Natural Hazards Quiz

What is the theory of plate tectonics primarily concerned with?

• The study of atmospheric layers

• The movement of Earth's lithospheric plates

• The prediction of weather patterns

• The composition of oceanic waters

Answer explanation

The theory of plate tectonics is primarily concerned with the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.

Which type of plate boundary is most associated with the creation of new crust?

• Transform boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Subduction zone

Answer explanation

Divergent boundaries are most associated with the creation of new crust through seafloor spreading where tectonic plates move apart.

What is the main cause of earthquakes?

• Erosion of the earth's surface

• Movement of magma in volcanoes

• Sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust

• Gravitational pull of the moon

Answer explanation

Sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust is the main cause of earthquakes.

Which scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?

• Beaufort scale

• Richter scale

• Fujita scale

• Saffir-Simpson scale

Answer explanation

The Richter scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is a common effect of earthquakes in coastal areas?

• Drought

• Tsunamis

• Heatwaves

• Sandstorms

Answer explanation

Tsunamis are a common effect of earthquakes in coastal areas, causing large ocean waves that can result in significant damage and loss of life.

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor contributing to floods?

• Rapid snowmelt

• Long periods of drought

• Heavy rainfall

• Overflowing river banks

Answer explanation

Long periods of drought is NOT a primary factor contributing to floods as it reduces water levels, leading to dry conditions rather than flooding.

What type of flood occurs due to a river overflowing its banks?

• Flash flood

• Urban flood

• Riverine flood

• Coastal flood

Answer explanation

A riverine flood occurs when a river overflows its banks, causing flooding in the surrounding areas. This type of flood is specifically linked to rivers.

Which area would most likely be affected by a tsunami following an undersea earthquake?

• Mountainous regions

• Desert regions

• Coastal regions

• Urban inland areas

Answer explanation

Coastal regions are most likely to be affected by a tsunami following an undersea earthquake due to their proximity to the ocean where the tsunami waves originate.

What is the primary method used to predict earthquakes?

• Satellite imagery

• Seismic gap theory

• Animal behavior analysis

• Historical data analysis

Answer explanation

The primary method used to predict earthquakes is Seismic gap theory, which involves analyzing the accumulation of stress along fault lines to predict future seismic activity.

Which human activity can inadvertently cause earthquakes?

• Deforestation

• Urban construction

• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

• Solar panel installation

Answer explanation

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is the human activity that can inadvertently cause earthquakes by inducing seismic activity in the Earth's crust.