Jeopardy: Natural Disasters - Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes

What is an earthquake?

The shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

What are primary waves (P-waves)?

Seismic waves that travel outward from the earthquake focus or hypocenter.

What is a fault?

An area of the crust where two tectonic plates meet and can cause earthquakes.

What is the Richter scale?

The scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

What is the epicenter?

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

What is a tsunami?

A series of ocean waves caused by large disturbances such as underwater earthquakes.

What is 500-800 km/h?

Tsunamis can travel at speeds of up to ___ in the open ocean.

What is smaller?

The first wave of a tsunami often arrives ___ compared to subsequent waves.

What is the Tsunami Warning Center?

The warning system used to alert people about potential tsunami events.

What is seismic activity?

The phenomenon that causes the ocean floor to rise rapidly during a tsunami event.

What is a volcano?

An opening in the Earth's crust that allows molten rock, ash, and gases to escape.

What is lava?

The molten rock that erupts from a volcano is called ___.

What is a stratovolcano?

The type of volcano characterized by steep sides and explosive eruptions.

What is the Ring of Fire?

The area around the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.

What is the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?

The volcanic eruption that buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in A.D. 79.

What is an emergency kit?

The plan you should have in place to ensure safety during a natural disaster.

What is to “drop, cover, and hold on”?

The first step to take when you feel an earthquake.

What is a tsunami drill?

This type of drill helps prepare for tsunami evacuations.

What is evacuation?

The term used for the process of moving people to safety before a natural disaster occurs.

What is a battery-powered radio?

An important communication device to have during a natural disaster in case of power failure.

What are some impacts of natural disasters?

Natural disasters can lead to loss of life, injury, and damage to property and the environment.

What is infrastructure?

The economic impact from a natural disaster often includes loss of jobs and damage to ___.

What is homeowners insurance or disaster insurance?

Name one type of insurance that can help families recover after a disaster.

What is FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)?

The organization that provides assistance in the aftermath of disasters in the United States.

What is to improve preparedness and resilience?

Name a reason why understanding natural disasters is important for communities.