Quiz 8 - Shaping the Lithosphere

1. The variety of surface features on the Earth results from

(a) tectonic activity

(b) gravity

(c) weathering and erosion

(d) all of the above

  2. If you were afraid of earthquakes, which of the following areas would be the safest to live?

(a) convergent plate boundary

(b) divergent plate boundary

(c) island arc subduction zone

(d) shield

  3. Compressional stress along a fault can result in a dropped footwall block relative to the hanging-wall side, producing a _____________.

(a) normal fault

(b) thrust fault

(c) strike-slip fault

(d) lateral fault

  4. In recent times, false rumors have spread suggesting that California is "going to fall into the ocean." In order for this to be true, the San Andreas fault would have to be a ________ fault associated with _______ forces.

(a) normal; tension

(b) normal; compression

(c) reverse; tension

(d) reverse; compression

  5. Which of the following is true regarding the Richter scale?

(a) It is a scale of magnitude based on arithmetical progression (1, 2, 3...).

(b) It is a closed scale that begins at 0.0 and ends at 10.0.

(c) An 8.0 on the scale is equal to 31.5 times more energy released than a 7.0.

(d) It is the same as the Mercalli scale.

  6. How often would you expect an earthquake of greater than 8.0 on the Richter scale, or XII on the Mercalli scale to occur?

(a) 120 times per year

(b) 800 times per year

(c) only once every few years

(d) once or twice a century

  7. Volcanoes formed from silica rich magma ____________.

(a) have gently sloping surfaces that give them the appearance of a shield.

(b) are highly explosive and dangerous.

(c) are associated with midocean ridges.

(d) are associated with rift zones.

  8. Which of the following statements about shield volcanoes is true?

(a) They occur only in shield areas of the earth.

(b) They are subject to violently explosive eruptions.

(c) They form from mafic magma.

(d) They consist of tremendous quantities of pyroclastics.

  9. The Appalachian mountains of the eastern USA.

(a) are a scar of a 250 to 300 million year old convergent boundary.

(b) are comprised of stratified sedimentary rocks.

(c) were formed in a massive earthquake in the 18th century.

(d) were formed at the same time as the Rocky Mountain range in the western USA.

  10. Which of the following volcanic hazards is not correctly matched?

(a) Mount St. Helens, USA = pyroclastic flow

(b) Mount Pinatubo, Philippines = lahar

(c) Lake Nyos, Cameroon = toxic gases

(d) Kilauea, USA = pyroclastic flow