Earthquake and Volcano Science Quiz — 10 Questions

Challenge common misconceptions about faults, wave types, magnitude, intensity, magma and volcanic landforms.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01What usually causes an earthquake?

Sudden slip along a faultTides rising at beachesDaily changes in sunlightClouds moving across a mountain

QUESTION 02What does an earthquake epicenter mark?

Center of EarthSurface point directly above the focusDeepest part of the oceanThe most damaged building

QUESTION 03Which seismic waves usually travel fastest?

S wavesOcean surface wavesP wavesSound waves in air

QUESTION 04Which seismic waves cannot pass through liquid?

P wavesLight wavesRadio wavesS waves

QUESTION 05What does earthquake magnitude describe?

Overall earthquake sizeOnly damage at one addressThe time of the next earthquakeThe temperature of the fault

QUESTION 06What scale expresses local earthquake shaking with Roman numerals in the United States?

Beaufort Wind ScaleModified Mercalli IntensitySaffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind ScaleMohs Hardness Scale

QUESTION 07What is molten rock called after it reaches the surface?

Magma chamberTectonic plateLavaBedrock

QUESTION 08Which volcano type is typically broad with gently sloping sides?

StratovolcanoCinder coneCalderaShield volcano

QUESTION 09What is a volcanic caldera?

A large collapse depressionAn underwater earthquake sensorA flowing river of ashA layer of snow on a peak

QUESTION 10Which ocean is surrounded by the broad tectonic belt called the Ring of Fire?

Atlantic OceanPacific OceanArctic OceanIndian Ocean

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