Free Practice Quiz Question List

5 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards Online Quiz Questions

Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 5 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.

20 questions

Choose one

1 point

An earthquake rupture begins underground. Which statement correctly identifies the focus?

A
The location on the surface directly above the rupture's starting point is the focus.
B
The rupture's underground starting point is the focus.
C
The location on the surface directly above the rupture's starting point is the fault.
D
The underground starting point of the rupture is the epicenter.

True or false

1 point

S waves can travel through liquids as well as solids.

A
True
B
False

Written response

1 point

A station needs an instrument to detect ground motion during an earthquake. What instrument should it use?

Choose one

1 point

One earthquake produces severe shaking in one town and mild shaking in another. Which statement best describes these observations?

A
The earthquake's magnitude is different in each town.
B
The earthquake has one magnitude, while its intensity can differ between towns.
C
The earthquake's intensity is the same everywhere, but its magnitude varies by town.
D
Magnitude describes local damage, while intensity describes the earthquake's physical size.

Fill in the blank

1 point

For a one-unit increase in magnitude, the measured wave amplitude is multiplied by , and the energy released is roughly multiplied by .

Choose all

1 point

Which of these are earthquake hazards? Select all correct choices.

A
Ground shaking
B
Surface fault rupture
C
Liquefaction
D
Seismic retrofitting
E
Landslides

True or false

1 point

Scientists can currently predict earthquakes precisely enough to give reliable advance warnings of the events themselves.

A
True
B
False

Written response

1 point

During earthquake shaking, what is the first action in “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”? Enter the action as one verb.

Fill in the blank

1 point

When strong shaking causes in , the ground can temporarily lose strength and settle or move.

Choose all

1 point

A community is reviewing practical ways to reduce earthquake risk. Which actions should it include? Select all correct choices.

A
Use hazard maps and land-use planning to guide development.
B
Apply building codes and retrofit structures to resist shaking.
C
Rely on precise earthquake predictions to decide when to prepare.
D
Secure heavy furniture and water heaters.
E
Learn local tsunami evacuation routes where relevant.

Choose one

1 point

What does the difference between P-wave and S-wave arrival times at a seismic station help estimate?

A
The earthquake’s magnitude
B
The station’s distance from the source
C
The intensity of shaking at the station
D
The direction the fault slipped

Choose one

1 point

Which situation can generate a tsunami?

A
Any earthquake near a coastline generates a tsunami, even without seafloor movement.
B
An undersea earthquake can generate a tsunami if it suddenly displaces the seafloor.
C
Tsunamis form when aftershocks loosen buildings on the coast.
D
A tsunami is caused when surface waves travel across land.

Open ended

1 point

Explain how a fault can go from being locked to producing an earthquake. Include how stress builds and what happens when it overcomes friction.

Choose one

1 point

At a locked fault, surrounding rock has been deforming and stress has been building. What change most directly leads to an earthquake?

A
Stress overcomes friction, allowing locked sections of a fault to slip.
B
Seismic waves gradually pull tectonic plates apart until they break.
C
The epicenter moves underground and releases the stored stress.
D
Surface waves push the fault until it becomes permanently locked.

Choose one

1 point

An earthquake station detects ground motion. What is the instrument that detects it called?

A
A focus
B
A seismogram
C
A seismometer
D
An epicenter

True or false

1 point

S waves travel through solids but not through liquids.

A
True
B
False

Written response

1 point

What is the name for the recording of ground motion detected by a seismometer?

Choose one

1 point

Which change during an undersea earthquake can generate a tsunami?

A
When its surface waves arrive first at a coastal station
B
When it suddenly displaces the seafloor
C
When its epicenter lies directly beneath a beach
D
When it produces aftershocks that reach the ocean

Written response

1 point

What three-part action is recommended during earthquake shaking?

Choose one

1 point

After strong shaking, water-saturated loose sediment temporarily loses strength and the ground settles. Which hazard does this describe?

A
Liquefaction
B
Surface fault rupture
C
Landslides
D
Tsunamis