Geological Events and Solar System Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between gradual geological events and sudden geological events?

Sudden events are always less impactful than gradual events.

Gradual events occur unnoticed, while sudden events are noticeable and explosive. (correct)

Sudden events take a long time to develop, while gradual events happen rapidly.

Gradual events are caused by asteroids, while sudden events are caused by meteors.

How fast is the Earth rotating around its own axis?

60-70 km/s

1600 km/hr (correct)

4000 km/hr

107,000 km/hr

Which type of meteorite is characterized by its containing both iron and silicates?

Stony-iron meteorites (correct)

Chondrites

Iron meteorites

Achondrites

What is the primary composition of comets?

Ice and rocks Signup and view all the answers

What are impact craters primarily caused by?

Impacts from asteroids or other celestial bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of meteors as they enter Earth's atmosphere?

They encounter friction causing heat, resulting in fireballs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Kepler telescope?

To study planets and their movements in and outside our solar system. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes chondrites meteorites from other types?

They are composed mainly of pyroxene, magnesium, and iron-rich minerals. Signup and view all the answers

Which terrorist organization was responsible for the hijacking at LOD airport in Israel?

Japanese Red Army Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the Russian conflict with Chechnya in 2002?

800 theater hostages were taken by militants. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was primarily active in fighting against British rule in Northern Ireland?

IRA Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the psychological impacts of terrorism on society?

Development of PTSD Signup and view all the answers

Which terrorist organization is known for its abductions and attacks in Nigeria?

Boko Haram Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does counter-terrorism face regarding intelligence gathering?

It may violate individuals' rights to privacy. Signup and view all the answers

Which event involved 365 fatalities, primarily among children, due to a school hostage situation?

Beslan school attack Signup and view all the answers

Which leader is associated with the end of Apartheid in South Africa?

Nelson Mandela Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of using hot water (steam) during the cleanup efforts of the BP Oil Spill?

It killed vital microorganisms and plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the spatial displacement effect of the BP Oil Spill?

Wind and ocean currents carried the oil across areas. Signup and view all the answers

What are point sources of contamination?

Specific identifiable locations of contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the output approach in managing water resources?

To improve efficiency and reduce contamination. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of chemical dispersants used during the BP Oil Spill cleanup?

They introduced additional toxins into the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime poses a major threat to global human security, particularly involving women and children?

Human trafficking. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of global crime is emphasized by criminal businesses?

They can use marketing and public relations techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is mentioned as working to rescue victims of human trafficking?

International Justice Movement of Canada. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of likelihood reduction in risk management?

To track, monitor, and destroy potential threats before they occur Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes risk avoidance?

Eliminating risks by avoiding exposure to hazards Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes structural mitigation from non-structural mitigation?

Structural mitigation refers to engineering solutions to reduce hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of consequence reduction?

Establishing emergency evacuation plans Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves sharing risks among organizations?

Risk transferring Signup and view all the answers

What construction practice helps buildings withstand disasters like earthquakes?

Building codes enforced by governments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents non-structural mitigation?

Conducting public drills for emergencies Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of risk acceptance?

To acknowledge unavoidable risks and prepare for them Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the initiation of the Afghanistan war in 2001?

To target Osama Bin Laden and destroy Al-Qaeda Signup and view all the answers

Which war was justified by the false claim of weapons of mass destruction?

Iraq war Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant impact of the Hamas-Israeli war on civilians?

Bombardments escalate local conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a consequence of military spending during wars?

Diverted resources from healthcare and education Signup and view all the answers

According to epidemiological transition theory, what characterizes the age of pestilence and famine?

High mortality from infectious diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental consequence of war?

Burned landscapes and destruction of wildlife Signup and view all the answers

What effect does conflict have on food and water availability?

Leads to loss of food and water access Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of cost-push inflation associated with war?

Overall increase in prices due to higher costs Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant mode of transmission for the West Nile virus?

Bite from an infected mosquito Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a prevention measure for the spread of West Nile virus?

Inoculation of domestic pets Signup and view all the answers

Which financial support measure was provided to assist individuals affected by Covid-19 in Canada?

Emergency care benefit Signup and view all the answers

What type of support did the Canadian government provide to small businesses during the pandemic?

Wage subsidy to encourage employee retention Signup and view all the answers

How did the Canadian government respond to the challenges faced by Indigenous communities during the pandemic?

By increasing funding through the Indigenous community support fund Signup and view all the answers

What criticism was raised regarding government policies during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Possible mandatory vaccinations by the military Signup and view all the answers

Which measure was implemented to control travel during the Covid-19 pandemic in Canada?

Closed air borders for essential travel only Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main economic measures taken by Canada to address the challenges posed by Covid-19?

$27 billion CAD for individuals and businesses Signup and view all the answers

What type of assistance was increased for shelters for domestic violence survivors during the pandemic?

Funding to accommodate more survivors Signup and view all the answers

Which public awareness strategy was utilized to combat the spread of the West Nile virus?

Public education and local media involvement Signup and view all the answers

What causes the formation of shatter cones at impact sites?

Heat and pressure from a meteorite impact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary result of meteoric dust settling in the ocean?

Blocking sunlight and cooling temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is caused when a huge asteroid impacts the ocean?

Tsunami Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a component that contributes to acid rain after an impact event?

Nitrogen oxide Signup and view all the answers

Which method suggested for asteroid mitigation involves using spacecraft to change its trajectory?

Kinetic impactor Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ecological consequence of acid rain that results from an asteroid impact?

Death of vegetation and plant species Signup and view all the answers

What is impact melt associated with meteorite impacts?

Melted minerals from surrounding rocks Signup and view all the answers

How is meteoric dust generated as a meteor travels through the atmosphere?

By friction caused by atmospheric entry Signup and view all the answers

Which type of harmful substances can lead to obesity and interfere with metabolism?

Obesogens Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue occurs from excessive nutrient overload in water bodies?

Eutrophication Signup and view all the answers

What type of contaminants are typically introduced into water through fecal matter?

Pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of mercury poisoning?

Metabolic rate increase Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of endocrine disruptors on human health?

Affects sexual development Signup and view all the answers

What environmental disaster was caused by the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

Marine life habitat destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chemical is known to persist in the environment and cause long-term harm?

Persistent organic pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution can lead to severe declines in aquatic ecosystems due to algae blooms?

Nutrient pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct consequence of a natural disaster?

Injury or death Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can lead to increased exposure to disaster risks?

Population growth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes intangible consequences of disasters?

Loss of sentimental values tied to places Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of mitigation actions?

Increasing economic growth Signup and view all the answers

What type of indirect consequence might result from a disaster?

Population displacement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a tangible consequence of a disaster?

Cost of repairs Signup and view all the answers

How does economic growth potentially affect disaster consequences?

It increases the demand for social services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about growing interdependence is correct?

It links global events to local impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors in HIV treatment?

To inhibit the HIV enzyme from replicating Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of transmission is NOT associated with HIV/AIDS?

Coughing Signup and view all the answers

What intervention can help limit the impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic?

Strengthening surveillance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?

High fever Signup and view all the answers

How is Avian Flu typically transmitted to humans?

Direct contact with infected birds Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant public health challenge posed by the SARS outbreak?

High transmission in hospitals Signup and view all the answers

Which drug category is utilized as part of the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for HIV treatment?

Protease inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canadians living with HIV are unaware of their infection?

1/5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of consequence reduction in risk management?

Minimizing the impact on people and property Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates risk acceptance?

Preparing for snow storms in areas where they regularly occur Signup and view all the answers

What does structural mitigation generally involve?

Implementing construction engineering solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves relocating populations to avoid exposure to hazards?

Risk avoidance Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-structural mitigation strategies?

They rely on changing human behaviors and actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the practice of risk transferring?

Engaging insurance companies to manage risks Signup and view all the answers

What role do building codes play in risk management?

They ensure buildings can withstand specific hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of structural modifications in disaster management?

Rebuilding buildings after a disaster to withstand new risks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of barriers in hazard management?

To block dangerous forces like tsunamis Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for improving disaster preparedness at all government levels?

Capacity building Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of functional exercises in disaster preparedness?

They mimic real-life disaster scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of disaster preparedness actions?

To ensure effective reaction and recovery during a disaster Signup and view all the answers

Which system is designed to contain a hazard and prevent its release?

Retention systems Signup and view all the answers

What role do drills serve in disaster preparedness exercises?

They focus on a single disaster management operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in educating citizens about disaster management?

High costs and limited availability of resources Signup and view all the answers

How does planning contribute to disaster preparedness?

It ensures coordination among all stakeholders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Geological Events

Gradual events occur over long periods, often unnoticed (supported by James Hutton's gradualism).
Sudden events are explosive and transformative, rare but impactful (supported by Whewell).

Solar System

Earth travels at 107,000 km/hr around the sun.
Earth rotates at 1600 km/hr.
Sun's gravity formed planets.
Earth is 4.6 billion years old.

Kepler Telescope

Studies planets inside and outside our solar system, observing movement and orbits.
Over 4000 planets discovered.

Asteroids

Space rocks orbiting the sun, primarily between Mars and Jupiter (Asteroid Belt).
Often less than 2 km in diameter.
Usually not on a collision course with Earth.
Can be disturbed by planetary gravity, potentially causing danger.

Comets

Made of ice and rock ("dirty snowballs").
Originate from the Oort cloud.
Lose water when nearing the sun.
Typically smaller than asteroids, but more likely to impact Earth.
Travel at speeds between 60-70 km/s.

Meteors

Small pieces of rock entering Earth's atmosphere at high speed.
Friction creates heat and fireballs (shooting stars).
Many shatter before reaching the ground.
Often called shooting stars.

Meteorites

Meteors that reach Earth's surface.
Types include iron (metallic, pulling magnets), stony-iron, chondrites (mostly magnesium, iron, pyroxene-rich minerals), and achondrites (basalt-rich minerals).

Impact of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors

Impact craters form when objects strike Earth's surface.
Ejection of materials outward from impact point during explosions.
Explosion force is compounded due to incredible speed of impact.

Arizona Crater

Example of an impact crater.
Likely linked to dinosaur extinction.
Located in Mexico.
Also impact craters in Canada, Iowa, and Siberia noted.

Shatter Cones

Conical structures emanating from impact points.
Point upwards and outwards from the shock source.
Often found near craters.
Material melts due to intense heat and pressure.

Meteoric Dust

Tiny particles from meteors burning up in the atmosphere.
Can be found in oceans, on land, and in glaciers.
Can block sunlight causing cool temperatures and impacting vegetation and animals.
Dust and soot generation from impact cause environmental and agricultural damage like acid rain.

Tsunami and Volcanoes

Asteroid impact in ocean causes tsunamis.
Volcanic eruptions can be triggered by impact.
Combination of impact events can cause mass extinctions (such as dinosaurs).

Mitigation of Asteroids and Comets

Methods are still experimental.
Techniques include kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and nuclear bombs (for larger objects).

Nuclear Hazards

Radioactive materials and plant explosions spread radiation.
Examples include Chernobyl and the sarcophagus to contain fallout.

Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear fission (splitting uranium to generate heat) and nuclear fusion (combining materials for heat)are used in production.
Controlled chain reactions are necessary.
Accidents can lead to loss of coolant, power outages, and theft of radioactive materials (for weaponization).
Many countries have nuclear power reactors.

Water Contamination

Freshwater sources (groundwater, lakes) can be contaminated by harmful chemicals like metals or radioactive substances often from industrial processes.
Examples include the Mississippi River and Columbia River where chemicals and harmful pollutants are discharged.

Contamination

Physical contamination (soil, sand from construction) can harm fish and plant life and affect water quality.
Chemical contamination (harmful chemicals) can lead to serious health problems (DNA damage, birth defects, cancer, nerve damage).
Teratogens & carcinogens cause birth defects and cancer, respectively.

Pathogens

Disease-causing organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) are common contaminants in water (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella).
Water contamination (fertilizers, other chemicals) cause overgrowth of algae leading to oxygen depletion in water.

Hazardous Chemicals

Examples include Mirex pollution (Beluga whale deaths in Ontario-St. Lawrence Great Lakes) or Exxon Valdez oil spill (Alaska crude oil spill into ocean, poisoning of many animals and plants)

Global Terrorism

Examples like suicide bombings, hijacking, abductions, gun violence, etc.
Terrorist groups target civilians or infrastructure for political ends.
Terrorist tactics include hostage takings, suicide bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, and indiscriminate bombings.

Global Conflicts

Reasons for conflicts, such as political instability, resource scarcity, ideological differences, or long-standing disputes.
Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, Syrian war, Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, and the Afghanistan war.
Impact of war on lives, infrastructure, and the environment.

Impact of Wars

Destruction of infrastructure, cultural sites and natural resources.
Spread of diseases.
Child soldiers recruited in conflicts.
Displacement of civilians.
Psychological trauma (anxiety, fear, PTSD).
Environmental damage/pollution (from weaponry).
Economic impact.

Epidemiology

Infectious disease to chronic diseases in developed societies.
Ages of pestilence and famine; receding pandemics; degenerative diseases.
Examples of infectious diseases like measles, cholera, plague, COVID-19.
Innovations in medicine and sanitation reducing pandemic spread.

AIDS and HIV

HIV attacks the immune system, weakening it over time.
AIDS occurs when the body's immune system severely weakens.
HIV transmission includes sexual contact, blood transfusions, needle sharing, and breastfeeding.

Covid-19 Pandemic (Canada)

Financial support for affected individuals.

Wage Subsidy; Export Development

Support for businesses during economic disruptions.

Risk Assessment

Likelihood (probability of an event) x Consequence (impact of an event).
Hazard = danger/condition/event.
Likelihood = numerical or qualitative (certain, likely, possible, unlikely).
Qualitative is subjective, quantitative is numerical.

Mitigation of Hazards

Likelihood reduction - policies to avoid hazards.
Consequence reduction - minimizing impact on people and property.
Risk avoidance - eliminating risk (e.g., relocating).
Risk acceptance - dealing with unavoidable risks.
Risk transfer/sharing - spreading the cost across multiple parties.

Disaster Preparedness

Knowing what do in advance of a disaster (e.g., emergency plans) and in the course of a disaster (e.g., drills, emergency response plans, stockpile materials.)
Community readiness, resource capacity, and communication.
Local governments having emergency response plans.
Training citizens to understand their roles in preparedness and response.

Disaster Recovery

Processes to rebuild & recover from a disaster.
Short-term (temporary necessities) and long-term recovery (rebuilding permanent infrastructure).
Includes coordinating aid, resources, and rebuilding infrastructure.

Environmental Management

Restoring ecosystems damaged from disasters.
Economic & livelihood recovery for businesses & communities in disaster areas.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Test your knowledge on geological events and their types, including gradual and sudden occurrences. Explore fascinating facts about the solar system, including the Earth's rotation, the role of the Sun's gravity, and discoveries made by the Kepler Telescope. Learn about asteroids and comets, their characteristics, and their potential impact on Earth.