Earth Science: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
47 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

At which geological feature is new oceanic crust generated?

  • Subduction zones
  • Mid-ocean ridges (correct)
  • Continental margins
  • Transform faults

What is the typical thickness range of continental crust?

  • 10 to 15 km
  • 35 to 45 km (correct)
  • 60 to 70 km
  • 1 to 2 km

Which statement about subduction zones is correct?

  • They are always found at mid-ocean ridges.
  • They are associated with volcanic activity. (correct)
  • They only occur between two continental plates.
  • They do not experience earthquakes.

Which of the following best describes a convergent plate boundary?

<p>One plate is forced under another. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly associated with mid-ocean ridges?

<p>High volcanic activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the movement of tectonic plates?

<p>Magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many major tectonic plates are generally recognized?

<p>7 to 15 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which volcanic feature is more likely associated with explosive eruptions?

<p>A caldera (A), A cinder cone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically found along transform fault boundaries?

<p>Volcanic eruptions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically associated with a shield volcano?

<p>Stratovolcanos (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of eruption is characterized as explosive?

<p>Plinian eruptions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about continental and oceanic crust is correct?

<p>Continental crust is generally thicker than oceanic crust. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the crustal thickness between Michigan and Tibet?

<p>The crust at Michigan is thinner than that at Tibet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to a shield volcano, a stratovolcano is generally considered to be:

<p>Steeper (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of an oceanic hotspot?

<p>Volcanic activity being concentrated at one end of a linear island chain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the primary layers of the Earth organized from the inside out?

<p>Crust, mantle, core (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural disaster has caused the most fatalities in the last century?

<p>Earthquakes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding calderas is incorrect?

<p>Calderas do not have a defined shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to explosive volcanic eruptions?

<p>Low viscosity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a major plate in plate tectonics?

<p>A continent-size surface block of the Earth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical thickness of a tectonic plate?

<p>100 km (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The volume of a typical flood basalt province is approximately:

<p>10^8 km3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criterion is used to determine the boundaries between Earth's crust, mantle, and core?

<p>Seismic wave velocities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forms the basis for distinguishing lithosphere from asthenosphere?

<p>Mechanical properties, especially whether the layer may flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following causes of earthquakes is NOT related to geological processes?

<p>Meteorite impact (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that induces soil liquefaction?

<p>Seismic waves from earthquakes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is resonance achieved during an earthquake?

<p>When the earthquake's frequency matches the building's natural frequency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about P-waves and S-waves is correct?

<p>P-waves can travel through liquid, but S-waves cannot (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are earthquake hazard maps not the same as global earthquake distribution?

<p>They consider local geological conditions (A), They factor in population density (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about earthquake waves is incorrect?

<p>S-waves can be detected in the outer core (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the epicenter from the hypocenter of an earthquake?

<p>The epicenter is the point directly above the hypocenter on the surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Richter magnitude scale measure?

<p>The energy released at the source (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Mercalli intensity scale primarily measure?

<p>Local destruction and how it is felt by people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the type of ground affect the shaking experienced during an earthquake?

<p>The type of ground can amplify shaking near the epicenter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the surface temperature of the Earth approximately?

<p>300 K (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of the Earth's core?

<p>Iron metal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indicator that a tsunami may be approaching?

<p>The ocean water rapidly recedes from the beach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes a tsunami?

<p>Sudden displacement of a large body of water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average traveling speed of a tsunami when the ocean water depth is 5500 m?

<p>323 m/s (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which events can induce a tsunami?

<p>Submarine landslides and earthquakes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of most deaths in the 2004 Sumatra earthquake?

<p>Tsunami. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which observation confirms that the outer core is liquid?

<p>The observed distribution pattern of the S-wave shadow for earthquakes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the time interval between S and P arrivals is 40 seconds and amplitude is 50 mm, what is the Richter magnitude?

<ol start="6"> <li>(B)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which planetary body is considered the most volcanically active in our solar system?

<p>Jupiter's satellite Io. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy difference if the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) differs by 2?

<p>About a factor of 20. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the magnitude of an earthquake differs by 2, what is the energy difference?

<p>A factor of 1000. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which planetary body has the highest volcano in the solar system?

<p>Mars. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continental Crust Thickness

Continental crust is significantly thicker than oceanic crust.

Earth's Interior Layers

From the inside out, Earth has layers of core, mantle, and crust.

Plate Tectonics - Plate

A major plate is a large, moving surface block of Earth, either continental or oceanic.

Plate Thickness

A typical plate in plate tectonics is about 100 km thick.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Layers: Differentiation

Earth's interior layers (crust, mantle, core) differ in chemical composition, mineral phases, and physical state (solid or liquid).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Interior Boundary: Lithosphere & Asthenosphere

The boundary between lithosphere and asthenosphere is defined by its mechanical properties, in particular its fluidity or resistance to flow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plate Boundaries

Plate boundaries include mid-ocean ridges and collision zones, where plates interact.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mid-Ocean Ridge

A mid-ocean ridge is a plate boundary where plates diverge and new crust is formed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plate Tectonics Major Plates

There are 7 to 15 major plates on Earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Volcanic Activity Locations

Volcanic activity occurs at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oceanic Crust Thickness

Oceanic crust is 6 to 7 km thick.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subduction Zone

A convergent boundary where one plate dives beneath another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plate Movement Evidence

We know continents move through matching coastlines, magnetic anomalies, and age of oceanic crust.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Convergent Plate Boundary Features

Convergent boundaries include continental-continental collisions, oceanic-oceanic subduction, and oceanic-continental subduction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Causes

Earthquakes are caused by sudden earth movements along faults, volcanic activities, and sometimes meteorite impacts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Liquefaction

Liquefaction is the process where soil, due to shaking or vibration like during earthquakes—loses its strength and acts like a fluid.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Resonance

Resonance occurs when an earthquake's frequency matches a building's natural vibrational frequency, causing the building to shake intensely.

Signup and view all the flashcards

P & S Wave Shadows

P-waves and S-waves have areas where their direct signal doesn't reach the surface because they are blocked, refracted or absorbed by different parts of the Earth's interior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Epicenter

The point on the surface of the Earth directly above the earthquake's hypocenter (focus).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Hazard Map

A map that shows the likelihood of earthquakes in different locations considering factors like local ground conditions and past seismic activity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

P wave in the Earth's Interior

P-waves generally travel faster and can pass through both the outer and inner core, while S-waves cannot.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Richter Magnitude

A measure of the size of an earthquake, indicating the amplitude of the seismic waves.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explosive Eruptions

Volcanic eruptions characterized by violent explosions, often producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and significant damage.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Shield Volcano Features

Shield volcanoes are characterized by broad, gently sloping cones formed by the accumulation of fluid lava flows.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hawaiian Eruption

A type of volcanic eruption characterized by effusive lava flows with low explosivity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explosive Eruption Types

Explosive eruptions include Plinian eruptions and pyroclastic flows, both of which are characterized by violent explosions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Explosive Eruption Types

Non-explosive eruptions include lava dome eruptions and lava flows, where magma flows slowly without significant explosions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stratovolcano vs. Shield Volcano

Stratovolcanoes are steeper, more explosive volcanoes built up from layers of lava and ash compared to the gentler shield volcanoes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oceanic Hotspot Features

An oceanic hotspot is characterized by a chain of volcanic islands where the youngest island is closer to the hotspot and the oldest island is furthest away.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Caldera

A large, roughly circular depression formed by the collapse of a volcano's summit after a massive eruption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mercalli Intensity Scale

Measures the severity of an earthquake based on its observed effects (damage, shaking) at a specific location.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Shaking: Epicenter vs. Ground

Shaking is generally stronger near the epicenter, but the type of ground (solid rock vs. loose sediment) also greatly affects the shaking intensity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Surface Temperature

The average surface temperature of Earth is around 300 Kelvin, roughly 27 degrees Celsius.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Core Temperature

The Earth's core is extremely hot, reaching temperatures around 5000 Kelvin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Core-Mantle Boundary Depth

The boundary between the Earth's mantle and core lies approximately 2890 kilometers below the surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Core Composition

The Earth's core is primarily composed of iron, with a small amount of nickel.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tsunami Warning Signs

A rapid and significant retreat of ocean water from the beach, exposing marine life, is a strong indicator of an approaching tsunami.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tsunami Cause

Tsunamis are generated by a sudden and large displacement of water, often triggered by earthquakes, underwater landslides, or volcanic eruptions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Deaths: Tsunami

The majority of deaths during the 2004 Sumatra earthquake were caused by the giant wave it generated known as a tsunami.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Predictable Natural Disasters

Tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes all share the ability to provide warnings to residents before they occur.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plate Motion Predictions

Predictions of plate tectonics suggest that Los Angeles will shift north, the Mediterranean Sea will shrink, and New York and London will diverge.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Liquid Outer Core Evidence

The absence of S-wave shadow zones provides strong evidence that Earth's outer core is liquid, as these waves cannot travel through liquid.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Richter Magnitude: Time and Amplitude

The Richter magnitude is determined by the time interval between P and S wave arrivals and the amplitude of the seismic wave recorded on a seismograph.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Most Active Volcano: Io

Jupiter's moon Io is considered the most volcanically active body in our solar system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): Energy Difference

A VEI difference of 2 corresponds to a 1000-fold increase in energy released from a volcanic eruption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earthquake Magnitude: Energy Difference

A difference of 2 in earthquake magnitude translates to a 1000-fold increase in energy released from the earthquake.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Earth Science Study Notes

  • Earthquake Characteristics:

    • Earthquakes are among the deadliest natural phenomena in the past 100 years
    • Plate tectonics cause earthquakes
    • Major plates are continent-sized blocks
    • Plates typically have a thickness of 100 km

  • Earth Layers:

    • The Earth's layers, from inside out, are the core, mantle, and crust
    • Different layers have varying chemical compositions, mineral phases, and states (solid or liquid)
    • The boundaries are based on seismic wave velocities, temperature, and pressure

  • Plate Boundaries:

    • Mid-ocean ridges, collision zones of continents, and subduction zones are all plate boundaries
    • Transform faults are also plate boundaries
    • Mid-ocean ridges are where new crust is generated
    • Subduction zones are where one plate moves below another
    • Transform faults are where plates slide past each other

  • Earthquake Locations:

    • Earthquakes occur most frequently at plate boundaries, but they can also occur within plates (intraplate earthquakes)
    • Mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and transform faults are common earthquake locations

  • Earthquake Types and Effects:

    • Earthquakes cause shaking, ground deformation, and related hazards (landslides, tsunamis)
    • Volcanic eruptions can also produce earthquakes
    • Explosive eruptions are linked with higher magma volumes and higher temperature
    • Frequency of earthquakes and associated deaths are important considerations

  • Earthquake Measurements:

    • Richter magnitude measures the size of an earthquake
    • Mercalli intensity measures the local effects of an earthquake
    • Explosive eruptions are linked with large eruption volumes
    • Explosive eruptions release more energy than smaller ones
    • The differences in seismic behaviour are used to distinguish earthquakes and nuclear explosions

  • Tsunami:

    • Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and submarine landslides can cause tsunamis
    • Tsunamis cause massive devastation, especially near coastlines
    • The velocity of a tsunami depends on the depth of the water column it travels through

  • Seismic Waves:

    • Earthquakes produce seismic waves
    • Seismic waves travel through the Earth's interior and on the surface
    • Seismic waves are used to study the Earth's interior structure.
    • P-waves (primary waves) are the fastest kind of seismic waves. They travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
    • S-waves (secondary waves) travel only through solids. They are slower than P-waves.
    • Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface. They are the slowest kind of seismic waves and cause the most damage during earthquakes.

  • Volcanic Eruptions and Volcanic Features:

    • Volcanic eruptions create a range of features like volcanic craters, calderas, cinder cones, and lava domes
    • Size and features of a volcano differ based on the composition of magma
    • Stratovolcanoes are among the largest, but they are also associated with the highest levels of explosiveness
    • Flood basalt provinces are among the largest volcanic features

  • Oceanic Hotspots:

    • Volcanic activity can occur at hotspots in the Earth's interior
    • Some hotspot volcanoes create chains of islands
    • The age of the islands increase as distance increases from the volcanically active island

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Untitled document.pdf

Description

Explore the fascinating world of earthquakes and the dynamics of plate tectonics. This quiz covers key concepts such as earthquake characteristics, the layers of the Earth, and different types of plate boundaries. Test your knowledge on where earthquakes occur and their impact on our planet.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser