Earthquakes and Hazards Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of force that generates an earthquake?

The primary source of force that generates an earthquake is called the hypocenter.

How does ground shaking occur during an earthquake?

Ground shaking occurs when seismic waves radiate energy released by stored stress in rocks during an earthquake.

What is liquefaction and when does it typically occur?

Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs when the strength of saturated soil is reduced by earthquake shaking.

Differentiate between left lateral and right lateral strike-slip faults.

In a left lateral strike-slip fault, the displacement of the fault block is to the left, while in a right lateral strike-slip fault, it is to the right. Signup and view all the answers

Define ground rupture in the context of earthquakes.

Ground rupture is the offset of the ground surface that occurs when a fault rupture extends to the Earth’s surface. Signup and view all the answers

What causes tsunami waves during an earthquake?

Tsunami waves are caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, typically in the ocean or large lakes, due to an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concepts of subsidence and lateral spreading during an earthquake.

Subsidence is the sinking of the ground surface often occurring during an earthquake, while lateral spreading is the sideways movement of saturated soil caused by liquefaction. Signup and view all the answers

What type of geological hazard is often triggered by strong ground motions during an earthquake?

Earthquake-induced landslides are often triggered by strong ground motions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential earthquake hazard?

Volcanic eruption Signup and view all the answers

The epicenter of an earthquake is located directly below the hypocenter.

False Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when the strength of saturated soil is reduced due to seismic waves?

Liquefaction Signup and view all the answers

During an earthquake, ground ______ occurs when a fault rupture extends to the Earth's surface.

rupture Signup and view all the answers

Match the following earthquake hazards with their descriptions:

Ground shaking = Seismic waves radiating from stressed rocks Tsunami = Waves caused by the displacement of large volumes of water Liquefaction = Reduction of soil strength due to shaking Ground rupture = Offset of the ground surface due to fault movement Signup and view all the answers

What can cause lateral spreading in relation to earthquakes?

Ground shaking Signup and view all the answers

Earthquake-induced landslides occur only on steep slopes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the sinking of the ground surface during an earthquake?

Subsidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of rock material beneath the Earth's surface.
The source of the earthquake's force is called the hypocenter.
The focus is a point directly above the hypocenter at the Earth's surface.
The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.
Earthquakes can be caused by tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and man-made disturbances.
Displacement in faults can be either left lateral or right lateral, depending on the direction of movement.
Left Lateral Strike-Slip Fault: The displacement of the fault block is to the left when viewed from either side.
Right Lateral Strike-Slip Fault: The displacement of the fault block is to the right when viewed from either side.

Earthquake Hazards

Ground shaking: The Earth shakes with the passage of seismic waves, releasing energy stored in stressed rocks.
Ground rupture: The ground surface offsets due to a fault rupture extending to the Earth's surface.
Liquefaction: The soil's strength and stiffness are reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading, typically in saturated soils.
Catastrophic induced ground subsidence and lateral spreading:
- Subsidence: The sinking of the ground surface, often occurring during earthquakes.
- Lateral spreading: Finite, lateral movement of saturated soil deposits caused by earthquake-induced liquefaction.
Tsunami: A series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, primarily in the ocean.
Earthquake-induced landslides: Earthquakes frequently trigger landslides, such as rock falls, due to ground movement.

Earthquakes

Movements of rock materials beneath the Earth's surface cause earthquakes
Earthquakes can be caused by tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and man-made disturbances
The hypocenter is the primary source of earthquake force, and is found beneath the Earth's surface
The focus is directly parallel to the hypocenter on the Earth's surface
The epicenter is directly above the hypocenter

Earthquake Faults

Left Lateral Strike-Slip Fault: The fault block moves to the left when viewed from either side
Right Lateral Strike-Slip Fault: The fault block moves to the right when viewed from either side
Fault slippage causes a wave of energy to release

Earthquake Hazards

Ground Shaking (Ground Motion)
- The ground shakes as seismic waves radiate energy from stressed rocks
Ground Rupture (Break)
- The ground surface offsets when a fault rupture extends to the Earth's surface
Liquefaction
- The strength and stiffness of soil reduces due to earthquake shaking, which typically occurs in saturated soils
Catastrophic Induced Ground Subsidence and Lateral Spreading
- Subsidence is the sinking of the ground surface
- Lateral Spreading is the finite, lateral movement of sloping saturated soil deposits caused by liquefaction
Tsunami (Seismic Seawave)
- A series of waves caused by the displacement of water, typically in oceans or large lakes
Earthquake-Induced Landslides
- Landslides are triggered by strong ground motions
- Range of movement can be from rockfalls to larger landslides

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Description

Test your knowledge on earthquakes, their causes, and the associated hazards. This quiz covers key concepts like the hypocenter, focus, and types of strike-slip faults. Learn about the effects of ground shaking and ground rupture in earthquake events.