Plate Tectonics & Water

In an earthquake, the correct action to take is to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. This is because dropping to the ground prevents you from being knocked over by the shaking, taking cover protects you from falling objects or debris, and holding on ensures that you stay protected during the earthquake. Running, walking, or screaming can be dangerous as it increases the risk of injury from falling objects or collapsing structures.

San Francisco and Los Angeles are the correct answer because both cities are located in California, which is known for its high seismic activity. They are situated along the San Andreas Fault, a major tectonic plate boundary, making them prone to earthquakes. Both cities have experienced significant earthquakes in the past, such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles. Therefore, they are the cities of most concern when it comes to earthquakes.

The given statement suggests that many well drillers use dousing rods or sticks, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. This implies that these well drillers believe in the efficacy of dousing rods or sticks, even though their belief is not supported by scientific research. Therefore, the correct answer is true, indicating that the statement accurately reflects the situation where well drillers continue to use dousing rods or sticks despite the lack of scientific proof.

Tsunamis are most commonly caused by earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it can generate a series of powerful waves that travel across the ocean, resulting in a tsunami. The seismic activity of the earthquake disrupts the ocean floor, causing the water above it to be displaced and creating massive waves that can travel long distances. Although volcanoes, meteors, and glaciers can also cause tsunamis under certain circumstances, earthquakes are the main and most frequent cause of these destructive natural phenomena.

Education is the best way to save lives against natural disasters because it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand and respond effectively to such events. With proper education, people can learn about the risks associated with different disasters, how to prepare for them, and how to take appropriate actions during and after an event. Education also helps in promoting resilience and fostering a culture of safety within communities, enabling them to be better prepared and respond more efficiently to natural disasters.

An ordinary/dug well is easily polluted because it is typically shallow and open to the surface, making it susceptible to contamination from various sources such as runoff from nearby land, seepage of pollutants from the ground, or even direct dumping of waste. Artesian, drilled, and pounded wells, on the other hand, are typically deeper and have protective casings that make them less vulnerable to pollution.

When farmers' fertilizer runs off into ponds and lakes, it can lead to eutrophication. Eutrophication is the process by which excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, enter bodies of water. These nutrients promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, causing an overabundance of plant life in the water. As these plants die and decompose, they deplete the oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Eutrophication can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem and negatively impact water quality.

Maine should be worried about tsunamis because it is located on the eastern coast of the United States, which is susceptible to tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes or landslides. While earthquakes and volcanoes can also be dangerous, tsunamis pose a specific threat to coastal areas like Maine due to their ability to cause massive waves that can devastate coastal communities.

Rainier is the correct answer because it is an active volcano located in the continental US. It is part of the Cascade Range and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to heavily populated areas, including Seattle. Rainier has had several eruptions in the past and is closely monitored by scientists for signs of future activity.

Dousing got its nickname "water witching" from the witch hazel shrub. Witch hazel is a type of shrub that has long been associated with magic and witchcraft. In the context of dousing, witch hazel is believed to have mystical properties that help dousers locate underground water sources. The association between witch hazel and dousing likely led to the nickname "water witching" for the practice.

Artesian water is the correct answer because it refers to water that is obtained from a well drilled into a confined aquifer, where the water is under pressure. This type of water often contains high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, which makes it "hard." Ordinary water and dug water do not have the same mineral content and are not considered hard water.

The Juan de Fuca plate is the correct answer because it is the tectonic plate that is subducting beneath the North American plate along the Cascade range. This subduction process creates the magma chambers that feed the volcanic activity in the region.

The water table is the correct answer because it refers to the level at which groundwater is found in the ground. It rises and falls depending on factors such as rainfall and water usage. When digging a well, the goal is to reach the water table in order to access a water source.

Salinization refers to the process when salty lakes dry up due to diverted rivers. This occurs when the natural flow of freshwater into the lake is disrupted, causing an increase in salt concentration as the water evaporates. The excessive salt content can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, leading to the death of aquatic organisms and the loss of biodiversity. Salinization is a significant environmental issue that can result from human activities such as diverting rivers for agriculture or other purposes.

Hawaii and Iceland are shield-shaped volcanoes because they are both located in areas with hot spots, which result in the formation of basaltic lava flows. Shield volcanoes are characterized by their low, broad profiles and gentle slopes, formed by the repeated eruption of lava flows. Both Hawaii and Iceland have experienced extensive volcanic activity, with the lava flows gradually building up over time to create the shield-shaped landforms that we see today.

An artesian well is a type of well that taps into an aquifer, which is an underground layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds water. The aquifer acts as a natural reservoir, storing and supplying water to the well. Therefore, the correct answer is aquifer.

Evaporation is the process of turning water into water vapor, usually from bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. Perspiration is the process by which sweat, which is mostly water, evaporates from the skin's surface, helping to cool the body. Transpiration is the process by which water is released from plants' leaves into the atmosphere as water vapor. All three processes involve the conversion of water into water vapor and contribute to the overall water cycle.

Lahars and pyroclastic flows are the most dangerous hazards in a volcanic eruption. Lahars are fast-moving mudflows that occur when volcanic ash and debris mix with water, usually from melted snow or heavy rainfall. They can travel at high speeds, destroying everything in their path. Pyroclastic flows, on the other hand, are superheated clouds of gas, ash, and volcanic fragments that race down the slopes of a volcano at incredibly high speeds. They are extremely hot and can cause severe burns, as well as suffocation due to the lack of oxygen. Both lahars and pyroclastic flows pose significant threats to human life and infrastructure during a volcanic eruption.

When two continental boundaries collide, they can create large earthquakes due to the intense pressure and friction between the tectonic plates. This collision also leads to the formation of large mountains, as the continental crust is pushed upwards and folded, resulting in the creation of towering mountain ranges. Therefore, the correct answer is "large earthquakes, large mountains."