United States Earthquake Zones Quiz
California, Alaska, New Madrid seismic zone (10 questions).
United States Earthquake Zones Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The United States contains several distinct seismic zones, ranging from the active plate boundaries on the West Coast to the intraplate faults of the central interior. This quiz tests your knowledge of the tectonic forces shaping California, Alaska, and the historic New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska experiences more earthquakes than any other US state due to the Aleutian Megathrust.
- The San Andreas Fault is a transform fault, meaning the plates slide past each other.
- The New Madrid Seismic Zone poses a significant risk to the Central US, including Missouri and Tennessee.
- The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake (Mag 9.2) was the second-largest earthquake ever recorded.
- Earthquakes in the Central US are felt over much wider areas than those of similar magnitude in California due to crustal properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US state has the most earthquakes?
Alaska is the most seismically active state in the US.
What tectonic plates meet at the San Andreas Fault?
The Pacific Plate and the North American Plate meet at this boundary.
Where is the New Madrid Seismic Zone located?
It is located in the Central United States, centered near the Missouri bootheel along the Mississippi River.
What type of fault is the San Andreas?
It is a transform fault, also known as a strike-slip fault.
When were the major New Madrid earthquakes?
The most famous sequence of major earthquakes occurred between December 1811 and February 1812.
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