GEOL 353 Geologic Hazards Final

Which of the following tectonic features are associated with volcanic activity? Choose all that apply. -Divergent plate boundaries -Convergent plate boundaries -Transform plate boundaries -Hotspots -None of the above

-Divergent plate boundaries -Convergent plate boundaries -Hotspots

What types of events cause tsunamis? Choose all that apply. -Earthquakes -Landslides -Forest fires -Droughts -Volcanic eruptions -Meteor impacts -Hurricanes -Sea level rise

-Earthquakes -Landslides -Volcanic eruptions -Meteor impacts

Which of the following volcanic gases are hazardous to people, animals, agriculture, and property? Choose all that apply. -Hydrogen halides (HF, HCl, HBr) -Water vapor (H2O) -Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) -Carbon dioxide (CO2) -Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

-Hydrogen halides (HF, HCl, HBr) -Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) -Carbon dioxide (CO2) -Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

According to this week's video (National Geographic - Top Ten Disasters), what four factors are used to rate the severity of a natural disaster? Choose four factors from the list below: -Magnitude (size) of the event -Type of event (flood, earthquake, etc.) -Deaths caused by the event -Economic damage cuased by the event -Lasting legacy of the event -Geographic location of the event

-Magnitude (size) of the event -Deaths caused by the event -Economic damage cuased by the event -Lasting legacy of the event

What parts of the world are impacted by the polar jet stream? Choose all that apply. -North America -South America -Europe -Africa -Asia -Australia -Antarctica

-North America -Europe -Asia

Which of the following hazards are closely associated with earthquakes? Choose all that apply. -Subsidence -Liquefaction -Ground displacement -Flooding -Tsunamis -Fires

-Subsidence -Liquefaction -Ground displacement -Flooding -Tsunamis -Fires

What 3 general regions of the United States are most susceptible to landslides? Choose all that apply. -The west coast -The east coast -The Gulf coast -The Rocky Mountain region -The Midwest -The Appalachian region

-The west coast -The Rocky Mountain region -The Appalachian region

What parts of the U.S. are at the highest risk for earthquakes? Choose all that apply. -Only California is at significant risk for earthquakes -Western states, especially Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California -Most of Alaska -Hawaii, especially the big island of Hawaii -The Great Lakes region -The region near the borders of Kentucky,Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri -States that border the Gulf of Mexico, especially Texas, Louisiana, and Florida

-Western states, especially Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California -Most of Alaska -Hawaii, especially the big island of Hawaii -The region near the borders of Kentucky,Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri

Describe the two most effective methods of landslide mitigation, or how to reduce the effects of landslides. If either of these methods needs further explanation (for example, details about how landslide hazards are reduced) include this in your explanation.

1) Reducing construction on steep slopes or existing landslides can decrease the risk of future landslides. 2) Stabilizing slopes or existing landslides can reduce the risk of future landslides. Vegetation, and specifically the roots of trees and other plants drastically reduce the risk of landslides, as they increase soil cohesion and allow water to drain more easily. Proper soil drainage is also a way to mitigate the risk of landslides. Less saturated soil is less likely to cause a landslide.

According to this week's video (NOVA - Inside the Megastorm) what unusual meteorological conditions affected the path of Hurricane Sandy? List at least 3 unusual conditions.

1. An inland noreaster storm that was originally parallel to Hurricane Sandy moving up the East coast combined with Sandy, making the hurricane even more intense. 2. The Bremudan high, which normally steers hurricanes away from land, out to sea in the North Atlantic, was absent, so the hurricane continued up parallel to the coastline. 3. The Gulf Stream which pumps a stream of warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up and across the Atlantic was warmer than normal. Surface waters were up to 5 degrees warmer than usual. The warm water made the hurricane even stronger.

How many deaths are estimated to occur in Portland due to building collapse? List 4 preparations Portland has made to mitigate deaths from building collapse. (You can find answers to both these questions in the reading assignment Portland Monthly - The Big One: A Northwest Earthquake Survival Guide.)

1. In 2012, Portland voters passed a $482 million bond to improve schools to be able to better withstand a large earthquake. 2. The Portland Water Bureau has begun building new tanks that will be able to withstand large earthquakes. 3. Portland has established a network of Basic Emergency Communication Nodes that will be deployed in red-and-white tents in parks and open spaces throughout the city to receive shortwave radio transmissions. 4. Portland Fire Bureau has rebuilt all of its 30 facilities so that they are now earthquake-proof. FEEDBACK: 3/5 How many deaths are estimated to occur in Portland due to building collapse? (Estimates range from 650 to 6,000.) -1 Good examples of mitigation measures, but not all of these mitigate against deaths specific to building collapse (for example, building water tanks that can withstand large earthquakes is an important mitigation measure, but it will not directly limit deaths due to building collapse). -1

What four steps does the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center take to alert the public of possible tsunamis? (Hint: although the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center website was one of the websites you visited this week, you will find a more detailed explanation of the steps scientists take to alert the public in the assigned reading from the Pacific Tsunami Museum website.)

1. Monitor seismographs around the world 2. Monitor deep sea gauges that detect tsunami movement 3. Use information from surface buoys and forecast models to determine where the tsunami is approaching. 4. Sound alarm that alerts people in tsunami warning zone of incoming tsunami. These people should then listen to radio or tv for further instructions.

Describe 3 ways that levees can fail. This question is from the Levee Simulator (Links to an external site.) section of the Flood Smart website.

1. Overtopping is when flood waters rise higher than the levee's crown and will flood the area that is supposed to be protected by the levee. 2. Breaching is when part of a levee gives way and water can move through the hole. When the hole grows it can cause the entire levee to give way. 3. Seepage is when over time water begins to seep through or under the levee. This can result in the total collapse of the levee.

Describe three methods scientists use to monitor volcanoes for signs of activity. For each method, explain how the information is collected (what is measured, or what type of equipment is used), and what the information tells scientists about the volcano.

1. Scientists observe seismicity to predict volcanic activity. Using several seismometers, scientists track the movement of earthquakes. Location of earthquakes tell of the volcano's underground processes that may lead eruptive behavior. 2. Scientists observe deformation at the surface (swelling, sinking, or cracking) which are caused by the movement of fluids underground. Using multiple GPS instruments, scientists can track the movement of the ground, letting them know of the movement of fluids that may lead to volcanic activity. 3. Scientists observe the amount and type of gas being released from volcanos. This gas directly relates to the type, amount, and depth of magma beneath the surface. An increase in gas output, the appearance of new vents, or a change in the chemical makeup of the gas and water can be some of the first aboveground signs of heightened volcanic activity. One way this gas can be observed is with a MultiGAS monitoring instrument, such as the one installed on the dome in Mt. St. Helens crater.

When you created your own hurricane, what 3 things were needed in order to generate a hurricane? Of the 5 hurricanes you generated, which one had the greatest intensity? What category was this hurricane?

1. warm ocean temperature 2. high humidity 3. low pressure The third hurricane I created had the highest intensity: category 5 at landfall. It started in the Atlantic Ocean near the west coast of Northern Africa and moved west then north until it reached land on the northeast coast of the US.

Match each of the following photos with the type of volcano or volcanic feature that best describes it. Photo 1: Mt. Hood Photo 2: Mauna Loa Photo 3: Lava Butte 2 Photo 4: Fort Rock 2 Photo 5: Crater Lake Photo 6: Fissure Eruption 1

1: Stratovolcano 2: Shield Volcano 3: Cinder cone 4: Tuff Ring 5: Caldera 6: Volcanic Fissure

What is meant by the term 100-year flood? Your answer should include something about the magnitude and the percent chance of happening in any given year. Can more than one 100-year flood occur in a 100 year time span? Can more than one 100-year flood occur in 1 year?

A 100 year flood is a flood that statistically has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. More than one 100-year flood can occur in a 100 year time span and also in 1 year. There is no set magnitude for a 100-year flood (it does not have to be large). It just means that during any given year there is a 1 in 100 chance that a flood of a given magnitude will occur. The magnitude can vary, for example a small stream channel will have a very different "100-year flood" magnitude than a large river like the Willamette.

What is a reinsurance company? Why do these companies have a special interest in keeping track of natural hazards and natural disasters?

A reinsurance company is a company that sells insurance to insurance companies. These companies could be liable to cover damage done by natural hazards and disasters.

Part A) Explain the difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon. Part B) Explain the difference between a tropical depression, a tropical storm, and a hurricane.

A) A hurricane occurs in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific oceans, while Typhoons occur in the west Pacific, and cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. They are all essentially the same thing, but called different names when they occur in specific locations. B) A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38mph, a tropical storm has max sustained winds of 39 to 73mph, and a hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

A) Name two natural hazards we have discussed this term that can trigger landslides. B) Name at least one more natural hazard that we have not discussed, but that can also trigger landslides. Your answers should be brief, just a few words for each answer.

A) Earthquakes and volcanoes can both trigger landslides. B) Monsoons, or very heavy rain episodes can also trigger landslides.

Scientists estimate there is a ________% chance of a M 9+ Cascadia earthquake occurring in the next _______years and a _______% chance of a M 8+ Cascadia earthquake occurring in the next _______years. The frequency of occurrence for these earthquakes is once every 500 years for a M 9+ earthquake, and once every 250 for a M 8+ earthquake. The last Cascadia earthquake occurred ________years ago.

Answer 1: 10-15 Answer 2: 50 Answer 3: 37 Answer 4: 50 Answer 5: 316

Do typical homeowners insurance policies cover geologic hazards like landslides? a) Yes b) No

B) No

Explain what caused the March 2011 earthquake in Japan and the December 2004 earthquake in Sumatra. How were these two events similar? Your answer should include a brief description of what is happening to the tectonic plates in both regions.

Both of these earthquakes were caused by plate movements in subduction zones. The oceanic plate in each case is slowing sinking beneath the continental, or island plate. As one plate descends below an other, it sticks and causes uplift to occur on the over riding plate. When the stick zone slips, the uplifted landmass subsides, and drops back down, thus displacing water and causing a tsunami. When this slip happens, an earthquake occurs. These two events were similar in that they were both tsunamis caused by subduction zones earthquakes. The Sumatra earthquake has a subduction zone which is at a much shallower angle than the Japan zone.

Describe how early warning systems for earthquakes (for example, Shake Alert) rely on differences in the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves to give people time to prepare for earthquakes. Also include at least three examples of the types of precautions these systems allow allow for.

Early warning systems, such as Shake Alert detect and measure the gentle (in comparison to the S-waves) P-waves and immediately send out warnings to allow citizens to prepare, if only for a few seconds or minutes, for the much more violent S-waves. These alerts cause gas mains to seal, trains to automatically hault, and alert sounds warn citizens to seek nearby safety zones, even if these zones are simply on the other side of a room.

When you created your own volcano on the National Geographic - Forces of Nature website, what criteria resulted in explosive eruptions? What criteria resulted in effusive eruptions? (There were two criteria that you experimented with in this exercise, be sure to describe each of them.) Of the four types of volcanoes listed in this exercise, which ones tend to erupt explosively? Which ones tend to erupt effusively?

High levels of dissolved gases and high silica content resulted in explosive eruptions. Low levels of dissolved gases and low silica content resulted in effusive eruptions. Composite and cinder cone volcanos erupt explosively, whereas lava dome and shield volcanos erupt effusively. FEEDBACK: 3.5/5 Yes, explosive eruptions occur when dissolved gas content is high, effusive eruptions occur when dissolved gas content is low. But silica content can be either high or low. High silica content results in more explosive eruptions, e.g. composite volcanoes; low silica content results in less explosive (but still explosive!) eruptions, e.g. cinder cones. -1.5 In summary: Gas content is the most important control on how explosive an eruption will be. Silica content matters, but not as much as gas.

According to the interactive map showing landslides in Oregon, where do most landslides in the state occur? What two factors do you think have the most influence on where landslides occur in Oregon? Your answer should explain why the majority of landslides occur where they do, and why landslides are less common in other regions of the state. In case you need it, here is a direct link to the map: Oregon Department of Mineral Industries - Interactive Maps (Links to an external site.)

Landslides occur most frequently along the costal range in Oregon, as rainfall is much higher there than in most other areas.Higher rainfall creates more saturated soil. The coastal region is also the most heavily logged region of Oregon. This combined with its steep slopes creates a high risk of landslide. Eastern Oregon experiences fewer landslides because of its relatively low rainfall. FEEDBACK: 3/5 Yes, most landslides occur in the Coast Range and the reasons for this are steep slopes and lots of precipitation. Good job! But landslides also along the west slopes of the Cascades for the same reasons. -2

Explain in your own words what mitigation means. Give at least one example from this week's lecture or reading material of: 1) Ways we can mitigate as a society against earthquakes, 2) Ways we can mitigate as individuals against earthquakes.

Mitigation is the lessening of the intensity or destruction of something BEFORE it occurs, such as that of an earthquake. Mitigation is proactive, never reactive. 1) We can mitigate as a society against earthquakes by regulating the way buildings are constructed and further promote systems like Shake Alert. 2) We can mitigate as individuals by choosing to not live near faults.

What is the difference between natural phenomena (or natural events), natural hazards, and natural disasters? Answer in your own words, using a sentence or two to explain each term and giving an example of each term in your explanation.

Natural phenomena, natural hazards, and natural disasters are all terms which describe the same events, just to different scales, in terms of their impact on humans. Natural phenomena are naturally occurring instances, such as floods or mudslides. Natural hazards are phenomena that may impact humans. Natural disasters are natural phenomena that impact humans in a major way.

How will a Cascadia earthquake impact transportation in Portland? Your answer should describe at least four major impacts on transportation. (You can find these answers in the reading assignment Portland Monthly - The Big One: A Northwest Earthquake Survival Guide.) How will the transportation problems you described above impact rescue and recovery efforts after an earthquake?

Power lines will be damaged, roads and bridges will be damaged, water and sewer lines will be damaged, hospitals will be damaged, and fuel supplies will be very hard and even impossible to obtain for months. Shipping lanes and ports will be destroyed. Airports will shut down. Major highways will be a priority but will still be very damaged and will take months to restore. With the damage of roads, fuel, hospitals, etc., it will be extremely difficult for individuals to be transported to the hospital or other places where they could seek medical help. Firemen and policemen may not have access to dangerous situations because of these transportation issues

Which of the Flood Risk Scenarios (Links to an external site.) in the Flood Smart website applies best to where you live?

The Dams/Levees Scenario is most applicable to where I live. (Very close to the Willamette that has thirteen dams along its tributaries)

What causes the polar jet stream to become "wavy"? (Be sure to include a description of what is happening to different air currents.)

The jet stream is normally caused by the meeting of cold descending air from the north with rising warm air from the south. A "blocking high" or massive high pressure system formed in the Northern Atlantic, near the south of Greenland caused the jet stream to become wavy and push Hurricane Sandy to the west. (Normally it moves hurricanes west to east.) Also, less ice in the arctic means warmer temperatures in the north, which makes the jet stream even more wavy. So the jet stream is normally wavy, but it is made even more wavy by climate change.

Why are the regions you chose in Question 4 more susceptible to landslides than other parts of the U.S.? Your answer should be brief, a sentence or less.

These areas are steep and have high rainfall. These areas have mountainous topography.

A pyroclastic flow can best be described as: a) A flow of hot gas and ash b) A flow of hot gas c) A flow of mud and pyroclastic material d) A flow of hot lava e) A rain of volcanic fragments

a) A flow of hot gas and ash

Where in the U.S. do landslides occur? a) In all 50 states. b) Only in states with steep topography. c) Only in states that get a lot of precipitation. d) Only in mountainous states. e) Only in coastal states.

a) In all 50 states.

How would you describe the path of the jet stream shown in the Boston Globe article? (The Boston Globe: Blame jet stream, arctic air for repeat snowstorms). (Links to an external site.) a) More "wavy" than usual, bringing heavy snow storms to New England. b) Less "wavy" than usual, causing storms to miss New England and travel out to sea. c) More "wavy" than usual, and traveling west instead of east. d) More "wavy" than usual, and traveling south instead of north.

a) More "wavy" than usual, bringing heavy snow storms to New England.

To determine how far away from a seismograph station an earthquake occurred, scientists plot the difference in arrival times between: a) P and S waves b) S and L waves c) P and L waves d) Seismic waves and tsunami waves e) All of the above

a) P and S waves

Which of the following is the most widespread and frequent volcanic hazard? a) Tephra (or volcanic ash) b) Lava flows c) Pyroclastic flows d) All of the above

a) Tephra (or volcanic ash)

In general, subduction zone earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest are much larger than any recorded earthquake that has occurred in California. a) True b) False

a) True

Winds in the polar jet stream can travel at speeds greater than 100 mph. a) True b) False

a) True

Can hurricanes spawn tornadoes? a) Yes b) No c) Scientists are not sure.

a) Yes

Based on what you learned from the Smithsonian/U.S. Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report website, how many volcanoes are usually erupting worldwide? a) about 20 b) about 100 c) about 500 d) about 1,000

a) about 20

How many giant landslides have occurred in Hawaii during the past 4 million years? ____________ Could they occur again in the future? ____________

at least 15; yes

A large subduction zone earthquake in the Pacific Northwest will likely trigger a tsunami with waves ____ feet high and lasting up to ____ hours. a) 5-10 feet high, 8 hours b) 10-50 feet high, 8 hours c) 10-50 feet high, 2 hours d) 5-10 feet high, 2 hours e) We have no way of predicting how high the tsunami waves will be, or how long they will last.

b) 10-50 feet high, 8 hours

Most earthquakes occur: a) In the middle of oceanic and continental plates b) Along the edges of oceanic and continental plates c) In oceans and lakes d) Earthquakes are scattered equally around the globe

b) Along the edges of oceanic and continental plates

Are natural hazards rare events or common events worldwide? a) Rare b) Common

b) Common

The polar jet stream is created by: a) Unusually strong tropical storms. b) Convergence of cold air descending from the Arctic and warm air rising from the tropics. c) Convergence of warm air descending from the Arctic and cold air rising from the tropics. d) Warmer global temperatures associated with climate change.

b) Convergence of cold air descending from the Arctic and warm air rising from the tropics.

What is the most turbulent part of a hurricane? a) Eye b) Eye wall c) Feeder bands d) Outflow clouds e) All of the above

b) Eye wall

One way that Oregon and Washington have mitigated against loss of life during large tsunamis is by building vertical evacuation structures in all coastal towns and cities. a) True b) False

b) False

The best definition for the term volcano is a tall cone-shaped mountain that erupts lava. a) True b) False

b) False

Which of the following is produced by the least explosive types of volcanic eruptions? a) Tephra (or volcanic ash) b) Lava flows c) Pyroclastic flows d) All of the above

b) Lava flows

How are mudflows different from landslides? This question is from the Mudflows (Links to an external site.) section of the Flood Smart website. a) Mudflows are composed mostly of debris (rocks, soil, trees, etc.), they contain more solid material than landslides. b) Mudflows are composed mostly of water, they contain less solid material than landslides. c) Mudflows and landslides are essentially the same thing, there is no physical difference between them. d) Mudflows only occur during winter months, landslides can occur any time of year. e) Mudflows only occur during summer months, landslides can occur any time of year.

b) Mudflows are composed mostly of water, they contain less solid material than landslides.

Which type of seismic waves travel the fastest? a) L waves b) P waves c) S waves d) Surface wave e) All seismic waves travel at the same speed

b) P waves

What is the effect of wind shears on hurricanes? a) They make hurricanes stronger b) They make hurricanes weaker c) They increase wind speeds d) They increase storm surges e) All of the above

b) They make hurricanes weaker

In the Flood Risk Scenarios (Links to an external site.) described in the Flood Smart website, what causes flooding in very dry (arid) regions? a) Melting snow on ground that is still frozen and cannot absorb water. b) Very dry ground that is unable to absorb heavy rainfall. c) Paved areas that are unable to absorb heavy rainfall. d) Sudden failure of dams or levees after heavy rainfall. e) Steady, torrential rains from tropical storms that overwhelm the ground's ability to absorb water.

b) Very dry ground that is unable to absorb heavy rainfall.

Which of the following is the most common type of volcanic gas? a) Hydrogen halides (HF, HCl, HBr) b) Water vapor (H2O) c) Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) d) Carbon dioxide (CO2) e) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

b) Water vapor (H2O)

According to the Cost of Flooding (Links to an external site.) calculator, what is the cost of damage caused by the smallest possible flood in the smallest possible house? a) $1,200 b) $5,400 c) $10,600 d) $20,900

c) $10,600

What is the minimum number of seismograph stations a scientist must have data from in order to locate the epicenter of an earthquake? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4 e) It depends on where the earthquake occurs

c) 3

What percentage of single-family homes in Portland were built before the first seismic codes, which means they are probably not bolted to their foundations and will be uninhabitable after a large Cascadia earthquake? a) 10% b) 30% c) 70% d) 90%

c) 70%

Hurricanes can be up to ________ miles in height. a) 2 b) 4.5 c) 9 d) 20

c) 9

Is an event like that described in Question 10 likely to occur? a) Highly likely b) Somewhat likely c) Highly unlikely d) Somewhat unlikely

c) Highly unlikely

When is the polar jet stream strongest? a) In summer months when the temperature difference between warm and cold air in the Northern Hemisphere is at its highest. b) In summer months when the temperature difference between warm and cold air in the Northern Hemisphere is at its lowest. c) In winter months when the temperature difference between warm and cold air in the Northern Hemisphere is at its highest. d) In winter months when the temperature difference between warm and cold air in the Northern Hemisphere is at its lowest.

c) In winter months when the temperature difference between warm and cold air in the Northern Hemisphere is at its highest.

Sudden melting of glaciers on volcanoes can generate which of the following hazards? a) Pyroclastic flows b) Earthquakes c) Lahars d) Lava flows e) Volcanic gases

c) Lahars

In the Flood Risk Scenarios described in the Flood Smart website, what causes flooding in areas of new development? a) Melting snow on ground that is still frozen and cannot absorb water. b) Very dry ground that is unable to absorb heavy rainfall. c) Paved areas that are unable to absorb heavy rainfall. d) Sudden failure of dams or levees after heavy rainfall. e) Steady, torrential rains from tropical storms that overwhelm the ground's ability to absorb water.

c) Paved areas that are unable to absorb heavy rainfall.

Which of the following best describes debris flows: a) A landslide that consists of a single unit that moves downslope as a coherent mass. b) Abrupt movements of rocks or boulders that become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. c) Rapid mass movement of loose soil, rock, organic matter, and water that flows as a slurry downslope. d) Imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of soil or rock.

c) Rapid mass movement of loose soil, rock, organic matter, and water that flows as a slurry downslope.

What is the most dangerous result of a hurricane once it reaches land? a) High winds b) Heavy rain c) Storm surge d) Lightning strikes e) Zombie attacks

c) Storm surge

In all cases, tsunamis waves are caused by: a) Earthquakes b) High tides c) Sudden displacement of water d) Storms e) Volcanic eruptions

c) Sudden displacement of water

In general, the most destructive earthquake waves are __________ . a) P waves b) S waves c) Surface waves d) Q waves e) All of these waves are equally destructive

c) Surface waves

Which of the disasters covered in the video was the most economic costly disaster in human history? a) Hurricane Katrina b) The 1906 San Francisco earthquake c) The 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami d) The Black Death (or bubonic plague) in Europe c) The ice age megaflood

c) The 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami

Which of the following measures an earthquake's intensity based on the observed effects on people and structures? a) The Richter scale b) The moment magnitude scale c) The Mercalli scale d) The Centigrade scale

c) The Mercalli scale

What part of the atmosphere do winds in the polar jet stream travel? a) The upper layers of the atmosphere, where they have little influence on weather. b) The middle layers of the atmosphere, where they can sometimes influence weather. c) The lower layers of the atmosphere, where they have a strong influence on weather. d) Winds in the jet stream travel in all of these layers.

c) The lower layers of the atmosphere, where they have a strong influence on weather.

If a large asteroid landed in the Pacific Ocean between the Hawaiian Islands and the west coast of North America, what would be the impact of the tsunami waves? a) They would cover the entire U.S. b) They would cover all of North America. c) They would wash out coastal cities on the west coasts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and would cover most of the coastal areas of Hawaii. d) They would wash out coastal cities on the east coasts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and would cover most of the coastal areas of the Caribbean Islands. e) They would cover the western half of the U.S. f) They would cover the eastern half of the U.S.

c) They would wash out coastal cities on the west coasts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and would cover most of the coastal areas of Hawaii.

This week's video showed layers of sand that Brian Atwater found in the pits he dug along the coast of Oregon and Washington. Which of the following best describes how these layers of sand were deposited? a) Earthquakes b) Hurricanes c) Tsunamis d) Floods e) Landslides

c) Tsunamis

Based on the information in Question 4, how seriously should the general population take the threat of large earthquakes occurring in Oregon? a) Not seriously b) Somewhat seriously c) Very seriously d) There is no basis for the public to asses the threat of large earthquakes in Oregon

c) Very seriously

What parts of the U.S. are prone to flooding during winter months? _____________. What parts of the U.S. are prone to flooding during summer months? _____________. This question is from the Heavy Rains (Links to an external site.) section of the Flood Smart website. a) Western states; Northern states b) Eastern states; Western states c) Western states; Southern and eastern states d) All parts of the U.S. are at equal risk of flooding, regardless of the season.

c) Western states; Southern and eastern states

In deep water, tsunamis move at _____________. When they reach shallow water in coastal areas, the tsunami _____________ and ____________ in height. a) slow speeds, speeds up, increases b) slow speeds, speeds up, decreases c) fast speeds, slows down, increases d) fast speeds, slows down, decreases

c) fast speeds, slows down, increases

The largest landslide in the world is over ________ thick and more than ________ in area. a) 50 feet, 100 square miles b) 100 feet, 200 square miles c)1,000 feet, 400 square miles d) 2,000 feet, 500 square miles

c)1,000 feet, 400 square miles

Because of the Coriolis Effect, hurricanes rotate _______________ in the Northern Hemisphere and ________________ in the Southern Hemisphere.

counterclockwise; clockwise

According to the Cost of Flooding calculator, what is the cost of damage caused by the largest possible flood in the largest possible house? a) $20,900 b) $39,150 c) $68,100 d) $74,580

d) $74,580

Storm surges can be up to ______ high and can extend up to ________ along coastlines. a) 10 feet, 50 miles b) 20 feet, 50 miles c) 10 feet, 100 miles d) 20 feet, 100 miles

d) 20 feet, 100 miles

Which of the following is most likely to be a natural disaster? a) A highly explosive volcanic eruption on an uninhabited island b) A large earthquake in the middle of the Sahara desert c) An avalanche in central Greenland d) A flood on the Ganges River in Bangladesh e) A large tsunami along the coastline of Antarctica

d) A flood on the Ganges River in Bangladesh

How high were the tsunami waves created by ancient landslides in Hawaii? a) About 50 feet (about 15 meters). b) About 100 feet (about 30 meters). c) About 500 feet (about 150 meters). d) About 1,000 feet (about 300 meters). e) We have no way of knowing how high these tsunami waves were.

d) About 1,000 feet (about 300 meters).

Earthquake magnitudes are measured using the following scales: a) The Richter scale b) The moment magnitude scale c) The Mercalli scale d) All of the above e) Answer one only (the Richter scale)

d) All of the above

Earthquakes can occur along which of the following types of faults? a) Normal faults b) Reverse faults c) Stike-slip faults d) All of the above e) None of the above

d) All of the above

Which of the following are the main parts of a hurricane? a) Eye b) Feeder bands c) Eye wall d) All of the above

d) All of the above

What parts of the world experience natural hazards? a) Only areas located along active tectonic plate boundaries. b) Only areas located where severe weather is likely to occur. c) Only areas located near coastlines. d) All parts of the world experience natural hazards.

d) All parts of the world experience natural hazards.

What type of plate boundaries generate the most tsunamis? a) Transform plate boundaries b) Divergent plate boundaries c) Convergent plate boundaries - continental collisions d) Convergent plate boundaries - subduction zones e) All types of plate boundaries generate tsunamis equally

d) Convergent plate boundaries - subduction zones

Which of the following is an example of a natural hazard that occurs slowly? a) Volcanic eruptions b) Earthquakes c) Floods d) Droughts e) Landslides

d) Droughts

Which of the following best describes creep (pertaining to landslides, not people): a) A landslide that consists of a single unit that moves downslope as a coherent mass. b) Abrupt movements of rocks or boulders that become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. c) Rapid mass movement of loose soil, rock, organic matter, and water that flows as a slurry downslope. d) Imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of soil or rock.

d) Imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of soil or rock.

Of the hundreds of storm systems generated in tropical regions every year, how many typically develop into hurricanes? a) All of them b) About 90% (80 to 100) c) About 70% (60 to 80) d) Less than 50% (40 to 50) e) None of them

d) Less than 50% (40 to 50)

What direction do winds in the polar jet stream travel? a) Toward the north b) Toward the south c) Toward the west d) Toward the east

d) Toward the east

Based on this week's reading materials, and this week's and last week's videos, how long could the shaking last during a large Cascadia earthquake? a) A few seconds b) Up to a minute c) Up to two minutes d) Up to five minutes e) We have no way of predicting how long the shaking during subduction zone earthquakes could last.

d) Up to five minutes

Once tsunami waves wash inland in populated areas, what do they consist of? a) Water only. b) Water and sediments (mud, soil, etc). c) Water, sediments, and natural debris (trees and other vegetation). d) Water, sediments, natural debris, and manmade debris (houses, cars, boats, etc).

d) Water, sediments, natural debris, and manmade debris (houses, cars, boats, etc).

Rising temperatures in the arctic make the jet stream _________ "wavy," increasing the likelihood of ________severe storms. a) less; less b) less; more c) more; less d) more; more e) Rising temperatures in the arctic do not impact the jet stream.

d) more; more

According to the World Meteorological Organization, every dollar that is invested in disaster preparedness can prevent ________ in economic losses related to disasters. a) one dollar b) two dollars c) five dollars d) seven dollars e) twenty dollars

d) seven dollars

Hurricanes can be up to ________ miles in diameter. a) 50 b) 100 c) 250 d) 500 e) 1,000

e) 1,000

Based on what you learned from the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Map, approximately how many earthquakes occur worldwide every week? a) less than 50 b) 50 to 100 c) 100 to 500 d) 500 to 1000 e) 1,000 to 2,000

e) 1,000 to 2,000

Which of the following can trigger landslides on volcanoes? a) Intrusion of magma into the volcano b) Explosive eruptions of the volcano c) Large earthquakes directly beneath or nearby the volcano d) Heavy rainfall that saturates the slopes of the volcano e) All of the above

e) All of the above

What evidence indicates that a large subduction zone earthquake occurred in the Pacific Northwest about 300 years ago? a)"Ghost forests" along the Pacific Northwest coast, these trees died about 300 years ago. b) Japanese records of a tsunami that occurred 316 years ago, but was not associated with an earthquake in Japan. c) Oral traditions from Native Americans living in coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest about 300 years ago. d) Subsidence of several feet along the coast of the Pacific Northwest, geologic evidence suggests this subsidence occurred about 300 years ago. e) All of the above.

e) All of the above.

What is a storm surge? This question is from the Major Coastal Hazards (Links to an external site.) section of the Flood Smart website. a) Sea water that is pushed toward shore by high winds during storms. b) Surges of water caused by storms that combine with normal tides to create larger than normal "hurricane storm tides." c) Surges of water that can be 15 feet or more above average water levels. d) Destructive surges of water that can wash out sand dunes, topple buildings, and cause flooding miles inland through river systems and bays. e) All of the above.

e) All of the above.

What types of weather events are associated with a "wavy" polar jet stream? a) Tropical storms along the east coast, for example Hurricane Sandy. b) Severe snowstorms along the east coast. c) Droughts in the Midwest. d) Unusually cold winters in Europe e) All of the above. f) None of these events are associated with the jet stream.

e) All of the above.

Which of the following describes "slow earthquakes"? a) Earthquakes that occur over a period of several weeks, rather than several seconds or minutes. b) Earthquakes that cannot be felt, even though they release the same amount of energy as a "normal" magnitude 6-7 earthquake. c) Earthquakes that occur about every 14-15 months in the Pacific Northwest. d) Earthquakes that might act as a warning for a much larger Cascadia earthquake. e) All of the above.

e) All of the above.

When the polar jet stream gets "wavy" and moves slower, what happens to the weather patterns associated with it? a) Storms tend to stall out and stay in one place for longer. b) Storms tend to move more quickly through the region. c) Storms become more intense. d) Storms become less intense. e) Both A and C are correct. f) Both B and D are correct.

e) Both A and C are correct.

Who lives in flood zones? This question is from the Flood Facts (Links to an external site.) section of the Flood Smart website. a) Only people who live in flood plains or other low-lying areas.. b) Only people in areas that get heavy rainfall. c) Only people in areas that get heavy winter storms. d) Only people in coastal areas. e) Everyone lives in areas that could flood!

e) Everyone lives in areas that could flood!

Which of the following is the most common cause of landslides? a) Earthquakes b) Volcanic eruptions c) Tsunamis d) Meteor impacts e) Slope saturation by water

e) Slope saturation by water

The most common cause of tsunamis is _________________.

earthquakes

Which of the following is not a natural hazard? a) Tsunamis b) Wildfires c) Changes in Earth's magnetic field d) Dust storms e) Strong winds f) All of these are natural hazards

f) All of these are natural hazards

What is a levee? This question is from the Levee Simulator section of the Flood Smart website. a) Structures that dam rivers (built perpendicular to the direction of river flow). b) Structures built along river banks (parallel to the direction of river flow). c) Manmade structures built specifically to generate hydroelectric power. d) Manmade structures built specifically to prevent flooding. e) Answers A and C. f) Answers B and D.

f) Answers B and D.