Earthquakes, Tsunami and Volcanoes - Practice Test 4

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a site of:

   • A.Volcanic activity (Divergent)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Mountain folding
   • C.Subduction
   • D.No activity

   Explanation: It is a divergent boundary with constant volcanic eruptions creating sea floor.

2. Q2.Lapilli are:

   • A.Small pebble-like volcanic stones✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Large volcanic bombs
   • C.Fine ash
   • D.Lava flow

   Explanation: Lapilli means 'little stones' ejected during eruptions.

3. Q3.Which of these is a secondary effect of earthquakes?

   • A.Fire / Landslides✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Ground shaking
   • C.Faulting
   • D.Energy release

   Explanation: Ground shaking triggers fires, landslides, and tsunamis (secondary effects).

4. Q4.The intensity of an earthquake decreases as we move away from the:

   • A.Epicenter✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Focus
   • C.Mantle
   • D.Core

   Explanation: Damage is usually highest at the epicenter and reduces with distance.

5. Q5.Isoseismal lines connect places with:

   • A.Equal earthquake intensity✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Equal temperature
   • C.Equal rainfall
   • D.Equal pressure

   Explanation: Isoseismal lines map areas of equal seismic intensity.

6. Q6.Homoseismal lines connect places where:

   • A.Earthquake waves arrive at the same time✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Earthquake intensity is same
   • C.Damage is same
   • D.Tsunami hits

   Explanation: Homoseismal lines connect points of simultaneous wave arrival.

7. Q7.A volcano composed of alternating layers of lava and ash is:

   • A.Composite / Stratovolcano✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Shield Volcano
   • C.Cinder Cone
   • D.Lava Dome

   Explanation: Stratovolcanoes are built of layers (strata).

8. Q8.Mauna Loa in Hawaii is an example of:

   • A.Shield Volcano✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Cinder Cone
   • C.Composite Volcano
   • D.Caldera

   Explanation: It is a massive shield volcano.

9. Q9.Paricutin in Mexico is a famous:

   • A.Cinder Cone✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Shield Volcano
   • C.Batholith
   • D.Dyke

   Explanation: Paricutin is a classic cinder cone that grew in a cornfield.

10. Q10.The region known as the 'Ring of Fire' is also associated with:

    • A.Deep Ocean Trenches✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Flat Plains
    • C.Deserts
    • D.Glaciers

    Explanation: The Ring of Fire aligns with subduction zones forming deep trenches.

11. Q11.Earthquakes are rare in which continent?

    • A.Antarctica / Australia (Stable interiors)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Asia
    • C.North America
    • D.South America

    Explanation: Antarctica has the fewest earthquakes, though not zero. Australia is also relatively stable.

12. Q12.Which gas causes acid rain often associated with volcanic eruptions?

    • A.Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Oxygen
    • C.Methane
    • D.Helium

    Explanation: SO2 reacts with water to form acid rain.

13. Q13.A tsunami warning system detects:

    • A.Pressure changes / seismic activity ocean floor✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Wind speed
    • C.Rainfall
    • D.Temperature

    Explanation: Sensors detect earthquakes and pressure changes in the ocean column.

14. Q14.Which of these is NOT a cause of Earthquakes?

    • A.Solar Eclipse✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Volcanic Eruption
    • C.Plate Tectonics
    • D.Anthropogenic factors (Dams/Mining)

    Explanation: Solar eclipses do not cause earthquakes.

15. Q15.Reservoir-induced seismicity is caused by:

    • A.Weight of water in large dams✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Wind
    • C.Fish movement
    • D.Boats

    Explanation: The pressure of water in large reservoirs can trigger earthquakes (e.g., Koyna).

16. Q16.The belt extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Himalayas is:

    • A.Mid-Continental Belt✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Circum-Pacific Belt
    • C.Mid-Atlantic Belt
    • D.Arctic Belt

    Explanation: This belt (Alpine-Himalayan) accounts for ~15% of earthquakes.

17. Q17.Which volcano erupted in 1991, cooling the global climate?

    • A.Mt. Pinatubo✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Mt. St. Helens
    • C.Krakatoa
    • D.Vesuvius

    Explanation: Pinatubo's ash blocked sunlight, cooling Earth slightly.

18. Q18.Pumice is a type of volcanic rock that:

    • A.Floats on water✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sinks immediately
    • C.Is magnetic
    • D.Is transparent

    Explanation: It floats due to vesicles (gas bubbles).

19. Q19.Black soil in India (Regur) is derived from:

    • A.Volcanic Basalt (Deccan Traps)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sandstone
    • C.Limestone
    • D.Granite

    Explanation: It forms from the weathering of basaltic lava flows.

20. Q20.A fissure eruption results in the formation of:

    • A.Lava Plateaus✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Cinder Cones
    • C.Composite Volcanoes
    • D.Craters

    Explanation: Fluid lava spreads over large areas forming plateaus (e.g., Deccan).