What Is It?
What is an earthquake?
It is the shaking of the surface of the earth caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust.
If you are inside a building during an earthquake, what is the one thing you should never use?
The elevator (lift).
What is the main cause of a tsunami?
An underwater earthquake (or volcanic eruption) that displaces a large amount of water.
Which ocean is famous for having the most tsunamis?
The Pacific Ocean
What is the calmest center of a hurricane or tornado called?
The eye
What do you call a violent, dangerous rotating column of air that is in contact with both the ground and a rain cloud?
A tornado
If you are caught in a wildfire, which way should you run?
Perpendicular to the wind direction, not away from the flames directly.
What usually triggers a landslide?
Heavy rain, earthquakes, or erosion that makes the slope unstable.
What is the name for a powerful tropical storm that forms in the Atlantic?
A hurricane.
What is the name for the giant waves that can happen inside a lake or a fjord, not just the ocean?
A mega-tsunami
What does the term flood mean?
An overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.
If a hurricane (typhoon) catches you outside and you can't get home, where is the safest place to hide?
a storm shelter, or a low-lying interior room without windows.
What causes a volcano to erupt?
The pressure of hot magma and gases building up beneath the Earth's surface.
What type of environment is most at risk for large wildfires?
Forests or dry grasslands during hot, dry summers.
Which is usually more deadly in a volcanic eruption: the lava or the ash/pyroclastic flow?
The ash and pyroclastic flow
What is the process called when soil, sand, or rocks are worn away and moved by wind or water?
Erosion
You are on the beach and you feel a strong earthquake. What is the most important thing to do immediately?
Run to higher ground or inland as fast as possible (because of tsunami danger).
What is the main reason for a drought?
A long period of time with little to no rainfall.
Which country is known as the "Land of Earthquakes" and has the most active seismic activity?
Japan
What is the difference between a "storm surge" and a "tsunami"?
A storm surge is caused by high winds pushing ocean water ashore (during a hurricane), while a tsunami is caused by the displacement of the ocean floor (earthquake).
What is an avalanche?
A rapid flow of snow down a sloping surface, often triggered by natural forces or human activity.
Why is it dangerous to stand under a tall, lonely tree during a thunderstorm?
Because it is the tallest object and is most likely to be struck by lightning.
What is a flash flood usually caused by?
Heavy, sudden rainfall in a short period of time.
In which season do avalanches happen most often in the mountains?
Late winter or early spring
What is a "derecho"?
A widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.