EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE 2

A tectonic map shows two oceanic plates sliding horizontally past one another. no new crust is being formed and no subduction is occurring.

The plate boundary is transform, characterized primarily by strike-slip faulting and earthquakes.

A map shows two oceanic plates moving toward each other. One plate is bending downward and sinking into the Earth's mantle.

Subduction zone

A map of the Atlantic Ocean shows a massive underwater mountain range where the seafloor is spreading. As magma rises to create new crust, which two plates are most likely moving away from each other at this location?

North American and Eurasian Plates

A tectonic map shows two massive continental landmasses being pushed toward one another. Scientists observe that the crust here is thickening and being forced upward.

A convergent boundary is building new mountain ranges.

A student models tectonic movement by pulling two blocks of clay slowly away from each other. As the clay stretches and breaks, one block slides downward along the angled crack.

Normal fault, caused by tensional stress pulling the crust apart.

A student models tectonic movement by pushing two blocks of clay toward each other. As the blocks collide, the clay buckles and wrinkles, forcing the material upward to form a high, jagged ridge.

Fold mountains, formed by compressional stress at a continental collision zone.

A student uses a clay model to show tectonic plates moving apart on land. As the clay stretches and thins, a long, low-lying valley forms between the two blocks.

Continental rift, created by tensional stress as a landmass begins to split.

A diagram shows a dense oceanic plate sliding beneath a less dense continental plate. The arrows indicate the oceanic plate is descending into the mantle. To create a complete and accurate model of this convergent boundary

Volcanic arc

Tectonic plate movements create specific types of stress in the Earth's crust, resulting in different types of faults. Which pairing accurately reflects this relationship?

Convergent boundary – Compression stress – Reverse fault

A diagram illustrates a rock layer slowly bending as tectonic stress increases. Eventually, the rock reaches its breaking point and snaps into two pieces, releasing energy.

The stress from plate movement exceeded the rock's strength, causing a fault to form.

Most earthquakes occur at plate boundaries where tectonic plates interact. Which statement best explains why these boundaries are the primary sites for seismic activity?

Friction causes the plates to get stuck, allowing stress to build until the rocks reach their breaking point.

Which statement best evaluates the logical sequence of events that leads to seismic activity at tectonic plate boundaries?

Plate motion generates crustal stress → rocks fracture and form faults → a sudden release of energy along a fault causes an earthquake

Seismic waves are classified as either body waves or surface waves. Why are surface waves generally responsible for the most severe structural damage during an earthquake?

They slowly travel along the Earth's exterior with larger amplitudes, causing intense ground shaking.

A student uses a metal spring to model seismic waves. If the student pushes and pulls the spring so that the coils compress and expand in a direction parallel to the wave's path,

Primary waves

As seismic waves travel through the Earth, they pass through internal layers that have significantly different densities and physical states. What is the primary effect of these varying conditions on seismic wave propagation?

The waves change speed and bend as they move from one layer to another layer.

The island of Luzon is situated between two opposing subduction zones. Which tectonic feature is located to the west of Luzon and generates earthquakes as the South China Sea Plate subducts beneath the Philippine Mobile Belt?

Manila Trench

Mindanao is one of the most seismically active regions in the Philippines. Which tectonic feature is located specifically to the east of Mindanao and generates powerful earthquakes as the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the archipelago?

Philippine Trench

The Philippine archipelago is bisected by a massive, 1,200-kilometer-long strike-slip fault that stretches from Luzon in the north to Mindanao in the south. Which major fault system is responsible for many of the country's most significant inland earthquakes?

Philippine Fault Zone

A house is built on a layer of loose, water-saturated silt and sand. During a major earthquake, the intense vibrations cause the soil to lose its stiffness and behave like a heavy liquid, causing the building's foundation to tilt and sink.

Liquefaction

A coastal city constructs high sea walls to protect its residents from tsunamis. Which statement provides the most accurate evaluation of using sea walls as a primary mitigation strategy?

They effectively reduce the impact of moderate waves but can be overtopped by extreme tsunamis.

Most earthquake-related injuries inside modern homes are caused by falling objects rather than structural collapse. Which mitigation measure is most effective at reducing these types of injuries?

Using L-brackets or straps to secure tall shelves, cabinets, and appliances to wall studs.

The eruptive style of a volcano is largely determined by the characteristics of its magma. Which pairing correctly identifies the relationship between magma composition and its resulting behavior?

Mafic magma – Low silica content – Fluid, effusive lava flows

Which set of characteristics correctly describes the physical properties and behavior of an andesitic magma?

Moderate silica content and medium viscosity, often resulting in a mix of lava flows and explosive eruptions.

Taal Volcano is well-known for its frequent phreatic eruptions. Which statement best explains the mechanism behind this specific type of volcanic activity?

Underground water or lake water is superheated by magma, causing it to flash into steam and explode.

Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption is one of the largest explosive events of the 20th century, characterized by massive ash columns and devastating pyroclastic flows. Which combination of magma properties best explains this explosive behavior?

High viscosity and high gas content