GEL 017 Final
What is the difference between a permanent stream and an ephemeral stream? Permanent streams form in humid environments; streambeds intersect the water table. Ephemeral streams occur in arid environments; streambeds lie above the water table. Permanent streams form in arid environments; streambeds intersect the water table. Ephemeral streams occur in humid environments; streambeds lie above the water table. Permanent streams form in humid environments; streambeds lie above the water table. Ephemeral streams occur in arid environments; streambeds lie below the water table. none of these all of these
Permanent streams form in humid environments; streambeds intersect the water table. Ephemeral streams occur in arid environments; streambeds lie above the water table.
The term climate relates to the latitude of a region; for instance, alpine at high elevations, polar at high latitudes, temperate at medial latitudes, and tropical at low latitudes. average weather conditions and range of variation of the conditions for a region. the extremes of weather conditions for a region. all of these none of these
average weather conditions and range of variation of the conditions for a region.
Tsunamis that are generated by earthquakes occur most commonly at which type of tectonic plate margin? divergent tectonic boundaries convergent tectonic boundaries transform tectonic boundaries All of these have an equal potential to produce tsunamis.
convergent tectonic boundaries
One method of flood control involves the use of artificial levees that incorporate gates to divert floodwaters onto undeveloped areas. divert floodwaters to temporary holding basins. divert floodwaters to other river channels. divert floodwaters to the sea or a bay. all of these
divert floodwaters to other river channels.
Tsunamis are most often generated by earthquakes. tides. storms. currents. all of these
earthquakes.
A strategy government agencies have followed to mitigate the risk of flood damage is to force private insurance companies to issue flood insurance despite the risk. provide free flood insurance to populations in areas at risk for flooding. force citizens to purchase flood insurance regardless of the cost. establish buyout programs; land especially prone to flooding is purchased by the government and converted to uses that are not sensitive to flooding damage. No answer text provided
establish buyout programs; land especially prone to flooding is purchased by the government and converted to uses that are not sensitive to flooding damage.
In 1988, the World Meteorological Organization, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program, founded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The purpose of the IPCC is to conduct primary climatological research. serve a peer review role in evaluating newly submitted research prior to publishing. evaluate published research and summarize its conclusions in a report published every five years. all of these none of these
evaluate published research and summarize its conclusions in a report published every five years.
The most serious secondary disaster associated with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake was the destruction of roads and bridges regionally, thwarting immediate disaster response. recovery and disposal of large amounts of debris washed onto the shore. failure of cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant resulting in damage to the facility. widespread damage to health care facilities compromising the ability to care for injured citizens
failure of cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant resulting in damage to the facility.
Large tsunamis, those that cause significant damage, occur about every six months. one to two years. five to ten years. ten to fifteen years. fifteen to twenty years.
fifteen to twenty years.
Areal flooding refers to flooding events that involve areas > 24,000 square kilometers. flooding events that involve areas > 60,000 square kilometers. flooding events due to heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt with no contributions from nearby streams. flooding events that are related to floodplain inundation over broad areas. No answer text provided.
flooding events due to heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt with no contributions from nearby streams.
Natural levees are ridges of sediment that build on the banks of a stream channel as a result of flow velocity increase as channels are overtopped during flooding events. flow velocity decrease as channels are overtopped during flooding events. competence increase as channels contain flow during flooding events. capacity increase as channels contain flow during flooding events. all of these
flow velocity decrease as channels are overtopped during flooding events.
Rock falls and debris falls involve free-fall of debris. sliding of debris. flowing debris. slumping of debris.
free-fall of debris.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded in its publications that global warming is not occurring. global warming is occurring, but human activity has no bearing on the problem. global warming is occurring, and that human activity is exacerbating the problem. global warming is occurring, but is of little concern to society.
global warming is occurring, and that human activity is exacerbating the problem.
During the Cretaceous, global temperatures were low compared to today. about the same as today. higher than today. None of these; there is no means of accurately accessing temperatures many tens of millions of years ago
higher than today.
Solifluction is downslope motion involving layers of permafrost. involving weak layers like shale or other unconsolidated sediments. along foliation planes. involving layers that are water-saturated. all of these
involving layers of permafrost.
What is the unique attribute that allows life to exist on Earth? an oxygenated atmosphere liquid water the magnetic field that shields the Earth from the solar wind and cosmic radiation the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere
liquid water
The mass flow process referred to as creep involves low-velocity downslope displacement of regolith. moderate-velocity, downslope displacement of regolith. high-velocity, downslope displacement of regolith. downslope displacement on shallow slopes; velocity is not a factor. downslope displacement on steep slopes; velocity is not a factor
low-velocity downslope displacement of regolith.
The term flood describes an event in which precipitation falls at rates greater than 6 inches per hour. lakes overfill with water. normally dry land is submerged in water. river channels fill to capacity
normally dry land is submerged in water.
Referring to the figure below, what has been responsible for the greatest increase in carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere over the last 50 years? changes in land use cement production natural gas combustion oil combustion coal combustion
oil combustion
Higher concentrations of water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere promote cooling of the atmosphere, leading to icehouse intervals. neither promote nor diminish the possibility of global temperature change. promote warming of the atmosphere, leading to greenhouse intervals. None of these; gas concentrations in the atmosphere have no effect on global temperatures
promote warming of the atmosphere, leading to greenhouse intervals.
Solifluction is a form of mass wasting limited to Correct! regions with cold climates. regions with warm climates. regions experiencing significant rainfall. regions experiencing low-magnitude seismicity. all of these
regions with cold climates.
Drawback, as it relates to tsunamis, describes the condition in which sea surface level drops to minimum levels at low tide. sea surface level begins to drop following maximum high tide. sea surface level drops due to the arrival of the trough of the tsunami wave. sea surface level drops are related offshore-oriented winds. sea surface level drops due to downwelling of water.
sea surface level drops due to the arrival of the trough of the tsunami wave.
Engineers use what is known as a safety factor to describe the stability of a slope. What safety factor value describes the least stable slope from the choices below? 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.5
In the figure below, identify the two features labeled 1 and 2. 1) floodplain; 2) natural levee 1) cut bank; 2) floodplain 1) channel; 2) point bar 1) point bar; 2) cut bank
1) point bar; 2) cut bank
The term megatsunami is applied to tsunamis with wave heights greater than or equal to 10 meters. 50 meters. 100 meters. 200 meters. 500 meters
100 meters.
The Paleocene-Eocene climatic optimum marked a period in Earth history when average global temperatures are estimated to have been 5 to 8 °C higher than today. This event occurred approximately 2,000 years ago. 15,000 years ago. 40,000 years ago. 55,000 years ago. 75,000 years ago
55,000 years ago
Inland flooding is a result of stream flow processes. tidal influences on coastlines. tsunamis. hurricane-driven storm surges
stream flow processes.
The idea that human activity may be contributing to recent climate change is rooted in research beginning in the late 1890s. the 1920s to 1930s. the 1940s to 1950s. the 1960s to 1970s. the 1980s to 1990s.
the 1960s to 1970s.
Slopes are informally defined as shallow, moderate, and steep according to the angle of the slope that is present. Moderate slopes have slope angles ranging from > 0° to 5°. 5° to 15°. 5° to 25° 5° to 35° 5° to 45°
5° to 35°
Flash floods are defined as flooding events that develop hazardous conditions in a span of 24 hours 18 hours. 12 hours. 6 hours
6 hours
The moisture sources for monsoonal rains in the southwest part of North America and northern Mexico are the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean. all of these none of these
the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean.
Since climate change is a global problem, many nations have agreed in principle to expend efforts in an attempt to slow global warming and climate change. The agreements are known as the Tokyo Protocol of 1995 and the Paris Accord of 2012. the London Protocol of 1992 and the Copenhagen Accord of 2016 . the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and the Paris Agreement of 2015. the Hamburg Protocol of 1998 and the Amsterdam Agreement of 2012. No answer text provided.
the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and the Paris Agreement of 2015.
The steepest angle that dry, granular material can be piled onto a flat surface without collapsing is the angle of slope. a failure angle. the angle of repose. the angle of resistance. the angle of mass wasting.
the angle of repose
The recurrence interval for flooding events is based upon the average time in years between two floods at a given location. the average time in years between two floods, regardless of discharge rate. the average time in years between two floods of a given discharge or greater at a given location. none of these No answer text provided
the average time in years between two floods of a given discharge or greater at a given location.
When water rises and inundates floodplains or delta plains, the competence of the flow decreases. the capacity of the flow decreases. the competence of the flow remains stable. the capacity of the flow remains stable. the competence of the flow increases.
the competence of the flow decreases.
Climate change is an example of a stealth disaster, because many people do not believe climate change is occurring. many published scientific studies conclude climate change is occurring at the present. the consequences of climate change are developing slowly, are difficult to detect, and are easily dismissed. all of these none of these
the consequences of climate change are developing slowly, are difficult to detect, and are
In a tsunami wave train with multiple individual waves, which waves are expected to be the highest? the earliest-arriving waves the latest-arriving waves the waves occupying the midpoint position in the distribution all of these
the earliest-arriving waves
The distinction between slow-onset floods and flash floods is that the former occur over hours to days; the latter occur over minutes to hours. the former occur over days to weeks; the latter occur over minutes to hours. the former occur over weeks to months; the latter occur over minutes to hours. all of these none of these
the former occur over days to weeks; the latter occur over minutes to hours.
Referring to the image below, the term used to describe the delay between peaks in precipitation and peak discharge for a stream is known as the discharge delay. the lag time. the flood delay. All of these terms are equivalent
the lag time.
Tsunami inundation limit describes the maximum vertical distance tsunamis encroach over land, relative to the shoreline. the maximum horizontal distance tsunamis encroach over land, relative to the shoreline. the maximum lateral distance tsunamis encroach over land, relative to the shoreline. the average distance tsunamis encroach over land, relative to the shoreline
the maximum horizontal distance tsunamis encroach over land, relative to the shoreline.
Referring to the figure below, what was the cause of the rapid rise in global sea level from approximately 14,000 to 8,000 years ago? global tectonic uplift the melting of continental-scale glaciers enhanced sedimentation filling the ocean basins enhanced amounts of rainfall and continental runoff flowing to the oceans none of these
the melting of continental-scale glaciers
As it relates to stream flow, discharge is a hydrological term that describes the volume of water passing through a cross-sectional area of a stream over time. the volume of water entering a stream over time. the volume of water lost through infiltration to the water table over time. the volume of water reaching base level over time.
the volume of water passing through a cross-sectional area of a stream over time.
Removal of supporting materials at the base of a slope is referred to as slope weakening. undercutting. jointing. liquefaction. slumping
undercutting.
Floods that inundate developed areas are known as areal floods. flash floods. urban floods. torrent floods. No answer text provided
urban floods.
Areas that have experienced wildfires have an increased risk of mass wasting because heat from the fire dehydrates the soil. water used to fight the fire adds weight to the soils. vegetation is removed. thick layers of ash are easy to erode.
vegetation is removed.
How has the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations affected the pH of the Earth's oceans? As carbon dioxide concentrations increase in the atmosphere, more carbon dioxide dissolves in the oceans, increasing pH. As carbon dioxide concentrations increase in the atmosphere, more carbon dioxide. dissolves in the oceans; however, carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis, so biologic productivity increases and pH is not affected. As carbon dioxide concentrations increase in the atmosphere, more carbon dioxide dissolves in the oceans, decreasing pH. None of these; carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have no effect on the pH of theoceans. No answer text provided
As carbon dioxide concentrations increase in the atmosphere, more carbon dioxide dissolves in the oceans, decreasing pH.
Deposits of methane hydrate, an ice-like substance composed of methane and water, forms in the oceans at depths of 90 to 900 meters from the activity of anerobic bacteria in seafloor sediments. What is the fate of these deposits with respect to the warming of ocean waters? Methane hydrates will remain stable: they form at deep depths, well below the warming upper reaches of the water column. Methane hydrates naturally melt and decompose over time; water temperature plays no role is the process. Methane hydrates may melt under the influence of warming oceans. none of these No answer text provided
Methane hydrates may melt under the influence of warming oceans.
What was the fate of most of the atmospheric carbon dioxide early in Earth history? Most atmospheric carbon dioxide was dissolved in ocean water. Little atmospheric carbon dioxide was dissolved in ocean water. Most atmospheric carbon dioxide was incorporated into plants by photosynthesis. None of these; atmospheric carbon dioxide has continued to increase in concentration since the Earth formed
Most atmospheric carbon dioxide was dissolved in ocean water.
Temperatures on the surface are also controlled by the proximity to oceans. the amount of vegetation exposed at the surface; transpiration from plants cools the atmosphere. the exposed surface materials; rock absorbs heat more readily than moist soils, for instance. all of these none of these
all of these
The effects of water on regolith are to increase the weight. increase slope stability. decrease slope stability. all of these none of these
all of these
Referring to the figure below, why was the Bering Strait land bridge exposed in the Pleistocene? Tectonic subsidence of the Earth's oceanic crust resulted in lower sea levels globally. The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere from extensive evaporation of seawater lowered global sea level. Atmospheric temperatures were low during the Pleistocene, and a significant portion of the northern hemisphere was covered in continental-scale glaciers, lowering global sea level. The Bering Strait region experienced local tectonic uplift, resulting in an apparent drop in sea level regionally.
Atmospheric temperatures were low during the Pleistocene, and a significant portion of the northern hemisphere was covered in continental-scale glaciers, lowering global sea level.
Approximately 60 NOAA DART stations have been deployed in the Pacific Ocean, with more planned for other ocean basins round the world. How do the DART stations work? DART stations serve as relay networks to speed announcements of an oncoming tsunami. DART stations use pressure sensors on the seafloor to detect the pressure of a passing tsunami to send alerts when a tsunami is detected. DART stations detect seismic surface waves moving along the seafloor. DART stations detect vertical displacements in the water column that may be from tsunamis or wind-driven waves
DART stations use pressure sensors on the seafloor to detect the pressure of a passing
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has developed a system with the goal of detecting and reporting the incidence of tsunamis known by the acronym DART, which stands for Direct Ocean Advance Reporting of Tsunamis. Distant Advisory and Research of Tsunamis. Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis. Detection, Advisory, and Research of Tsunamis
Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis.
The term weather refers to the local conditions of the atmosphere, including temperature and relative humidity. air pressure and wind velocity. cloud cover and precipitation. all of these none of these
all of these
What are the important factors controlling the characteristics of a stream? the volume of water carried the gradient of the stream the type of substrate the stream flows over all of these
all of these
Which event would be expected to produce the largest tsunami? an earthquake at a convergent margin subduction zone an asteroid impact in an ocean basin an undersea landslide a subaerial landslide flowing into the sea a caldera-forming volcanic eruption
an asteroid impact in an ocean basin
The figure below, illustrating measured carbon dioxide concentrations at Mauna Loa, Hawaii since 1959, is known as the Keeling curve. global warming curve. carbon dioxide curve. greenhouse gas curve
Keeling curve.
Can meaningful tsunami predictions be made, and what is the basis to do so? Yes, where earthquakes have been predicted, tsunami warnings are typically given with earthquake warnings in coastal areas. Yes, slope monitoring along coastal areas is sufficiently reliable to be able to warn of impending tsunamis. No, as the events responsible for tsunamis are themselves unpredictable, it is not possible to predict the onset of a tsunami. No, tsunamis occur from so many different causes they may be considered to occur randomly
No, as the events responsible for tsunamis are themselves unpredictable, it is not possible to predict the onset of a tsunami.
Do tsunamis pose a danger to ships at sea far from shorelines? No, tsunamis exhibit small amplitudes in deep water and pose no danger to ships. No, tsunamis tend to attenuate in deep water and pose no danger to ships. Yes, tsunamis with high amplitudes pose a significant danger to ships. Yes, tsunamis with long wavelengths pose a significant danger to ships
No, tsunamis exhibit small amplitudes in deep water and pose no danger to ships.
An example of an early detection system being developed to provide advance warning of a slide at the instant it begins to move is Global Positioning System detection of motion. acoustic sensor detection of vibrations. laser survey detection of motion. satellite detection of motion. all of these
acoustic sensor detection of vibrations.
A possible option to reduce global warming involves increasing the albedo of the Earth's surface. capturing carbon dioxide emissions at their source. sequestering carbon dioxide in underground rock formations. all of these none of these
all of these
Does the position of continents on the surface of the Earth affect climate? Yes; when supercontinents exist, the interiors tend to develop harsh, arid, desert-like environments. When continents are concentrated at equatorial latitudes, climates are predominantly tropical to subtropical. When continents are concentrated at high latitudes, climates are predominantly polar. all of these None of these; continental position plays no role in climate variability
all of these
Engineered structures like artificial levees and floodwalls have been built with the goal of containing streamflow within the main channels. These structures have been known to fail by such mechanisms as overtopping by flood waters. underseeping that results from water seeping below the structure. structural failure. all of these none of these
all of these
The most intense monsoonal seasons occur in Southwest North America. Eastern Africa. Southern Asia. Western Australia. No answer text provided
Southern Asia.
For tsunami warnings to have any positive effect, populations should be educated about how to respond to an impending tsunami. populations must be able to receive the communication of a tsunami warning quickly after it is issued. governments must be able to act quickly to respond to an impending tsunami. all of these
all of these
How can people avoid landslide disasters in choosing a place to live? Understand the types of geologic materials present in the subsurface of an area. Avoid areas with steep slopes. Avoid areas artificially altered by slope cutting or infilling of low areas. Understand the various triggers for mass-wasting events all of these
all of these
Initial steps to identify areas at risk for mass wasting involve reviewing official records where historical events have occurred. computer modeling. geologic mapping. identification of surface features associated with historical mass-wasting events. all of these
all of these
Is the fossil record a useful indicator of past climatic conditions? Yes; organisms that evolved since the beginning of the Paleozoic are useful to understand ancient climates because organisms themselves are sensitive to climatic conditions. Yes; organisms that build shells of calcium carbonate record oxygen isotope ratios at the time they formed. Yes; growth rings in trees, invertebrate shells, and coral reef deposits exhibit annual variations in productivity, as recorded in the rings, and are useful as an indicator of climate conditions. all of these none of these
all of these
Mass wasting on the Earth's surface involves gravity-driven transport downslope involving what types of materials? soil unconsolidated sediment rock fragments ice and snow all of these
all of these
When streams empty into a standing body of water, what type of morphological feature is produced? a natural levee a flood plain a stream channel a delta all of these
a delta
Referring to the figure below, what geomorphic feature is represented? a braided stream a drainage divide a floodplain a stream gradient
a drainage divide
Referring to the hydrograph in the figure below, what type of flood event is indicated by the data? a slow-onset flood a fast-onset flood a rapid lag flood a flash flood
a flash flood
The 9.3 Mw Sumatra earthquake and resulting Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004 were the result of a megathrust displacement along a divergent tectonic plate boundary. a megathrust displacement along a transform tectonic plate boundary. a megathrust displacement along a convergent tectonic plate boundary. a megathrust displacement along a strike-slip tectonic plate boundary. None of these; the earthquake and tsunami did not result from faulting.
a megathrust displacement along a convergent tectonic plate boundary.
The definition of a monsoon is a periodic period of precipitation. a seasonally changing tropical wind circulation pattern. a flooding event in coastal areas. all of these none of these
a seasonally changing tropical wind circulation pattern.
