Geologic Hazards and Earthquakes Quiz

Sedimentary Rocks

• Products of sedimentary processes include sandstone, limestone, and shale.
• Formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment over time.

Geologic Principles

• The principle of uniformitarianism states that current geological processes are consistent with those in the past.

Rock Layer Correlation

• Geologists correlate rock layers using physical and chronological characteristics, such as rock type, fossil content, and stratigraphy.
• Physical correlation can be accomplished by matching rock layers at different locations based on their physical features.

Index Fossils

• An index fossil, also known as a guide fossil, is used to identify and date the strata in which it is found.

Regolith and Soil Origin

• Regolith and soil can be derived from the weathering of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

Relative Dating

• Relative dating provides a sequence of events, helping determine the age of artifacts and sites in relation to one another but does not provide exact ages.

Geological Processes

• Examples of geological processes include volcanic eruptions, erosion, sedimentation, and plate tectonics.

Geologic Hazards

• A geologic hazard is a natural geological process that poses a risk to people and property, such as earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.

Mass Movement Hazard

• The movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope is known as a landslide.

Tsunami Causes

• Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, displacing large volumes of water.

Tephra Composition

• Tephra consists of volcanic ash, pumice, and other volcanic debris ejected during an eruption.

Tropical Cyclone Definition

• A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center and strong winds, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

Hydrometeorological Hazard

• A tornado is characterized as a narrow, violently rotating column of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground.

Storm Surge vs. Tsunami

• The distinguishing factor is that storm surge is caused by strong winds from storms pushing water toward the shore, while a tsunami is a series of ocean waves triggered by large disturbances underwater.