Natural Hazards in the United States Quiz
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes (10 questions).
Natural Hazards in the United States Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The United States features a diverse geography that exposes specific regions to distinct natural hazards. From the active tectonic plate boundaries along the Pacific Ring of Fire to the warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico fueling hurricanes, understanding these forces is essential for safety and geographic literacy.
Key Takeaways
- The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary separating the Pacific and North American plates.
- Storm surge is often the deadliest component of a hurricane, pushing ocean water inland.
- Flash floods develop rapidly (within 6 hours), whereas river floods build up over days.
- Alaska records more earthquakes annually than any other US state.
- The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was one of the most destructive river floods in US history.
- Intraplate earthquakes occur away from plate boundaries, such as those in the Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most earthquakes occur in the US?
Alaska experiences the highest frequency of earthquakes, followed by California, due to active plate boundaries.
What defines a “major” hurricane?
A hurricane is classified as “major” if it reaches Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale (winds of 111 mph or higher).
What is the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
It is a major seismic zone and source of intraplate earthquakes in the southern and midwestern United States.
What causes the most deaths during a hurricane?
Storm surge—the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds—historically causes the leading number of hurricane-related deaths.
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The official season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, with the peak of activity usually in September.
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