Earth and Life Science - Plate Tectonics Quiz

Earth and Life Science - Second Quarter

• Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created due to Earth's subterranean movements.

Types of Plate Boundaries

• Divergent: Plates move apart
• Transform: Plates slide past each other
• Convergent: Plates collide together

Earthquake Hazards

• Earthquake: Sudden ground shaking caused by seismic waves.

• Natural Hazards: Extreme natural events that cause damage, loss of life, and disruption.

• Earthquake Hazards: Physical phenomena associated with earthquakes that cause damage or disrupt daily activities.

  • Ground shaking: The movement of the ground as seismic waves pass through. Severity depends on distance from the fault and soil type.
  • Landslides: Downward movement of earth masses from mountains or cliffs.
  • Liquefaction: Earthquake motion can turn loosely packed, water-saturated soil into liquid.
  • Surface rupture: Breaking of the surface along the fault line.

• Secondary Hazards: Extreme events that cause damage and disruption.

  • Tsunamis: Giant waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides.
  • Seiche: Giant wave in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, caused by an underwater earthquake.
  • Flooding: Resulting from broken dams, levees, or rivers.
  • Fires: Released flammable materials from broken electrical/gas lines due to movement.

Practical Ways of Coping With Geological Hazards (Earthquake)

• Before: Know hazards, evacuation routes, prepare your house/workplace, emergency supplies and participate in drills.
• During: Drop, cover, and hold-on, move to an open area outdoors, stop moving vehicles and stay calm.
• After: Expect aftershocks, evacuate, check for injuries and put out small fires.

Volcanoes

• Landslide: Movement of rock, earth or debris down a slope.

  • Causing factors: weak/fractured rocks, land structure, human activities (vegetation removal, drainage interference, construction modifies).
  • Hazards: Fatalities, damage to roads, infrastructure.

• Volcanic Eruption: Lava and gas released from a volcano.

  • Causing factors: Increased pressure, boundaries of tectonic plates, magma presence.
  • Hazards: Fatalities, damage, blockage to roads, infrastructure, lava flows, heavy ash fall, pyroclastic flows, hazardous gases.
  • Survival strategies: Wake up to news alerts, evacuate if safe, be cautious and alert, research risks, identify evacuation routes, protect your head, move to higher ground, avoid falling projectiles, don't inhale noxious gases.

Hydrometeorological Hazards

• Drought: Prolonged dry period.
• Tropical Cyclones: Intense circular storms over warm tropical oceans. Known as typhoons or hurricanes. Characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
• Flood: Overflow of water submerging land.
• Tornado: Small-diameter column of violently rotating air.
• Wildfires: Uncontrolled burns in wildland vegetation.
• Thunderstorms: Violent weather disturbance associated with lightning, thunder, heavy rain.

Practical ways to Cope with Hydrometeorological Hazards (e.g., Tropical Cyclone)

• Before: Emergency supply kit (food, water, first-aid, etc.), check drainage, secure your home, listen to weather reports.
• During: Stay indoors, monitor weather updates, evacuate if necessary, stay away from high-risk areas.
• After: Check yourself, your home and your neighbors.

Flood

• Before: Be aware of potential road closures, create a family plan, and identify safe evacuation routes.
• During: Turn around, don't drive through flooded waters, stay indoors, follow evacuation orders.
• After: Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate safety, examine your home/property and clean-up.

Tornado/ipo-ipo

• Before: Know safe places to hide at home, pay attention to weather, create family plan.
• During: Move to safe places (basement, inside room away from windows), and protect your head.
• After: Check yourself and neighbors for injuries, be aware of debris, possible damage to your home.

Thunderstorm

• Before: Discuss thunderstorm safety, pick a safe indoor location.
• During: Monitor weather, postpone outdoor activities if possible.
• After: Stay away from downed power lines, and stay alert for possible damage.