EOSC 114 Final Exam (Learning Goals) Questions with Complete Solutions
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Course
EOSC 114
Institution
EOSC 114
EOSC 114 Final Exam (Learning Goals)
Questions with Complete Solutions
What are the primary forces that trigger a tsunami?
Tsunamis are primarily triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater
landslides.
Why is the Pacific Ocean more prone to tsunamis compared to oth...
EOSC 114 Final Exam (Learning Goals)
Questions with Complete Solutions
What are the primary forces that trigger a tsunami?
✔✔Tsunamis are primarily triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater
landslides.
Why is the Pacific Ocean more prone to tsunamis compared to other oceans?
✔✔The Pacific Ocean is more prone to tsunamis due to its active tectonic boundaries,
specifically the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous subduction zones are present.
What are the main differences between shield volcanoes and stratovolcanoes?
✔✔Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes and are built from low-viscosity lava flows, whereas
stratovolcanoes have steeper slopes and are formed by alternating layers of lava and pyroclastic
materials.
What is the most common cause of landslides in mountainous regions?
✔✔The most common cause of landslides in mountainous regions is heavy rainfall, which
saturates the soil and destabilizes slopes.
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,How does the magnitude of an earthquake relate to the energy it releases?
✔✔The magnitude of an earthquake is logarithmic, meaning that each increase by one unit on
the scale represents about 32 times more energy released.
What factors influence the potential destructiveness of a tsunami?
✔✔The factors include the tsunami’s wave height, speed, and distance traveled, as well as
coastal topography and the population density of affected areas.
What is liquefaction and how does it affect buildings during an earthquake?
✔✔Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength due to shaking, causing buildings
and structures to sink or tilt.
What type of volcanic eruption is most likely to produce pyroclastic flows?
✔✔Explosive volcanic eruptions from stratovolcanoes are most likely to produce pyroclastic
flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter.
Why is it difficult to predict earthquakes?
✔✔Earthquakes are difficult to predict because they result from complex and often unpredictable
movements along fault lines, with no consistent precursors.
2
,What are the key warning signs of an impending volcanic eruption?
✔✔Key warning signs include increased seismic activity, changes in gas emissions, ground
deformation, and the appearance of new fumaroles.
How do tectonic plate boundaries influence the occurrence of natural disasters like earthquakes
and volcanoes?
✔✔Tectonic plate boundaries, especially convergent and transform boundaries, are hotspots for
earthquakes and volcanic activity due to the movement and interaction of plates.
What is the difference between a magnitude 5 and a magnitude 7 earthquake in terms of damage
potential?
✔✔A magnitude 7 earthquake releases approximately 1,000 times more energy than a magnitude
5, leading to far greater potential for damage and destruction.
What role do early warning systems play in reducing the impacts of tsunamis?
✔✔Early warning systems detect seismic activity and alert coastal populations, allowing them to
evacuate before the tsunami reaches shore, reducing casualties and damage.
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, How can human activities contribute to the risk of landslides?
✔✔Human activities like deforestation, construction on unstable slopes, and altering natural
drainage patterns can increase the likelihood of landslides.
What is a lahar and how does it form?
✔✔A lahar is a volcanic mudflow that forms when volcanic ash and debris mix with water, often
from rain or melting snow, and flows down the slopes of a volcano.
Why are aftershocks dangerous following a major earthquake?
✔✔Aftershocks can be nearly as powerful as the main earthquake and often strike when
buildings and infrastructure are already weakened, increasing the risk of collapse.
How do scientists determine the location of an earthquake’s epicenter?
✔✔Scientists use seismic data from at least three different locations, measuring the time
difference between the arrival of P-waves and S-waves to triangulate the epicenter.
What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves in an earthquake?
✔✔P-waves are primary waves that travel faster and move through both liquids and solids, while
S-waves are slower, secondary waves that can only move through solids.
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