

a)

research methods of preventing earthquakes from happening

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

67.

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

a)

response

b)

recovery

c)

mitigation

d)

preparation

68.

Which statement is true of earthquake prediction?

a)

It is unreliable.

b)

It is impossible.

c)

It is not important.

d)

Scientist do not attempt it.

69.

Which change does not signal a volcanic eruption?

a)

bulging of volcano surface

b)

a change in earthquake activity

c)

an increase in thunderstorms near the volcano

d)

a change in the amount and composition of volcanic gases

70.

Which event suggests that a volcanic eruption may occur in the very near future?

a)

a tsunami forms

b)

a sudden weather change

c)

an increase in earthquake activity

d)

an increase in the amount of dust in the air

71.

Which scientific instrument is used to help predict volcanic eruptions?

a)

barometer

b)

microscope

c)

seismograph

d)

anemometer

72.

A scientist will use a model to predict when a volcano might erupt again. What kind of model is the scientist most likely to use?

a)

diagram

b)

physical model

c)

computer model

d)

conceptual model

73.

Which natural hazard is caused from an underwater earthquake?

a)

tsunami

b)

waterspout

c)

mass wasting

d)

volcanic eruption

74.

How does distance from the epicenter of an earthquake change the earthquake’s effects?

a)

The strongest effects are usually felt near the epicenter.

b)

The strongest effects are usually felt farthest from the epicenter.

c)

The strongest effects are usually felt in a line extending north and south from the epicenter.

d)

The strongest effects are usually felt in a ring surrounding the epicenter with a radius of several miles.

75.

What causes an earthquake to happen?

a)

Rocks deform slowly as a result of physical stress.

b)

Rocks along a fault move suddenly and release energy.

c)

Large amounts of rock suddenly shift downward when large holes form underground.

d)

Energy is transferred to rock layers from convection currents in the oceans and the atmosphere.

76.

Which event might signal a volcanic eruption?

a)

a nitrogen odor

b)

the erosion of vents

c)

a change in gases emitted

d)

the formation of heavy thunder clouds

77.

Geologists mapped a particular area and found large limestone beds, with water flowing underground. Which natural hazard would be most likely to be predicted by the geologists from this information?

a)

drought

b)

tsunami

c)

sinkhole

d)

earthquake

78.

Scientists are collecting data on barometric pressure. Which type of natural hazard can scientists predict with these data?

a)

volcano

b)

tornado

c)

earthquake

d)

asteroid impact

79.

Which of these is a major cause of a mudslide?

a)

drought

b)

forest fire

c)

earthquake

d)

heavy rain

80.

Which of these is most responsible for global deforestation?

a)

forest fires

b)

climate change

c)

increased need for furniture

d)

increased demand for agriculture

81.

A student measured the air temperature at a particular location every three hours for one day. He made a bar graph to organize his findings. The student then compared his findings with information he obtained from a nearby weather station. He found that the weather station’s temperature measurements were three degrees warmer at each three-hour interval than the measurements he had taken. What is a likely explanation for the difference?

a)

Weather stations do not use the most precise tools.

b)

The student’s thermometer was calibrated incorrectly.

c)

The student made a mistake in recording two temperature readings.

d)

Both the student and the weather station reported incorrect temperatures.

82.

The map shows locations where volcanic activity has been active for several decades. Which other type of natural event could scientists predict from these data?

a)

sinkholes

b)

landslides

c)

forest fires

d)

earthquakes

83.

Which natural hazard often causes another natural hazard?

a)

An earthquake often causes a drought.

b)

A forest fire often causes a flood.

c)

A hurricane often causes a flood.

84.

An earthquake causes_________that are strongest near the center.

a)

Vibrations

b)

Floods

85.

What is a hazard caused by tsunamis?

a)

Shaking of the ground that damages buildings

b)

Poisonous gases

c)

Huge waves that can wash away towns

d)

Lava Flows

86.

What can scientists do to reduce the impact of tsunamis?

a)

Use tiltmeters to monitor changes in the land

b)

Measure poisonous gas levels on land

c)

Use monitors out in the ocean to monitor wave heights and send messages to the coast

d)

Check lava flows

87.

What can we do to reduce the impact of volcanoes?

a)

There is nothing that can be done

b)

Monitor gases, temperature changes and earth movements close to the volcano.

c)

Build earthquake proof structures

d)

Do drop, cover and hold on drills

88.

What can we do to reduce the impact of earthquakes?

a)

There is nothing that can be done

b)

monitor gases near a volcano

c)

monitor temperatures near a volcano

d)

Design buildings that can withstand some shaking by earthquakes

89.
What technologies currently exist to mitigate the effect of hurricanes?
a)
There is currently no technology 
b)
Build buildings in circles with surrounding walls 
c)
Build buildings out of renewable resources 
d)
Elevate buildings and cities; build flood walls 
90.
What is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster? 
a)
They are exactly the same 
b)
A hazard is what could happen, a disaster is after it has an impact on humans
c)
I disaster is what could happen, a hazard is after it has an impact on humans 
d)
Hurricanes and tsunamis are natural disasters, but earthquakes and volcanoes are hazards
91.
Why is it beneficial to be able to predict when and where natural hazards will occur? 
a)
Communities can be notified to evacuate 
b)
So that we can stop them from happening again 
c)
So that scientists know where to go in order to study them 
d)
So that we can harness their power for renewable energy
92.
What type of map would city planners MOST likely look at when writing building codes?
a)
a seismic map
b)
a political map
c)
a contour map
d)
a climate map
93.
To stay safe from volcanoes, it is important for people to test
a)
evacuation routes.
b)
mudflow speed.
c)
soil temperatures
d)
tsunami systems
94.
Which is the BEST way you can help prepare for natural disasters?
a)
Watch your pets for any unusual behavior.
b)
Always carry a pint of water with you.
c)
Keep the windows of your house closed at all times.
d)
Make an emergency supply kit with your family.
95.
Which of the following is not a type of natural hazard?
a)
volcanic eruption
b)
earthquake
c)
blizzard
d)
mountain
96.
What is the name of the volcanic hazard that is formed when hot ash and rocks flow out of a volcano and along the ground at fast speeds?
a)
magma
b)
tsunami
c)
ash cloud
d)
pyroclastic flow
97.
This chart describes information about volcanic eruptions. How might this chart be helpful to people in a volcanic region?
a)
It provides a list of reasons why volcanoes can cause useful changes to a region.
b)
It provides early warning signs to help people know a volcano might soon erupt.
c)
It provides hints on how to prepare the surrounding landscape for a potential volcano.
d)
It provides information about the many ways a volcano might devastate a region after erupting.
98.
The diagram shows what happens when a volcano erupts. What hazards are associated with the ask formed during a volcanic eruption?
a)
bombs
b)
acid rain
c)
lava flows
d)
debris avalanche
99.
The map shows the average number of tornadoes in each state in the United States in May. What can scientists conclude from studying these data?
a)
Tornadoes are more likely to occur on the west coast.
b)
Tornadoes are more likely to occur in the interior of the continent.
c)
Tornadoes are more likely to occur near large bodies of water.
d)
Tornadoes are more likely to occur in areas with the most precipitation.
100.
A tornado warning has been issued for a town. What is a potential hazard of which the residents of the town should be aware?
a)
flooding due to storm surge
b)
falling rocks from higher elevations
c)
uprooted trees blocking major roads
d)
collapsing buildings after land settling occurs
101.
A scientist is reviewing data to help her make predictions about storms. Which questions should she ask to decide whether a storm should be classified as a tornado?
a)
Did the storm form over water or land?
b)
Did the storm last for a few minutes or a few days?
c)
Did the storm occur near a fault or near a mountain?
d)
Did the storm cause destruction of homes and trees?
e)
Did the funnel cloud touch the ground or stay in the atmosphere?
102.
A tornado is a rapidly spinning column of air extending from a storm cloud to the ground. Which of the following statements about tornadoes is true?
a)
Tornadoes result from differences in air pressure and temperature.
b)
Tornadoes can last for several days and travel hundreds of kilometers.
c)
Tornadoes are more common in some places than others.
d)
Tornadoes can be studied using Doppler radar that can be moved close to storm cells.
103.
The number of earthquakes in several states from 2010 to 2015 is shown. Based on these data, which state is most likely to experience an earthquake?
a)
Hawaii
b)
Washington
c)
California
d)
Alaska
e)
Nevada
104.
The number of earthquakes in several states from 2010 to 2015 is shown. Based on these data, which state is least likely to experience an earthquake?
a)
Hawaii
b)
Washington
c)
California
d)
Alaska
e)
Nevada
105.
What should scientists focus on most when designing solutions to the drought in southern California?
a)
a way to make rain fall quicker from the skies
b)
a way to transport people quickly to sources of water
c)
a way to capture and move water from one region to other regions in California
d)
a way to make crops absorb water at a slower rate of time during the growing season
106.
What factors most limit scientists when designing solutions to the drought in California?
a)
working around the varying, rugged landscape of California
b)
developing a plan that could be built in any part of California
c)
determining an efficient solution that does not require too much energy
d)
planning around weather conditions that are favorable for implementing solutions
e)
relying on a large number of workers to construct the different plans that have been developed

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