Environmental Science Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards

Question 1

Which type of natural hazard is primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates along fault lines?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes

Answer

Hurricanes

Answer

Wildfires

Answer

Droughts

Question 2

The Richter scale is used to measure which characteristic of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Magnitude (energy released)

Answer

Depth of the epicenter

Answer

Duration of shaking

Answer

Geographic extent of damage

Question 3

Which atmospheric condition is the primary driver for the formation of a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Warm ocean surface temperatures above 79°F (26°C)

Answer

Cold ocean surface temperatures below 60°F

Answer

High-pressure systems over land

Answer

Strong upper-level wind shear

Question 4

A tsunami is most commonly triggered by which event?

Accepted Answer

A large submarine earthquake or undersea landslide

Answer

A Category 5 hurricane making landfall

Answer

Rapid coastal erosion during storm surge

Answer

Volcanic ash clouds over the ocean

Question 5

What is the term for the geographic zone around a volcano where the most severe pyroclastic hazards are likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Exclusion zone

Answer

Lahar corridor

Answer

Danger zone

Answer

Primary impact zone

Question 6

Which type of flood occurs with little or no warning due to intense, localized rainfall in a short period?

Accepted Answer

Flash flood

Answer

Riverine flood

Answer

Coastal flood

Answer

Ice-jam flood

Question 7

The 'fire triangle' concept describes the three elements required for a wildfire to ignite and spread. Which set correctly identifies these elements?

Accepted Answer

Heat, fuel, and oxygen

Answer

Wind, slope, and fuel

Answer

Drought, wind, and terrain

Answer

Ignition, humidity, and fuel