Can You Pass This Geology 101 Test?
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Taking your first exam on any subject can be a little worrying, and one of the ways you can adequately prepare for them is by use of quizzes that prepare you for the test and help you review all that you have learned so far. Can you pass the Geology 101 test? Just take this quiz and ensure you do.
- 1.
A “100 year” flood is:
- A.
One that only occurs once each century.
- B.
The flood that resulted in the most damage during the last century.
- C.
The flood with the highest water level recorded in the last century.
- D.
A flood with a 100% probability of occurring within a given century.
- E.
A flood with a 1% probability of occurring within a given year.
Correct Answer
E. A flood with a 1% probability of occurring within a given year.Explanation
A "100 year" flood refers to a flood with a 1% probability of occurring within a given year. This means that in any given year, there is a 1% chance of experiencing a flood of this magnitude. The term "100 year" flood is used to describe the frequency of occurrence rather than the actual duration or impact of the flood. It is a way to quantify the likelihood of a flood happening and is commonly used in flood risk assessment and planning.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What characteristic of magma is the main control as to whether it will erupt as a lava flow or an explosive eruption?
- A.
Amount of dissolved gases
- B.
Magma temperature
- C.
Duration of the eruption
- D.
Whether the eruption occurs on a continent or an oceanic island
- E.
Length of time that has elapsed since the last eruption of the same volcano
Correct Answer
A. Amount of dissolved gasesExplanation
The main control as to whether magma will erupt as a lava flow or an explosive eruption is the amount of dissolved gases. When magma has a high concentration of dissolved gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, it creates pressure within the magma chamber. If the pressure becomes too great, it can cause a violent explosive eruption. On the other hand, if the amount of dissolved gases is relatively low, the magma can flow more easily and result in a lava flow eruption.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Love waves are best described as:
- A.
Body waves that cause the ground to move in a rolling fashion
- B.
Surface waves that cause the ground to move laterally, side-to-side
- C.
Surface waves that cause the ground to move in a rolling fashion
- D.
Body waves that cause the ground to move in a push-pull fashion
- E.
Body waves that cause shearing of ground as they pass
Correct Answer
B. Surface waves that cause the ground to move laterally, side-to-sideExplanation
Love waves are a type of surface wave that cause the ground to move laterally, side-to-side. Unlike body waves, which travel through the Earth's interior, surface waves travel along the Earth's surface. Love waves are characterized by their horizontal motion, creating a shaking or swaying motion in the ground. This lateral movement is what distinguishes Love waves from other types of surface waves or body waves.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Mudslides composed of a mixture of water and various sizes of volcanic rock, along with varying amounts of plant debris, are called:
- A.
Pyroclastic flows
- B.
Pahoehoe flows
- C.
Volcanic collapses
- D.
Lava tubes
- E.
Lahars
Correct Answer
E. LaharsExplanation
Lahars are mudslides that occur when volcanic materials, such as ash and rock, mix with water. These mixtures can vary in size and composition, often containing plant debris as well. Unlike pyroclastic flows, which are composed of hot ash and gas, lahars are cooler and slower-moving. Pahoehoe flows refer to smooth lava flows, volcanic collapses are sudden failures of volcanic structures, and lava tubes are tunnels formed by flowing lava. Therefore, the correct answer is lahars.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In a meandering stream, erosion occurs mainly:
- A.
In a down-cutting direction.
- B.
Laterally, toward the outside of the meander bend.
- C.
Laterally, along the inside of the meander bend.
- D.
Laterally, along both banks of the stream.
Correct Answer
B. Laterally, toward the outside of the meander bend.Explanation
In a meandering stream, erosion occurs mainly laterally, toward the outside of the meander bend. This is because the water flow is faster on the outer side of the bend, creating a higher velocity and stronger erosive force. The water erodes the outer bank, causing it to collapse and form a cut bank. At the same time, deposition occurs on the inner side of the bend where the water flow is slower, leading to the formation of a point bar. This lateral erosion and deposition process is responsible for the meandering shape of the stream over time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
True or False? Buildings made of concrete blocks are better capable of withstanding shaking from an earthquake than are buildings made of wood.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Buildings made of concrete blocks are not better capable of withstanding shaking from an earthquake than buildings made of wood. This is because wood is a more flexible material, allowing it to absorb and distribute the energy from the earthquake more effectively. Concrete, on the other hand, is a rigid material that can crack and collapse under the intense shaking of an earthquake. Therefore, buildings made of wood are generally considered to be more resilient in seismic events.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The most important factor controlling the nature of a given flood is:
- A.
The size of the drainage basin involved.
- B.
The gradient of the stream channel.
- C.
The absolute discharge of the stream.
- D.
The value of discharge per unit area of stream
- E.
The length of the stream.
Correct Answer
D. The value of discharge per unit area of streamExplanation
The value of discharge per unit area of the stream is the most important factor controlling the nature of a given flood. This is because it determines the amount of water flowing through a specific area of the stream. A higher discharge per unit area indicates a larger volume of water, which can lead to a more severe flood. Conversely, a lower discharge per unit area indicates a smaller volume of water, resulting in a less severe flood. Therefore, the value of discharge per unit area of the stream directly influences the nature and magnitude of a flood.Rate this question:
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- 8.
According to the video “Inside the Volcano”, the eruption of the volcano island Thera, on what is now known as Santorini, resulted in the collapse of which ancient civilization?
- A.
Egyptians
- B.
Minoans
- C.
Persians
- D.
Romans
- E.
Macedonians
Correct Answer
B. MinoansExplanation
The eruption of the volcano island Thera, now known as Santorini, resulted in the collapse of the Minoan civilization.Rate this question:
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- 9.
On average, how many great earthquakes (Magnitude equal to or greater than 8)Â occur globally each year?Â
- A.
1
- B.
10
- C.
25
- D.
50
- E.
100
Correct Answer
A. 1Explanation
The correct answer is 1 because great earthquakes with a magnitude equal to or greater than 8 are rare events. On average, there is usually only one such earthquake globally each year. These earthquakes are highly destructive and can cause significant damage and loss of life.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Most damage caused by earthquakes result from:
- A.
P-waves
- B.
S-waves
- C.
Body waves
- D.
Surface waves
- E.
Micro-waves
Correct Answer
D. Surface wavesExplanation
Surface waves are the correct answer because they are the slowest and most destructive type of seismic waves. These waves travel along the Earth's surface and cause the ground to move in a rolling motion, resulting in the most damage to buildings and infrastructure. Surface waves have a larger amplitude than other types of waves, which amplifies their destructive power. They are responsible for producing the majority of the shaking and destruction during an earthquake.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The video “California’s Katrina” discusses the possibility of catastrophic flooding in which California city?
- A.
San Francisco
- B.
Sacramento
- C.
Los Angeles
- D.
San Diego
- E.
Fresno
Correct Answer
B. SacramentoExplanation
The video "California's Katrina" discusses the possibility of catastrophic flooding in Sacramento.Rate this question:
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- 12.
True or False? Compared to downstream floods, upstream floods typically result in fewer deaths but more property damage.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Upstream floods typically result in fewer deaths but more property damage. This is because upstream floods occur in less populated areas, where there are fewer people at risk of drowning. However, these floods can cause significant damage to infrastructure, buildings, and agricultural land as the force of the water increases downstream. Therefore, the given answer is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which features characterize the upstream portions of a typical river?
- A.
Steep gradient
- B.
Narrow flood plain
- C.
Meanders
- D.
All the above
- E.
A and b but not c
Correct Answer
E. A and b but not cExplanation
The correct answer is "a and b but not c." The upstream portions of a typical river are characterized by a steep gradient and a narrow flood plain. This means that the river has a rapid descent and flows through a narrow channel, resulting in a higher velocity and more erosive power. Meanders, on the other hand, typically occur in the middle and lower portions of a river where the gradient is gentler. Therefore, meanders are not a characteristic of the upstream portions of a typical river.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which natural hazard is NOT covered by home owners insurance?Â
- A.
Earthquake damage
- B.
Flood damage
- C.
Wind damage
- D.
Damage from volcanic eruptions
- E.
Damage from landslides
Correct Answer
B. Flood damageExplanation
Home owners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. This is because flood damage is considered a separate type of insurance and is usually covered by a separate policy, such as flood insurance provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the United States. This is because flood damage can be widespread and costly, and therefore requires specific coverage.Rate this question:
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- 15.
According to the video “Inside the Volcano”, the style of eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. is called:
- A.
Strombolian
- B.
Vulcanian
- C.
Plinian
- D.
Hawaiian
Correct Answer
C. PlinianExplanation
The correct answer is Plinian. The video "Inside the Volcano" provides information about the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The style of eruption during that time was characterized as Plinian.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Ground motion caused by a magnitude 7 earthquake is how many times greater than that caused by a magnitude 4 earthquake?
- A.
3 times
- B.
30 times
- C.
100 times
- D.
300 times
- E.
1,000 times
Correct Answer
E. 1,000 timesExplanation
The ground motion caused by a magnitude 7 earthquake is 1,000 times greater than that caused by a magnitude 4 earthquake. This is because the magnitude scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves. Therefore, a magnitude 7 earthquake has 1,000 times more ground motion than a magnitude 4 earthquake.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Urbanization of an area may lead to increased flooding by:
- A.
Covering porous and permeable soil with streets and parking lots, which increases the runoff to infiltration ratio for rainwater.
- B.
Installing storm sewers along streets and residential neighborhoods, which decreased the time it takes water to reach a stream channel
- C.
Elevating structures built on the floodplain, to keep them above the flood waters, which reduces the volume of available storage capacity for the flood waters, forcing them to go even higher.
- D.
All the above
- E.
B and c but not a
Correct Answer
D. All the aboveExplanation
Urbanization can lead to increased flooding due to various factors. One factor is the covering of porous and permeable soil with streets and parking lots, which reduces the amount of rainwater that can be absorbed into the ground and increases the amount of runoff. Another factor is the installation of storm sewers, which decreases the time it takes for water to reach a stream channel, leading to faster and more intense flooding. Additionally, elevating structures built on floodplains reduces the available storage capacity for floodwaters, causing them to rise even higher. Therefore, all of the given options contribute to increased flooding in urban areas.Rate this question:
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- 18.
True or False? The intensity of an earthquake varies with distance from the epicenter, but the magnitude is a fixed value, determined by the amount of ground movement at the epicenter.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The intensity of an earthquake refers to the amount of shaking and damage caused by the earthquake at a specific location. It is influenced by various factors, including the distance from the epicenter. As the distance from the epicenter increases, the intensity of the earthquake generally decreases. On the other hand, the magnitude of an earthquake is a fixed value that represents the total amount of energy released by the earthquake. It is determined by the amount of ground movement at the epicenter and is not affected by the distance from the epicenter. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 19.
According to the video “Inside the Volcano,” the ancient cities of Pompei and Herculaneum were destroyed by what kind of eruptive product from Mt. Vesuvius?
- A.
Lahars
- B.
Pyroclastic flows and falls
- C.
Lava flows
- D.
Toxic gases
- E.
Burning brimstone (sulfur)
Correct Answer
B. Pyroclastic flows and fallsExplanation
The correct answer is pyroclastic flows and falls. According to the video "Inside the Volcano," the ancient cities of Pompei and Herculaneum were destroyed by pyroclastic flows and falls from Mt. Vesuvius. Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter, including ash, rocks, and debris. These flows can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius and can travel at speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour. Pyroclastic falls, on the other hand, occur when volcanic ash and rock fragments are ejected into the air and then fall back to the ground. These devastating volcanic phenomena were responsible for the destruction of the cities.Rate this question:
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- 20.
True or False? Data upon which the Flood Recurrence Interval for a given stream are based are specific to that stream and will not change over time.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the data upon which the Flood Recurrence Interval for a given stream is based can change over time. Factors such as climate change, land use changes, and alterations to the stream's watershed can all impact flood recurrence. Therefore, it is important to regularly update and reassess the data to ensure accurate flood predictions and planning.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Some volcanoes produce fast-moving avalanches of ash, rock, volcanic glass fragments, and gas. What are these avalanches called?
- A.
Landslides
- B.
Ash fall
- C.
Tephra fall
- D.
Pyroclastic flows
- E.
Lahars
Correct Answer
D. Pyroclastic flowsExplanation
Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving avalanches of ash, rock, volcanic glass fragments, and gas. They are extremely dangerous and can reach speeds of up to 700 km/h. These flows are formed during explosive volcanic eruptions when the eruption column collapses, sending a mixture of hot volcanic materials rushing down the slopes of the volcano. Pyroclastic flows can cause widespread destruction and are a significant hazard associated with volcanic eruptions.Rate this question:
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- 22.
According to the video “California’s Katrina”, flooding of New Orleans could not have been prevented; the design and construction of the levees protecting the city were sound.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the correct answer, which is False, is that the video "California's Katrina" argues that the flooding of New Orleans could have been prevented. It states that the design and construction of the levees protecting the city were not sound, implying that they were flawed and contributed to the flooding.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Apr 29, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Apr 29, 2009Quiz Created by
Njhasty
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