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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of earthquakes?
What is the primary cause of earthquakes?
- Heavy rainfall soaking the ground
- The collapse of soluble bedrock
- The release of energy along geological faults (correct)
- The rapid movement of rock and debris
Which geological hazard is described as the downward movement of rock, earth, or debris due to gravity?
Which geological hazard is described as the downward movement of rock, earth, or debris due to gravity?
- Sinkhole
- Landslide (correct)
- Tsunami
- Earthquake
Which of the following examples illustrates the impact of a landslide?
Which of the following examples illustrates the impact of a landslide?
- A sinkhole in Guatemala City
- A large landslide incident in Oso, Washington (correct)
- Seismic waves traveling through the Earth
- The 1994 Northridge earthquake
What geological feature results from the collapse of the surface layer above soluble bedrock?
What geological feature results from the collapse of the surface layer above soluble bedrock?
What is a typical consequence of heavy rainfall in relation to geological hazards?
What is a typical consequence of heavy rainfall in relation to geological hazards?
Which of the following statement about seismic hazards is correct?
Which of the following statement about seismic hazards is correct?
What is the magnitude of the 1994 Northridge earthquake?
What is the magnitude of the 1994 Northridge earthquake?
What are some mineral hazards related to geological hazards?
What are some mineral hazards related to geological hazards?
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Study Notes
Earthquakes
- Sudden shaking of the ground caused by energy release along faults or tectonic plate boundaries.
- Epicenter: Point on Earth's surface directly above where the earthquake starts.
- Example: 1994 Northridge earthquake in California.
- Magnitude: 6.7
- Deaths: 57
- Damages: $60 billion (in 2013 dollars)
Landslides
- Downward movement of rock, earth, or debris, usually due to gravity.
- Example: 2014 Oso, Washington landslide.
- Killed 43 people.
- Covered a valley with at least 20 feet of debris.
- Claims denied by government and insurance companies.
Sinkholes
- Depressions or holes caused by surface layer collapse.
- Occur where the subsurface layer is made of soluble bedrock (like limestone).
- Example: 2010 Guatemala City sinkhole.
- Swallowed a café.
- At least 20 casualties.
Landslides Induced by Rainfall
- Occur when soil becomes saturated and unstable.
- Heavy rainfall can act like a "curtain of water" on hillsides.
- Experts warn of landslide danger after heavy rains.
Seismic Hazards related to Earthquakes
- Ground rupture/faulting: Displacement of the Earth's surface along a fault.
- Liquefaction: Soil turns into a liquid-like substance during an earthquake.
- Strong motion: Shaking of the ground caused by seismic waves.
- Tsunami: Large ocean waves caused by earthquakes.
Landslide Types
- Seismically-triggered landslides: Caused by earthquakes.
- Debris flows: Rapid flow of rock, soil, and water.
- Mud flows: Flows of mud and water.
- Rock falls: Falling rocks from cliffs or slopes.
Mineral Hazards
- Asbestos: A fibrous mineral that can cause lung diseases.
- Radon: A radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
- Mercury: A heavy metal that can cause neurological problems.
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