01
True or false
1 point
True or false: An earthquake early-warning system predicts an earthquake before it begins.
Free Practice Quiz Question List
06 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 06 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Choose one
1 point
At a fault, rocks are being pulled apart and the block above the inclined fault plane moves downward relative to the block below. Which fault type is this?
- A
A normal fault, because the rocks are pulled apart and the upper block moves downward
- B
A reverse fault, because the rocks are pulled apart and the upper block moves upward
- C
A strike-slip fault, because the blocks move horizontally past one another
- D
A thrust fault, because the rocks are pulled apart and the upper block moves downward
03
Fill in the blank
1 point
The point inside Earth where an earthquake rupture begins is the .
04
Written response
1 point
What is the name of the process in which rock partly rebounds after a fault slips and releases stored energy?
05
Choose one
1 point
Scientists detect an earthquake signal that arrives before the S waves and can travel through liquid layers inside Earth. Which wave type produced that signal?
- A
S waves, because they move material perpendicular to their direction of travel and pass through liquids
- B
P waves, because they are compressional and can pass through solids and liquids
- C
Surface waves, because they travel through Earth’s interior before body waves
- D
S waves, because they are the fastest seismic waves and pass through solids and liquids
06
Choose all
1 point
Select all statements that correctly connect a setting or event with an earthquake hazard.
- A
Loose, water-saturated sediment can be susceptible to liquefaction.
- B
A steep slope is especially protected from earthquake-triggered landslides.
- C
Steep slopes may be vulnerable to earthquake-triggered landslides.
- D
An undersea earthquake that suddenly displaces a large area of seafloor can generate a tsunami.
07
True or false
1 point
True or false: One earthquake can have a single magnitude but produce different shaking intensities in different locations.
- A
True
- B
False
08
Written response
1 point
An earthquake’s magnitude increases by one whole unit. Roughly how many times greater is the energy release? Enter a whole number.
09
Fill in the blank
1 point
When loose, water-saturated sediment temporarily loses strength during earthquake shaking, the hazard is called .
10
Choose all
1 point
A community wants to reduce earthquake risk over the long term. Select all measures supported by earthquake risk-reduction practices.
- A
Use hazard maps and land-use planning to guide development.
- B
Enforce seismic building codes.
- C
Rely on reliable earthquake predictions to decide where buildings should be constructed.
- D
Retrofit vulnerable buildings and infrastructure.
11
Choose one
1 point
Which undersea earthquake condition can generate a tsunami?
- A
Slowly heat the water above the fault
- B
Cause horizontal sliding of a small patch of seafloor without sudden displacement
- C
Suddenly displace a large area of the seafloor
- D
Trigger shaking only on land, without moving the seafloor
12
Open ended
1 point
Two towns experience the same earthquake, but one has stronger shaking and more damage. Explain why their effects can differ, identifying at least two factors that can influence local intensity or damage.
13
Choose one
1 point
After body waves have traveled through Earth, which wave type moves along the surface and often produces strong, prolonged shaking?
- A
P waves, which are compressional waves that can travel through solids and liquids
- B
Surface waves, which move along the surface and often produce strong, prolonged shaking
- C
S waves, which move material perpendicular to their direction and pass through solids but not liquids
- D
P waves, which move along the surface after all body waves arrive
14
True or false
1 point
After body waves travel through Earth, waves move along the surface and often cause strong, prolonged shaking. Are these surface waves?
- A
True
- B
False
15
Choose one
1 point
A geologist observes that two blocks of rock have slid horizontally past each other along a fault. Which type of fault best fits this motion?
- A
Normal fault
- B
Strike-slip fault
- C
Reverse fault
- D
Thrust fault
16
Choose one
1 point
You are indoors when strong earthquake shaking begins. Which action best follows the recommended protective guidance?
- A
Run outside as soon as shaking begins
- B
Stand beside a window to watch for hazards
- C
Drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops
- D
Use the elevator to reach the ground floor
17
Choose one
1 point
Which earthquake process can generate a tsunami?
- A
It heats ocean water until it expands
- B
It causes surface waves to travel across the ocean floor
- C
It suddenly displaces a large area of the seafloor
- D
It makes coastal bedrock absorb seismic waves
18
Choose one
1 point
Which statement correctly compares the materials through which P waves and S waves can travel?
- A
P waves pass only through solids; S waves pass through solids and liquids.
- B
P waves pass through solids and liquids; S waves pass through solids but not liquids.
- C
Both P waves and S waves pass through solids and liquids.
- D
S waves pass through liquids, but P waves cannot.
19
Written response
1 point
An earthquake's magnitude increases by one whole unit. By what factor does the measured wave amplitude increase? Enter a number.
20
Written response
1 point
A monitoring station records ground motion during an earthquake. What is the recorded trace called?