GEOL 118 EXAM 1

What type of plate boundary occurs in southern Alaska? A Divergent Boundary A Convergent Boundary A Transform Boundary

A Convergent Boundary

What is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?

A natural hazard is a natural Earth process that has the potential to cause death and destruction; a natural disaster is a natural Earth process that has caused a significant amount of death and destruction.

Mercalli scale

A scale that rates earthquakes according to their intensity and how much damage they cause at a particular place

Which of the following statements is TRUE about a scientific theory?

A scientific theory can be rejected if it does not adequately explain new data and observations

Damage to buildings from swelling soils can be reduced by: A. anchoring the foundation of buildings within shallow depths of soil where the soil can always dry after it becomes completely wet B. using land surface grading and gutters to prevent water from entering the soil next to the building C. planting trees next to the foundation of buildings so the soil can undergo natural drying and wetting cycles D. all of the above

B. using land surface grading and gutters to prevent water from entering the soil next to the building

For window glass to be a mineral, which of its properties would need to change? It would need to have an ordered arrangement of atoms. It would need to be formed by nature. It would need to be inorganic. Both answers a and b are correct. Answers a, b, and c are correct.

Both answers a and b are correct.

Why is the Mercalli Scale of earthquake intensity useful?

City planners can determine if building codes need to be improved to reduce damage from future earthquakes. For earthquakes that occurred before the invention of the seismograph, magnitude values can be estimated. City planners can evaluate areas at greatest risk from earthquake damage due to the effect of the local geology.

Which layer of the Earth has a large part as liquid and a large part as solid? Continental crust Oceanic crust Mantle Core All of the above

Core

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is caused by:

Extensive faulting associated with the failed development of a plate boundary 600 million years ago.

True or False: All earthquakes occur at or close to tectonic plate boundaries.

False

True or False: For an area that has a history of very large earthquakes, the probability of a very large earthquake in any given year is the same from year to year because the probability of a very large earthquake is random over time.

False

True or False: Heat from the Sun and gravity are the major sources of energy for driving geologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes and creation of mountains.

False

True or False: Large ocean waves that are created by earthquakes are called liquefaction waves

False

True or False: Loose, water-saturated sand or mud provides a good foundation for building construction in seismically active areas because such sediments tend to decrease ground shaking from an earthquake.

False

True or False: There is no scientific basis for the short-range and long-range prediction of earthquakes.

False

True or false Assuming that an ancient lava flow formed in a similar manner to modern lava flows is an example of the principle of conformity.

False

3) Why was there not much death and destruction caused by the New Madrid, MO earthquakes of 1811 - 1812? Very strong building construction and earthquake safety drills reduced the impacts of the earthquakes The earthquakes were only small ones that were incapable of large-scale death and destruction The local residents built homes and other buildings on wet mud that resists shaking during earthquakes Few people lived in the area at that time All of the above are correct

Few people lived in the area at that time

If you are in a building when a major earthquake occurs, what is your best defensive action while the ground shaking is occurring?

Go under a sturdy table or bed

Rank the earth materials in terms of their engineering strength (strongest on left, weakest on right). Granite, volcanic ash (loose grains of volcanic glass), basalt Granite, basalt, volcanic ash Basalt, granite, volcanic ash Basalt, volcanic ash, granite Volcanic ash, granite, basalt

Granite, basalt, volcanic ash

A location in the world where there is a continent-continent collision zone is:

Himalaya Mountains

Which of the following is NOT part of the tectonic cycle? Continental formation Volcanoes Mountain building Earthquakes Hurricanes

Hurricanes

The principle of superposition states that

In a sequence of horizontal rock layers, the layers get progressively younger towards the top of the sequence.

What is the most abundant element in the entire Earth (crust, mantle and core)? Oxygen Silicon Iron Carbon Aluminum

Iron

Which of the following usually is NOT a source of damage from earthquakes? Landslides Large cracks in the ground that are big enough for people to fall into Fire Building collapse Liquefaction

Large cracks in the ground that are big enough for people to fall into

Kobe Japan Earthquake of 1995

Large earthquake (Magnitude = ~7) that caused a large amount of damage and a large number of deaths despite relatively strong building construction in the area

the Loma Prieta (San Francisco area), California earthquake in 1989?

Large earthquake (Magnitude = ~7) that caused a large amount of damage because it occurred near a densely populated area; fortunately there were relatively few deaths

Which of the following statements is FALSE? Slate is an excellent choice for roof shingles because it splits into thin sheets and it is very durable. Granite is an excellent choice for outside steps because it resists dissolution from acidic rain and contains relatively hard minerals. Limestone is rarely used as an exterior building stone because it dissolves readily in acidic rain. Prof. Christie thinks that the sandstone used to build Altgeld Hall was a poor choice because it is very porous and absorbs air pollution readily. Using marble for steps is a poor choice because it contains relatively soft minerals.

Limestone is rarely used as an exterior building stone because it dissolves readily in acidic rain.

Which of the following statements is FALSE about Earth's layers, the crust, mantle, and core The crust is the thinnest of the three layers. The core is completely liquid whereas the crust and mantle are mostly solid. The outermost layer is the crust and the innermost layer is the core. The crust and mantle are comprised of rock and the core is comprised mostly of iron metal.

The core is completely liquid whereas the crust and mantle are mostly solid.

An example of an anticipatory response (rather than a reactive response) to natural disasters is require people living in hazardous areas to have insurance for the appropriate disaster improve building codes to decrease damage from a future earthquake or hurricane mapping hazardous areas and restricting development in the most hazardous areas all of the above

all of the above

Which of the following represents a possible plane of weakness in rock? natural fractures, called joints foliation planes in metamorphic rock layering in sedimentary rock all of the above

all of the above

Will earthquake waves travel farther from the epicenter in bedrock (granite) or sediments?

bedrock

Why are earthquakes with Richter magnitude values of 9 about the largest size earthquakes observed?

rocks have a finite strength and tend to break after a certain large amount of energy is stored in rock

Which type of seismic wave usually does the most damage during an earthquake?

surface waves

The mantle of Earth is:

the layer below the crust

Which of the following applies to the seismic waves known as p-waves?

wave vibrates parallel to direction of wave movement, moves from subsurface through Earth, fastest seismic wave

Which of the following rocks has the greatest engineering strength? mudstone limestone granite slate

granite

How much more ground shaking is there in a Magnitude 7 earthquake vs. Magnitude 5 earthquake? 7/5 20 100 900 Unable to determine based on the information given

100

Which of the following statements is TRUE about earthquake probability in a seismically active area? Earthquake probability is constant every year. After a major earthquake, the probability of another earthquake along the same fault is always very low because the rock has been permanently weakened there. After a major earthquake, the probability of another earthquake along the same fault initially is low but the future earthquake probability progressively increases as pressure builds on the same fault.

After a major earthquake, the probability of another earthquake along the same fault initially is low but the future earthquake probability progressively increases as pressure builds on the same fault.

Which of the three earthquakes we talked about was the largest in magnitude? New Madrid, Mo Alaska San Francisco 1989

Alaska

Why are natural disasters becoming more common and more damaging over the past 50 - 60 years? World population has steadily increased over the past 50 - 60 years; this means more people and property are at risk for natural disasters. Certain human activities have made certain natural disasters more common or even larger in size. Natural disaster data is being collected more accurately now compared to 50 - 60 years ago. All of the above are correct.

All of the above are correct

Why it is necessary for scientists to study natural hazards? A study of natural hazards can tell us where different hazards are possible. A study of natural hazards can tell us what effects to expect from a hazard. A study of natural hazards can tell us what effects we may have on the frequency of a hazard. A study of natural hazards may give us more time to make predictions and warnings. All of the above are reasons why scientists study natural hazards.

All of the above are reasons why scientists study natural hazards.

The Mercalli Scale is more qualitative (less precise) than the Richter scale. Why is the more qualitative Mercalli scale useful? City planners can evaluate areas at greatest risk from earthquake damage due to the effect of the local geology. City planners can determine if building codes need to be improved to reduce damage from future earthquakes. For earthquakes that occurred before the invention of the seismograph, magnitude values can be estimated. All of the above statements are correct.

All of the above statements are correct.

Why are warnings issued to the public even if the forecast is not 100% for a predicted hazard? Someday the scientists will get it right. To scare people into reacting. To make sure the media reports the warning. An informed public is better able to act responsibly than an uninformed public.

An informed public is better able to act responsibly than an uninformed public.

How many different seismograph locations are needed to uniquely determine a specific earthquake epicenter location?

At least 3 seismograph locations

Which of the following choices represents the best use of limestone for exterior building purposes as well as the reason for its use? Limestone is rarely used as an exterior building stone because it will dissolve in acid rain. Decorative trim stone around outside doors and windows because it is cheap and easily cut Roof shingles because it splits into smooth, flat sheets Durable outside steps because of its hardness and resistance to chemical weathering

Decorative trim stone around outside doors and windows because it is cheap and easily cut

During the last century, the global temperature trend has increased, causing scientists to hypothesize about continued global warming. Which of the following is NOT an impact this might have on natural hazards? Sea levels will rise, causing more erosion. Magma will rise, causing more volcanoes. Deserts are likely to expand. Warmer ocean water will increase storm activity. All of the above are impacts of climate change.

Magma will rise, causing more volcanoes.

The Geologic Eras (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, are separated by: Igneous Rocks Asteroid Impacts Mass Extinctions Sea-Level Changes

Mass Extinctions

Indonesia earthquake in 2004

Massive earthquake (Magnitude = ~9) that caused a 10 m tsunami, which caused a large number of deaths over a large area of coastline including several different countries

Japan earthquake in 2011

Massive earthquake (Magnitude = ~9) that caused a 40 m tsunami, which caused a large number of deaths over a large area of coastline of one country and caused the meltdown of 3 nuclear reactors

Which of the following statements about the rock cycle is TRUE? Sedimentary rock forms only at the very top land surface of Earth. Igneous rocks form when loose grains get compacted together by the pressure of overlying rock layers Rocks are only able to complete one full cycle through the rock cycle during Earth history due to the slow nature of burial and tectonic uplift. Metamorphic rocks can form when a previous rock (igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary) changes due to high temperature and pressure deep within Earth.

Metamorphic rocks can form when a previous rock (igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary) changes due to high temperature and pressure deep within Earth.

Compared to the rocks that make up the Earth's crust, the entire Earth is more dense less dense about the same density unknown because it is impossible to determine the density of the Earth

More Dense

3) Drilling into a fault and injecting water to induce a large number of small earthquakes and eliminate the build-up of pressure on the fault represents an extremely promising way to prevent future damage from a massive Magnitude 8 earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. True False More research needs to be done to determine whether or not future damage from a massive earthquake can be prevented in this way.

More research needs to be done to determine whether or not future damage from a massive earthquake can be prevented in this way.

Which of the following statements is FALSE about human-induced earthquakes? Most human-induced earthquakes are ONLY due to hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking. There has been a huge increase in human-induced earthquakes over the past 8 years or so. Oklahoma has experienced a huge increase in human-induced earthquakes, which has put its risk for future earthquake damage to a similar level as California. Scientists have known that human activities can induce earthquakes for over 50 years.

Most human-induced earthquakes are ONLY due to hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking.

Which information fits for a divergent plate boundary? Trail of active and extinct volcanoes from deep source of magma that penetrates a moving tectonic plate, geographic example is Hawaii No ocean crust is produced or destroyed, geographic example is San Andreas Fault New oceanic crust is produced here, geographic example is Mid Atlantic Ridge Old oceanic crust is destroyed here, geographic example is western South America All oceanic crust has destroyed, geographic example is Himalaya Mountains

New oceanic crust is produced here, geographic example is Mid Atlantic Ridge

Which information best describes how most faults move (and earthquakes occur)? Slow continuous movement on a fault Over time pressure builds up, which bends rock. Eventually the rocks break, similar to breaking a stick. Later earthquakes occur on other unbroken parts of the fault. Over time pressure builds up, which bends rock. Eventually, the rocks break, similar to pulling a heavyweight with a spring. Later earthquakes can occur on the same part of the fault that moved initially. Geologists don't know how faults move or earthquakes occur

Over time pressure builds up, which bends rock. Eventually, the rocks break, similar to pulling a heavy weight with a spring. Later earthquakes can occur on the same part of the fault that moved initially.

Which wave will arrive at a seismograph first? P-Wave S-Wave Surface Wave Rayleigh Wave Unable to determine based on the information given

P-Wave

Which description fits for a convergent plate boundary? Plates move directly away from each other, non-explosive volcanic eruptions, minor earthquakes only Plates move directly toward each other, explosive volcanic eruptions, major and minor earthquakes Plates move directly toward each other, no volcanic eruptions, major and minor earthquakes Plates move laterally past each other with horizontal motion only, no volcanic eruptions, major and minor earthquakes No motion of tectonic plates, no volcanic eruptions, no earthquakes

Plates move directly toward each other, explosive volcanic eruptions, major and minor earthquakes

Which of the three earthquakes we talked about was the largest in economic loss? New Madrid, Mo Alaska San Francisco 1989

San Francisco 1989

Liquefaction occurs when: A landslide occurs under a building as the ground is shaking Sediment becomes compacted by the shaking and settles under the building, forming a hole the building can fall into Sediment becomes suspended in fluid, losing cohesion and allowing buildings to sink into it A fault opens underneath a building, causing it to fall into the hole

Sediment becomes suspended in fluid, losing cohesion and allowing buildings to sink into it

Which of the following statements is TRUE? Metamorphic rocks form at low temperatures Sedimentary rocks form from cooled lava or magma Igneous rocks usually form under intense pressure Metamorphic rocks generally form at the surface of the Earth Sedimentary rocks are formed from the weathering of other rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the weathering of other rocks

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding earthquake prediction? Seismologists cannot predict earthquakes because there is no scientific basis for earthquake prediction. Seismologists have made numerous successful short-range earthquake predictions, i.e., a day or two before. Seismologists have made numerous successful long-range earthquake predictions, i.e., over a 30 year period or so. Seismologists make earthquake predictions based on the occurrence of many foreshocks, i.e., small earthquakes that precede a large one.

Seismologists have made numerous successful long-range earthquake predictions, i.e., over a 30 year period or so.

New Madrid earthquakes in the early 1800s

Several very large earthquakes (Magnitude = 7 - 8) over a few months that caused relatively few deaths and relatively little damage because of low population density in the area

Where in the United States is the risk of earthquakes low?

Southeast

Rank the following earthquakes in terms of the number of deaths (largest on left, smallest on right) Sumatra 2004, Japan 1995, Japan 2011 Japan 2011, Sumatra 2004, Japan 1995 Sumatra 2004, Japan 2011, Japan 1995 Japan 2011, Japan 1995, Sumatra 2004

Sumatra 2004, Japan 2011, Japan 1995

Which of the following statements is false? Swelling clay problems can be reduced by consulting soil maps before building. Keeping soil moisture constant is important for reducing swelling clay problems. Swelling clay is one of the most damaging of the geologic hazards. Swelling clay is one of the deadliest of the geologic hazards. Illinois does not have major problems from swelling clay.

Swelling clay is one of the deadliest of the geologic hazards.

Which of the following statements about ground shaking caused by an earthquake is FALSE? There is increasing ground shaking with increasing Richter magnitude value (assume all else is constant). There is increasing ground shaking with decreasing depth to the earthquake focus (assume all else is constant). There is increasing ground shaking with decreasing distance to the earthquake epicenter (assume all else is constant). There is more ground shaking on granite bedrock than on a wet muddy soil (assume all else is constant).

There is more ground shaking on granite bedrock than on a wet muddy soil (assume all else is constant).

Which of the following descriptions applies to Parkfield, California? Town located on San Andreas fault where tectonic creep (slow, continuous movement along the fault) occurs Town located on San Andreas fault where there are moderately large earthquakes fairly regularly, typically one every 22 years

Town located on San Andreas fault where there are moderately large earthquakes fairly regularly, typically one every 22 years

Convergent plate boundaries generally represent a greater hazard to people than divergent or transform plate boundaries due to the threat of major earthquakes, explosive volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and landslides (associated with the mountain chains).

True

Land use planning is one of the most effective ways to mitigate natural hazards.

True

Some events that used to be disasters in the past are now causing catastrophes.

True

The duration of the Precambrian is longer than the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras combined.

True

The structure of rocks (faults, cracks, or folded rocks) can give clues as to the type of hazards found in a location.

True

The wealthiest countries generally have fewer deaths from natural disasters than poorer countries.

True

True or False: All silicate minerals contain the elements silicon and oxygen.

True

True or False: An earthquake is the sudden release of stored energy in the subsurface; earthquakes are usually due to movement along a fault.

True

True or False: Hurricanes and earthquakes typically are the most deadly type of natural disaster, i.e., cause the most deaths.

True

True or False: In general, natural hazards involving weather are easier to forecast than natural hazards involving geology.

True

With increasing distance from an earthquake epicenter, the lag time (i.e., time separation between the P-waves and S-waves) increases.

True

Which of the following statements is FALSE about tsunamis? Tsunamis usually are not very high waves in the open ocean. The first part of a tsunami to reach a coastline usually is the low part of the wave, which causes the ocean to withdraw. Unfortunately, there is no warning possible for tsunamis to coastal areas. Earthquakes in ocean crust are the most common way that tsunamis form. All of the above statements are TRUE

Unfortunately, there is no warning possible for tsunamis to coastal areas.

What is the importance of the idea that "natural hazards are repetitive"? We need to look to past events to understand what is probable for the future. If something has already happened, like a volcanic eruption, then we won't need to worry about it. New events will probably happen exactly like old ones, so we need to be prepared. Hazards keep happening constantly in an area, so people already know how to react to them.

We need to look to past events to understand what is probable for the future.

Do humans have an effect on the frequency of natural disasters? Yes. Humans can control many natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes. No. Natural disasters are random and people cannot affect them. Maybe. Some natural disasters are random, but some are caused entirely by humans. Yes. Land use by humans can increase the frequency or size of natural disasters such as flooding or landslides.

Yes. Land use by humans can increase the frequency or size of natural disasters such as flooding or landslides.

Minerals tend to break along weak surfaces called bedding planes exfoliation surfaces cleavage planes joint surfaces

cleavage planes

What applies to the rock, marble?

coarse (large) grained, no foliation, consists entirely of calcite, formed deep within Earth under high pressure and temperature, used for inside walls at Krannert Performing Arts Center and steps in Lincoln Hall

What applies to the rock, granite?

coarse (large) grained, silicic composition, cooled from molten rock, most abundant rock in continental crust, commonly used as a building stone because it is very durable

Which of the following statements is FALSE? a. Distance to an earthquake epicenter is determined by using seismograph data and a time-travel graph. b. P-waves are always the first type of seismic waves to arrive at a seismograph station from an earthquake event. c. If two seismograph stations are located at different distances from an earthquake epicenter, the location with P-waves that arrive the earliest is located closer to the earthquake epicenter than the location with P-waves that arrive later. d. For a single seismograph location S-waves usually have a smaller height than P-waves.

d. For a single seismograph location S-waves usually have a smaller height than P-waves.

Based only on the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at a single seismograph location (i.e., information from a single seismogram), which of the following can NOT be determined? a. Lag time, i.e., the difference in arrival time of P-waves and S-waves b. Distance to the earthquake epicenter c. Origin time, i.e., the time when the earthquake occurred d. Richter magnitude of the earthquake

d. Richter magnitude of the earthquake

In general, there is more ground shaking from an earthquake with:

decreasing depth from the surface and decreasing distance to the epicenter

If you wanted to draw the boundaries of tectonic plates on a world map, which of the following maps would give you the most complete information? active volcanoes edge of continental shelves earthquake distribution mid-ocean ridges hotspots

earthquake distribution

The characteristic type of volcano associated with a convergent tectonic plate boundary is:

explosively erupting volcano

Name the characteristic type(s) of earthquakes associated with a transform tectonic plate boundary.

frequent minor and major earthquakes

Foliation in rocks is caused by the preferential alignment of platy mineral grains due to crystallization of molten magma partial melting of mantle rock intense pressure (stress) during metamorphism settling of mineral grains in water during the formation of sedimentary rock

intense pressure (stress) during metamorphism

The epicenter of an earthquake is ALWAYS the:

location on Earth's surface directly above the focus

What applies to the rock, sandstone?

medium (~sand) grain size with cemented texture, consists mostly of quartz, formed from lithification of sediment

The major characteristic geologic feature at a divergent tectonic plate boundary is

oceanic ridge

global catastrophe

one that has a devastating direct effect on a huge number of people in all parts of the world and can cause mass extinctions? (ex. meteorite impact)

Which set of features is associated with a convergent plate boundary? plates move directly away from each other producing earthquakes; new oceanic crust forms at Mid Ocean Ridge due to melting of rising mantle; geographic example is Mid Atlantic Ridge plates move horizontally past each other producing earthquakes; no volcanoes because no melting occurs; geographic example is San Andreas Fault in California plate moves over a stationary source of rising magma from the mantle producing an isolated zone of active volcanoes and a trail of old, inactive volcanoes on the plate; earthquakes are produced by the rising mantle; geographic example is Hawaii plates move directly towards each other producing earthquakes; oceanic crust subducts (sinks) into the mantle and melts producing volcanoes; geographic example is Andes Mountains in South America

plates move directly towards each other producing earthquakes; oceanic crust subducts (sinks) into the mantle and melts producing volcanoes; geographic example is Andes Mountains in South America

Which set of features is associated with a transform plate boundary? plates move horizontally past each other producing earthquakes; no volcanoes because no melting occurs; geographic example is San Andreas Fault in California plates move directly towards each other producing earthquakes; oceanic crust subducts (sinks) into the mantle and melts producing volcanoes; geographic example is Andes Mountains in South America plates move directly away from each other producing earthquakes; new oceanic crust forms at Mid Ocean Ridge due to melting of rising mantle; geographic example is Mid Atlantic Ridge plate moves over a stationary source of rising magma from the mantle producing an isolated zone of active volcanoes and a trail of old, inactive volcanoes on the plate; earthquakes are produced by the rising mantle; geographic example is Hawaii

plates move horizontally past each other producing earthquakes; no volcanoes because no melting occurs; geographic example is San Andreas Fault in California

Which of the following is NOT part of the definition of a mineral? definable chemical composition has a crystal structure relatively hard inorganic solid

relatively hard

Which of the following minerals is NOT part of the geologic definition of mineral? has an orderly arrangement of atoms (crystal structure) relatively hard definite chemical composition inorganic solid

relatively hard

The hardness of a mineral refers to the mineral's _______. resistance to breaking when being struck with a hammer resistance to being scratched by other substances resistance to chemical reactions with other substances absence of cleavage ability to reflect light

resistance to being scratched by other substances