Environmental Science Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards 2

Question 1

What is a lahar, and which natural disaster is it most directly associated with?

Accepted Answer

A mudflow of volcanic debris and water associated with volcanic eruptions

Answer

A lava flow caused by shield volcanism

Answer

A type of submarine landslide triggering tsunamis

Answer

An ash plume that disrupts aviation

Question 2

Which region of the United States is most frequently referred to as 'Tornado Alley' due to the high frequency of tornado formation?

Accepted Answer

The Great Plains states from Texas to South Dakota

Answer

The Pacific Northwest coast

Answer

The Appalachian Mountain region

Answer

The Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida

Question 3

Which term describes the process by which saturated soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Liquefaction

Answer

Subsidence

Answer

Sinkholes

Answer

Lateral spreading

Question 4

The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale differs from the Richter scale in that the MMI measures:

Accepted Answer

The perceived shaking and damage at a specific location

Answer

The energy released at the earthquake's focus

Answer

The frequency of seismic waves detected

Answer

The depth of the earthquake's hypocenter

Question 5

During a hurricane, which component is responsible for the greatest loss of life along coastlines?

Accepted Answer

Storm surge flooding

Answer

High-speed sustained winds

Answer

Tornadoes spawned by the storm

Answer

Inland freshwater flooding from rainfall

Question 6

What is the primary environmental benefit of natural wildfire in many ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

It clears accumulated dead biomass and promotes new growth and biodiversity

Answer

It permanently increases soil nitrogen concentrations

Answer

It eliminates invasive animal species from the region

Answer

It prevents all future fires by removing all fuel

Question 7

Which type of drought is defined by a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Meteorological drought

Answer

Agricultural drought

Answer

Hydrological drought

Answer

Socioeconomic drought