Introduction to Environmental Geology, 5e (Keller)
Chapter 7 Tsunamis
7.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1) In what region did a major tsunami strike in late 2004?
A) eastern Pacific Ocean
B) western Pacific Ocean
C) Mediterranean Sea
D) Indian Ocean
2) The 2004 tsunami was generated by a(n)
A) volcanic eruption
B) submarine landslide
C) earthquake
D) meteorite impact
3) The tsunami warning system in the region of the 2004 tsunami
A) failed
B) did not exist
C) saved many lives
D) gave inaccurate information
4) The giant tsunami that struck Indonesia in 1883 was caused by a(n)
A) volcanic eruption
B) submarine landslide
C) earthquake
D) meteorite impact
5) Tsunami can take several hours to cross the ocean because
A) they move slowly
B) they are so high that wind impedes their progress
C) the travel distances are great
D) the ocean is too deep to transmit the waves
6) The 1700 AD tsunami generated by a large earthquake on the Cascadia subduction zone in the
Pacific Northwest was dated most precisely using
A) Native American histories
B) Pacific Northwest sediments
C) Japanese tsunami records
D) early seismograms in China
7) The first step in producing a timely warning of a tsunami is
A) detection of a possible tsunami-producing earthquake
B) detection of a tsunami using a tsunameter
C) closely watching tidal gauges
D) calculation of ocean travel times
8) Tsunamis can be detected on the open ocean through
A) measurement of changes in pressure exerted on the sea bottom by the water column
B) shipboard observations of wave heights
C) seismometer records
D) measurement of wave speeds with Doppler radar
9) Tsunamis are generated by
A) rupture of faults on land
B) earthquake waves shaking the ocean floor
C) vertical displacement of ocean water
D) tides in the Pacific Ocean
7.2 True/False Questions
1) The 2004 Indonesian/Indian Ocean tsunami came as a complete surprise to scientists working
in the area.
2) It is safer to be on the open ocean than in the harbor when a tsunami arrives.
3) The Cascadia subduction zone in the Pacific Northwest generates tsunamis.
4) Given their great speed, it is impossible to warn of a tsunami before it strikes land.
5) The San Andreas Fault is highly likely to generate tsunamis.
6) A tsunami watch means that tsunami is imminent and citizens should watch for its arrival.
7) Tsunami ready status means that a community has planning and systems in place to respond to
a tsunami warning.
8) Ocean water may recede from the shore before a tsunami wave strikes.
9) Earthquakes are the only source of tsunamis.
7.3 Short Answer Questions
1) The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami originated off the coast of the country of ________.
2) The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused death and damage as far away as ________.
3) ________ in Thailand are at least one type of animal that appear to have sensed the impending
tsunami.
4) A megatsunami might be produced by ________ impact.
5) The explosion of the volcano ________ in 1883 generated a giant tsunami that killed tens of
thousands of people.
6) Once a large tsunami is generated, it is least noticeable in ________ water.
7) The horizontal and vertical distance that a tsunami moves inland is called ________.
8) The 1998 tsunami in Papua New Guinea was generated by a submarine ________.
9) A tsunami warning system includes seismometers, buoys with ________, and communication
systems.
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10) A(n) ________ is issued when a tsunami has been detected and is moving toward an area.