Loading...

Lesson 1: Geologic Hazards and Detection Criteria — Practice Questions

  1. 1. Which specific type of tectonic plate boundary is most frequently associated with the generation of large, destructive tsunamis?

    • A. Divergent boundaries
    • B. Subduction zones
    • C. Transform faults
    • D. Continental rifts
  2. 2. An engineering team is tasked with placing a limited number of deep-ocean tsunami sensors. To maximize effectiveness, where should they prioritize placement?

    • A. In the deepest parts of the ocean, as deep water creates larger waves.
    • B. Near known subduction zones where oceanic plates are converging.
    • C. Equally spaced across the entire ocean basin to ensure total coverage.
    • D. Very close to heavily populated coastlines for the fastest possible warning.
  3. 3. Which of the following events would pose the LEAST risk of generating a major tsunami?

    • A. A magnitude 8.2 earthquake in a deep ocean trench where plates converge.
    • B. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake at an offshore subduction zone.
    • C. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake on a continental plate far from the coast.
    • D. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake near a chain of volcanic islands at a plate boundary.
  4. 4. According to historical data, what is the typical minimum magnitude an earthquake must have to be considered a significant tsunami threat?

    • A. Above magnitude 5.0
    • B. Above magnitude 6.0
    • C. Above magnitude 7.0
    • D. Above magnitude 8.0
  5. 5. A magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurs. Which piece of additional information is most critical for determining if it poses a tsunami risk?

    • A. The time of day the earthquake occurred.
    • B. The temperature of the water at the epicenter.
    • C. Whether the earthquake occurred at a subduction zone.
    • D. The mineral composition of the surrounding seafloor.
  6. 6. An engineering team is designing a new reusable coffee cup. Which of the following is most likely a key design *criterion*?

    • A. The total project budget is limited to $50,000.
    • B. The cup must keep coffee hot for at least 3 hours.
    • C. Manufacturing must use existing factory equipment.
    • D. The marketing team requires a final design by June 1st.
  7. 7. A city hires engineers to build a new bridge. The project must be completed using a specific, locally-sourced type of steel. How is this requirement best classified?

    • A. As a performance criterion
    • B. As a primary project goal
    • C. As a material constraint
    • D. As a measure of success
  8. 8. A team is developing a new smartphone. Which of the following factors would be considered a design *constraint* rather than a criterion?

    • A. The phone's camera must be able to record high-definition video.
    • B. The phone's screen must be readable in direct sunlight.
    • C. The total cost to produce each phone cannot exceed $300.
    • D. The phone must be waterproof up to a depth of one meter.
  9. 9. In the context of engineering design, what is the primary role of a 'criterion'?

    • A. To list the available materials for a project.
    • B. To define the requirements a design must meet to be considered successful.
    • C. To set the total budget for the project.
    • D. To describe the limitations and restrictions on the design process.
  10. 10. Which of the following best describes a 'constraint' in an engineering project?

    • A. A goal the project aims to achieve.
    • B. A measure of the project's success.
    • C. A limitation or restriction that the design must operate within.
    • D. A detailed plan for building the final product.