Hurricane Florence Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What occurs to the shockwaves as they move further away from the focus of an earthquake?

They remain constant in strength.

They lose energy and weaken. (correct)

They travel faster without losing energy.

They strengthen and become more destructive.

What happens to tsunami waves as they approach the coast?

They increase in speed and height.

They slow down and gain height. (correct)

They maintain their speed but decrease in height.

They dissipate completely before reaching land.

What is the phenomenon called when saturated soil behaves like a liquid due to vibrations from an earthquake?

Comminution

Pore pressure increase

Consolidation

Liquefaction (correct)

What is a potential consequence of landslides and avalanches triggered by an earthquake?

Large debris tumbling downhill. Signup and view all the answers

What can be the height of tsunami waves generated by an earthquake under certain conditions?

They can reach heights of 100 feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum ocean temperature required for a tropical storm to form?

26°C Signup and view all the answers

Why must air pressure be unstable for a tropical storm to develop?

To allow warm air to rise Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Coriolis Effect play in the formation of tropical storms?

It dictates storm rotation direction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition for tropical storm formation?

Low water temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of wind shear on tropical storm development?

It can disrupt the formation if too strong. Signup and view all the answers

At what latitudinal distance from the equator do tropical storms typically form?

5° Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the air when warm air rises in the atmosphere?

It cools and condenses into clouds. Signup and view all the answers

In which hemisphere do tropical storms spin clockwise?

Southern Hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What primary environmental effect can mass movement events cause?

Damage to ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

In terms of economic impact, what is a likely consequence of a mass movement event?

Money needed for rebuilding and cleanup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential social impact of a mass movement hazard?

Power outages and gas leaks Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the formation of lahars?

Melting ice at high latitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is a political risk associated with mass movement events?

Conflicts concerning government response Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is specifically associated with volcanic material?

Lahars Signup and view all the answers

Seismometers are crucial for predicting which type of hazard?

Mass movement processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of acid rain during a volcanic eruption?

Release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What secondary environmental impact results from debris and mud blocking waterways?

Other environmental issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential economic loss from mass movement hazards?

Loss of jobs Signup and view all the answers

What do nuées ardentes or pyroclastic flows consist of?

Burning hot ash and gas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a secondary social consequence of mass movement events?

Trauma and homelessness Signup and view all the answers

How is the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) measured?

Based on tephra amount, height, and eruption duration Signup and view all the answers

What type of volcanic eruption is typically associated with low frequency?

Explosive eruptions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes volcanic landslides from other forms of debris flow?

They result from the explosion of a volcano Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the frequency of eruptions across volcanoes?

Volcanoes can be classified as active, dormant, or extinct based on eruption frequency Signup and view all the answers

What determines the path of a tropical storm?

The climatic conditions and the specific storm itself Signup and view all the answers

How does the predictability of tropical storms improve as they approach land?

More data becomes available for accurate tracking Signup and view all the answers

What is one hazard caused by tropical storms?

High winds capable of causing significant structural damage Signup and view all the answers

What type of flooding can occur due to tropical storms?

Both coastal and river flooding from storm surges and heavy rain Signup and view all the answers

How can scientists predict the likelihood of future tropical storms hitting specific areas?

Using past storm data and climatic trends Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tropical Storm Formation

Tropical storms need ocean temperatures of approximately 26-27°C and a depth of at least 60 meters for development.
They only form between 5° latitude north and south of the equator due to the Coriolis Effect influenced by the Earth’s rotation.
Unstable air pressure areas, where high and low pressures converge, facilitate the rise of warm, humid air, essential for cloud formation.
Wind shear must be moderate; too strong winds can disrupt the storm’s formation.

Storm Development Process

Warm moist air rises, creating low pressure that attracts surrounding high-pressure air to flow in.
As warm air ascends, it cools, leading to condensation and the formation of thunderstorm clouds.
The Coriolis effect causes storms to spin: counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Tsunamis

Earthquakes displace oceanic crust, causing fast-moving but low-amplitude water waves.
As waves approach the coastline, they slow down and increase in height, potentially reaching up to 100 feet.

Ground Hazards

Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil behaves like a liquid during an earthquake, increasing the risk of collapse under weight.
Landslides and avalanches may occur due to soil or snow instability, posing threats to life and infrastructure.
Mudflows, lahars, and glacial floods can result from volcanic activity and rapid melting of ice.

Volcanic Eruptions

Tephra includes any rock ejected by a volcano and can vary in size and type.
Toxic gases released during eruptions can replace oxygen, posing health risks.
Acid rain develops when volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide enter the atmosphere.
Magnitude of eruptions is assessed using the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), which is logarithmic beyond VEI 2.

Mass Movement Hazards

Environmental effects include ecosystem damage, wildlife loss, and infrastructure destruction.
Economic impacts involve business disruption, job losses, and the financial strain of reconstruction.
Social consequences can lead to fatalities, trauma, homelessness, and power outages.
Political ramifications often include government disputes regarding disaster responses.

Tropical Storm Characteristics

Tropical storms are irregular, with unpredictable paths influenced by climatic conditions.
Satellite tracking aids in predicting storm movement and intensity, allowing for the estimation of landfall timing.

Hazards from Tropical Storms

High winds can exceed 300 km/h, causing severe structural damage and posing injury risks from debris.
Flooding results from storm surges and heavy rainfall, potentially affecting areas far from the storm's direct path.

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Description

Test your knowledge about Hurricane Florence and its characteristics as observed from the International Space Station. Learn about the conditions necessary for the formation and development of tropical storms, including temperature and rotation factors.