Earth Science - Extreme Weather Quiz (Gr. 9-12)

The Earth is divided into four main layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. The inner core is the solid, innermost layer made mostly of iron and nickel. Surrounding the inner core is the outer core, which is also made of iron and nickel but is in a liquid state. The mantle is the thickest layer and is composed of solid rock that flows slowly over time. Finally, the crust is the outermost layer and is the thinnest layer, consisting of solid rock and soil.

An earthquake is best described by the given statement because it refers to the ground shaking caused by the sudden release of accumulated strain along a fracture in the earth. This aligns with the definition of an earthquake as a seismic event resulting from the movement of tectonic plates or volcanic activity. The statement also mentions sudden stress changes in the earth, which further supports the explanation that it describes an earthquake.

The given statement is true. A seismograph, also known as a seismometer, is indeed an instrument that is used to detect and record earthquakes. It measures the ground motion caused by seismic waves and produces a graphical representation, called a seismogram, which helps in studying and analyzing earthquakes.

The statement is true because tornadoes can indeed be one mile wide and stay on the ground for over 50 miles. Tornadoes are powerful and destructive storms characterized by a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. They can vary in size, with some being small and narrow, while others can be large and wide, reaching up to a mile in diameter. Additionally, tornadoes can travel long distances, leaving a path of destruction in their wake, sometimes exceeding 50 miles.

Tornadoes are usually produced by thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are characterized by the presence of strong updrafts and downdrafts of air, which create a rotating column of air known as a mesocyclone. When the conditions are favorable, this mesocyclone can further intensify and form a tornado. Heatwaves and sub-zero temperatures are not typically associated with tornado formation. Tsunamis, on the other hand, are oceanic events caused by seismic activity, and are unrelated to tornado formation.

The Saffir-Simpson scale is a tool used to measure the intensity of hurricanes based on their wind speed. It categorizes hurricanes into five different categories ranging from Category 1 (74-95 mph) to Category 5 (over 155 mph). This scale helps in determining the potential damage and threat posed by a hurricane, allowing for better preparation and response measures to be taken.

The existing methods of measurement categorize hurricanes into five categories based on their wind speed. Each category represents a range of wind speeds and indicates the potential damage and destruction caused by the hurricane. Therefore, the correct answer is 5.

The smartest and safest way to seek protection during a thunderstorm is to go quickly into a car or building and wait for the storm to pass. This option provides a secure and sheltered environment, protecting individuals from the dangers of lightning strikes and heavy rain. Seeking shelter beneath a large tree or diving into a pool or river can be extremely dangerous as it increases the risk of being struck by lightning or experiencing flash floods. Crouching down on hands and knees facing west does not provide sufficient protection from the storm. Praying may provide emotional comfort but does not offer physical protection.

A record written by a seismograph in response to ground motions produced by an earthquake, explosion, or other ground-motion sources is called a seismogram.

The Richter Scale is a mathematical formula used to measure the intensity or magnitude of an earthquake. It was developed by Charles F. Richter in 1935 and is based on the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by seismographs. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves and approximately 31.6 times more energy released. The Richter Scale is widely used by scientists and engineers to assess the impact and potential damage caused by earthquakes.

A Category-3 Hurricane is actually said to have sustained winds of 111 - 129 mph, not 96 - 110 mph. Therefore, the statement is false.

A formed tornado has a vortex as one of its key characteristics. A vortex is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. Tornadoes are known for their destructive power and are formed from severe thunderstorms. They are characterized by their funnel-shaped cloud and the presence of a strong, rotating vortex.