Geography MCQ Quiz On Natural Hazards!

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Geography MCQ Quiz On Natural Hazards! - Quiz

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Geography is the study of landmasses, bodies, and bodies of water as they relate to the population that resides there. A natural hazard is an incident that threatens lives, property, and other items. Natural hazards tend to take place repeatedly in specific locations where it is normal for them to occur. Natural hazards include floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, and this quiz is the best on geography and biological hazards. You got this.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Natural hazards exist...

    • A.

      Wherever a volcano is

    • B.

      Only on plate boundaries

    • C.

      Where a natural event will harm people

    • D.

      Where much damage to the environment may be caused

    Correct Answer
    C. Where a natural event will harm people
    Explanation
    Natural hazards exist where a natural event will harm people. This means that in areas where there is a potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, there is a risk to human lives. These hazards can cause injuries, fatalities, and significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and the environment. Therefore, the presence of a natural event that poses a threat to human safety is a key indicator of the existence of natural hazards.

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  • 2. 

    Natural hazards are typical:

    • A.

      Of high magnitude

    • B.

      Of low magnitude

    • C.

      Of low frequency

    • D.

      Both B and C

    • E.

      Both A and C

    Correct Answer
    E. Both A and C
    Explanation
    Natural hazards can be of high magnitude, meaning they can have a significant impact and cause extensive damage or loss of life. They can also be of low frequency, meaning they occur infrequently. Therefore, the correct answer is that natural hazards can be both of high magnitude and of low frequency.

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  • 3. 

    A natural hazard that has been influenced by human impacts is sometimes referred to as a ____________ hazard.

    Correct Answer
    Environmental
    Explanation
    A natural hazard that has been influenced by human impacts is sometimes referred to as an environmental hazard. This term acknowledges that human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, can exacerbate or even create certain hazards that would not occur naturally. By labeling these hazards as environmental, it highlights the connection between human actions and the increased risk they pose to the environment and human well-being.

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  • 4. 

    When a natural hazard impacts human society through social disruption, material damage and/or a loss of life it is called a...

    • A.

      Disaster

    • B.

      Human Hazard

    • C.

      Environmental Hazard

    • D.

      Tragedy

    • E.

      Hazard Event

    Correct Answer
    A. Disaster
    Explanation
    When a natural hazard causes significant social disruption, material damage, and loss of life, it is referred to as a disaster. This term encompasses the wide-ranging impact that a natural hazard can have on human society, including both the immediate and long-term consequences. Disasters often require a coordinated response from various sectors to mitigate the effects and provide relief to affected communities.

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  • 5. 

    Natural disasters often consist of ________ hazards with one event triggering other events.

    Correct Answer
    Composite
    Explanation
    Natural disasters often consist of composite hazards with one event triggering other events. This means that a single natural disaster can involve multiple types of hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, occurring simultaneously or in sequence. For example, an earthquake can trigger a tsunami, which in turn can cause coastal flooding and landslides. These interconnected hazards make natural disasters more complex and can result in greater devastation and impact on affected areas.

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  • 6. 

    Where the event occurs, the _________ _________ and how prepared the area is will influence the impact of a particular hazard.

    Correct Answer
    Population density
    Explanation
    The impact of a particular hazard is influenced by two factors: where the event occurs and how prepared the area is. One of the key aspects that determine the impact is the population density. Higher population density means that more people and infrastructure are at risk, which can result in greater damage and loss of life during a hazard event. Conversely, areas with lower population density may experience less severe impacts as there are fewer people and assets exposed to the hazard. Therefore, population density plays a crucial role in determining the impact of a hazard.

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  • 7. 

    The overall impact of a disaster on human society also relates to the countries'...

    • A.

      Economic Strength

    • B.

      Population

    • C.

      Social and Political Stability

    • D.

      All of the above

    • E.

      A and C

    Correct Answer
    E. A and C
    Explanation
    The overall impact of a disaster on human society is influenced by the economic strength of a country and its social and political stability. Economic strength determines a country's ability to recover and rebuild after a disaster, while social and political stability affects the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts. Therefore, both factors, A (economic strength) and C (social and political stability), play a crucial role in determining the overall impact of a disaster on human society.

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  • 8. 

    Match up the definition with the correct term. 1. The potential to cause harm 2. The likelihood of harm in defined circumstances   A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Risk

    • A.

      1 - A and 2 - C

    • B.

      1 - A and 2 - B

    • C.

      1 - B and 2 - B

    • D.

      1 - C and 2 - A

    • E.

      1 - C and 2 - B

    Correct Answer
    A. 1 - A and 2 - C
    Explanation
    The potential to cause harm is referred to as a hazard, while the likelihood of harm in defined circumstances is referred to as risk.

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  • 9. 

    Match up the event with the correct hazard and risk level.  1. Central Tibet, Kojoxili earthquake, M 7.8, 14th of november 2001, Fatality 0 2. Eastern China, Weichuan Earthquake, M 7.9, 12 May 2008, Fatalities 87,587   A. High seismic hazard and Low seismic risk B. Low seismic hazard and Low seismic risk C. High seismic hazard and High seismic risk D. Low seismic hazard and High seismic risk

    • A.

      1 - A and 2 - D

    • B.

      1 - C and 2 - A

    • C.

      1 - C and 2 - D

    • D.

      1 - B and 2 - D

    • E.

      1 - A and 2 - C

    Correct Answer
    E. 1 - A and 2 - C
    Explanation
    Both events had a very similar magnitude and so the potential to cause harm was high so they were both high seismic hazards. However, the Central Tibet earthquake was in a location with few people and so the likelihood of any harm coming to humans is low resulting in it having a low seismic risk compared to the Eastern China earthquake that occurred in a densely populated area.

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  • 10. 

    Many earthquakes occur on _____ ___________.

    Correct Answer
    Plate boundaries
    Tectonic boundaries
    Explanation
    Plate boundaries and tectonic boundaries are the locations where many earthquakes occur. These boundaries are the areas where tectonic plates meet and interact with each other. The movement and collision of these plates result in seismic activity, causing earthquakes. The stress and pressure build-up along these boundaries eventually lead to the release of energy in the form of an earthquake. Therefore, it is common for earthquakes to occur along plate boundaries and tectonic boundaries.

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  • 11. 

    The largest known earthquake event occurred in 1960. Name the country and magnitude of the earthquake.

    • A.

      Alaska - 8.7

    • B.

      Indonesia - 9.6

    • C.

      Alaska - 9.4

    • D.

      Chile - 9.5

    • E.

      Chile - 9.7

    Correct Answer
    D. Chile - 9.5
    Explanation
    In 1960, the largest known earthquake event occurred in Chile with a magnitude of 9.5.

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  • 12. 

    Link the Magnitudes to the Average annual frequencies.  1. 8 + 2. 7 - 7.9 3. 4.-4.9 4. 2 - 2.9   A. 1 B. 1,300,000 C. 17 D. 13,000 E. 16,000,000

    • A.

      1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - D and 4 - E

    • B.

      1 - E, 2 - B, 3 - D and 4 - C

    • C.

      1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - D and 4 - B

    • D.

      1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B and 4 - E

    • E.

      1 - A, 2 - A, 3 - C and 4 - D

    Correct Answer
    C. 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - D and 4 - B
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - D and 4 - B. This means that the average annual frequency for a magnitude of 8 is A, for a magnitude of 7-7.9 is C, for a magnitude of 4-4.9 is D, and for a magnitude of 2-2.9 is B.

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  • 13. 

    The sudden slip on a fault results in the ground shaking and radiated _______ _________.

    Correct Answer
    Seismic energy
    Seismic activity
    Seismic waves
    Explanation
    When there is a sudden slip on a fault, it causes the ground to shake and release energy in the form of seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth's crust, causing seismic activity. This activity can be measured and recorded by seismographs, which detect the movement of the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is seismic energy, seismic activity, and seismic waves.

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  • 14. 

    The location of causation for an earthquake is known as the _______.

    Correct Answer
    Hypocenter
    Focus
    Explanation
    The hypocenter, also known as the focus, refers to the location within the Earth's crust where an earthquake originates. It is the point where the seismic energy is released, causing the ground to shake. The hypocenter is usually located underground, and its depth can vary depending on the type and magnitude of the earthquake. Therefore, both terms, hypocenter and focus, are used interchangeably to describe the location of causation for an earthquake.

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  • 15. 

    The place on the surface of the earth under which an earthquake rupture originates is known as the...

    • A.

      Focus

    • B.

      Epicenter

    • C.

      Hypocenter

    • D.

      Active point

    • E.

      Hit zone

    Correct Answer
    B. Epicenter
    Explanation
    The epicenter is the correct answer because it refers to the point on the Earth's surface directly above the location where an earthquake starts or originates. When an earthquake occurs, the seismic waves spread out from this point, causing the most intense shaking and damage at the epicenter. It is an important concept in seismology and helps scientists locate and study earthquakes. The focus, on the other hand, refers to the actual location within the Earth where the earthquake originates, while the hypocenter is the same as the focus but is used specifically for underground or underwater earthquakes. The other options, active point and hit zone, are not accurate terms used in relation to earthquakes.

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  • 16. 

    A fracture along which the blocks of crust either side have moved relative to one another parallel to the fracture is known as a _________.

    Correct Answer
    Fault
    Explanation
    A fracture along which the blocks of crust have moved relative to one another parallel to the fracture is known as a fault.

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  • 17. 

    Match the diagram to the correct term.1.  2. A. Normal faultB. Right-lateral faultC. Left-lateral faultD. Reverse fault

    • A.

      1 - B and 2 - C

    • B.

      1 - A and 2 - D

    • C.

      1 - D and 2 - C

    • D.

      1 - C and 2 - B

    • E.

      1 - D and 2 - A

    Correct Answer
    B. 1 - A and 2 - D
  • 18. 

    Match the diagrams to the correct terms. 1.  2. A. Normal faultB. Right-lateral faultC. Left-lateral faultD. Reverse fault

    • A.

      1 - A and 2 - A

    • B.

      1 - B and 2 - D

    • C.

      1 - C and 2 - C

    • D.

      1 - C and 2 - B

    • E.

      1 - B and 2 - C

    Correct Answer
    E. 1 - B and 2 - C
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 1 - B and 2 - C. This means that diagram 1 represents a right-lateral fault and diagram 2 represents a left-lateral fault. A right-lateral fault is a type of strike-slip fault where the block opposite the observer appears to have moved to the right. A left-lateral fault is also a type of strike-slip fault but in this case, the block opposite the observer appears to have moved to the left.

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  • 19. 

    Right-lateral faults and Left-lateral faults occur in a lateral motion whilst Normal faults and Reverse faults occur in a ________ ________.

    Correct Answer
    Vertical motion
    Explanation
    Right-lateral faults and left-lateral faults occur when two blocks of rock slide horizontally past each other in opposite directions. This type of motion is known as lateral motion. On the other hand, normal faults and reverse faults involve vertical motion. In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall, causing the rocks to move apart. In a reverse fault, the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall, causing the rocks to move closer together. Both of these types of faults involve a vertical displacement of the rocks.

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  • 20. 

    This picture shows a ___________ motion fault.

    Correct Answer
    Vertical
    Explanation
    The picture is showing a motion fault that is occurring in a vertical direction.

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  • 21. 

    The picture here shows a ____________ fault.

    Correct Answer
    Lateral
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Lateral." In geology, a lateral fault is a type of fault where the movement occurs horizontally along the fault plane. This fault is characterized by the displacement of rock layers in a horizontal direction, rather than vertically. The picture likely depicts a fault line where there is evident horizontal movement, supporting the classification of it as a lateral fault.

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  • 22. 

    Body waves are known as __ and __ waves.

    Correct Answer
    P, S
    P S
    P , S
    P,S
    P and S
    Explanation
    Body waves are known as P and S waves.

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  • 23. 

    Apart from body waves, earthquakes also release energy through ________ ________.

    Correct Answer
    Surface waves
    Explanation
    Surface waves are a type of seismic wave that travels along the Earth's surface. They are slower than body waves and cause the most damage during an earthquake. Surface waves include two types: Love waves and Rayleigh waves. Love waves move in a side-to-side motion, while Rayleigh waves move in an elliptical rolling motion. These waves are generated by the interaction of body waves with the Earth's surface and are responsible for the shaking felt during an earthquake.

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  • 24. 

    For each whole number you go up on the Richter scale, the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by a seismograph goes up by...

    • A.

      10 times

    • B.

      100 times

    • C.

      1000 times

    • D.

      15 times

    • E.

      88.8 times

    Correct Answer
    A. 10 times
    Explanation
    The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake, which is determined by the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by a seismograph. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase on the Richter scale represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves. Therefore, for each whole number increase on the Richter scale, the amplitude of the seismic waves recorded by a seismograph goes up by 10 times.

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  • 25. 

    Both foreshocks and aftershocks are less in __________.

    Correct Answer
    Magnitude
    Explanation
    Both foreshocks and aftershocks are less in magnitude. Foreshocks are smaller earthquakes that occur before a larger mainshock, while aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after the mainshock. In both cases, the magnitude of the earthquakes is generally smaller compared to the mainshock. This is because the mainshock releases a significant amount of stress and energy along the fault line, reducing the likelihood of larger earthquakes occurring immediately before or after.

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  • 26. 

    Which is most common - foreshocks or aftershocks?

    • A.

      Foreshocks

    • B.

      Aftershocks

    Correct Answer
    B. Aftershocks
    Explanation
    Aftershocks are more common than foreshocks. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after a larger earthquake in the same area. They are caused by the readjustment of stress in the earth's crust following the main earthquake. Foreshocks, on the other hand, are smaller earthquakes that occur before a larger earthquake. While foreshocks can sometimes be observed before a major earthquake, they are much less common than aftershocks.

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  • 27. 

    Which of the following influence the impact of the earthquake.

    • A.

      Magnitude

    • B.

      Population density

    • C.

      Geology

    • D.

      A and B

    • E.

      A, B and C

    Correct Answer
    E. A, B and C
    Explanation
    The impact of an earthquake is influenced by a combination of factors, including the magnitude of the earthquake, the population density in the affected area, and the geology of the region. The magnitude of the earthquake determines the amount of energy released and the level of destruction it can cause. Population density plays a role in determining the number of people affected and the potential for casualties and damage. The geology of the area affects the way the seismic waves travel and how they interact with the ground, which can amplify or dampen the impact of the earthquake. Therefore, all three factors, A, B, and C, influence the impact of an earthquake.

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  • 28. 

    Which of the following influence the impact of the earthquake.

    • A.

      Topography

    • B.

      Distance between epicentre and population centres

    • C.

      Vegetation

    • D.

      A and B

    • E.

      A, B and C

    Correct Answer
    E. A, B and C
    Explanation
    The impact of an earthquake is influenced by various factors including topography, distance between the epicenter and population centers, and vegetation. Topography refers to the physical features of the land, such as mountains and valleys, which can affect the propagation of seismic waves and the intensity of shaking. The distance between the epicenter and population centers determines how close people are to the source of the earthquake, which can impact the level of damage and casualties. Vegetation can also play a role as it can help stabilize the soil and reduce the risk of landslides triggered by seismic activity. Therefore, all three factors (A, B, and C) influence the impact of an earthquake.

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  • 29. 

    On December 26, 2004 an earthquake caused...

    • A.

      A tsunami

    • B.

      More casualties than any other in recorded history

    • C.

      Landslides

    • D.

      A and C

    • E.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    E. All of the above
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "All of the above" because on December 26, 2004, an earthquake occurred that caused a tsunami, resulted in more casualties than any other in recorded history, and also triggered landslides. This event was known as the Indian Ocean tsunami or the Boxing Day tsunami. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, causing widespread devastation and loss of life in several countries surrounding the Indian Ocean.

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  • 30. 

    The boxing day earthquake recorded a magnitude of...

    • A.

      9.1

    • B.

      8.7

    • C.

      9.6

    • D.

      9.5

    • E.

      8.8

    Correct Answer
    A. 9.1
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 9.1. This answer is based on the measurement of the magnitude of the Boxing Day earthquake. Magnitude is a measure of the energy released by an earthquake, and a magnitude of 9.1 indicates a very powerful earthquake.

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  • 31. 

    In total, how many people were killed?

    • A.

      100,000

    • B.

      157,577

    • C.

      987,323

    • D.

      122,233

    • E.

      778,932

    Correct Answer
    B. 157,577
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 157,577. This number represents the total number of people who were killed.

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  • 32. 

    Precise timing and location of an individual Earthquake is almost impossible to predict.

    Correct Answer
    True
    Explanation
    Earthquakes are natural disasters that occur due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. While scientists have made significant advancements in understanding earthquakes, accurately predicting the precise timing and location of an individual earthquake remains a challenge. This is because the Earth's crust is complex and dynamic, with multiple factors influencing seismic activity. Despite ongoing research and monitoring efforts, the unpredictable nature of earthquakes makes it almost impossible to determine exactly when and where they will occur. Therefore, the statement that precise timing and location of an individual earthquake is almost impossible to predict is true.

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  • 33. 

    Building regulations, Hazard maps, Building planning, Emergency Planning, and Monitoring networks can be used to 

    • A.

      Prevent earthquakes

    • B.

      Prevent volcanoes

    • C.

      Help cope with seismic risks

    • D.

      Prevent any damage

    • E.

      Prevent any death

    Correct Answer
    C. Help cope with seismic risks
    Explanation
    Building regulations, hazard maps, building planning, emergency planning, and monitoring networks can help cope with seismic risks. These measures are not capable of preventing earthquakes or volcanoes, as these natural disasters are uncontrollable. However, they can aid in mitigating the impact of seismic events by ensuring that buildings are constructed to withstand earthquakes, identifying high-risk areas through hazard maps, planning emergency responses, and monitoring seismic activity to provide early warnings. These measures aim to reduce damage and prevent loss of life during earthquakes, making them effective in coping with seismic risks.

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  • Apr 25, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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