Q 01/05

Which scale replaced the Richter scale as the standard for measuring big earthquakes?

A) Modified Mercalli

B) Moment magnitude

C) European Macroseismic

D) Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik

Answer · why

B) Moment magnitude

Moment magnitude is based on how far a fault slips and over what area, so unlike older scales it doesn't saturate for great quakes.

Q 02/05

What is the geological term for the point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture first occurs?

A) Fault scarp

B) Hypocenter

C) Fault line

D) Seismic station

Answer · why

B) Hypocenter

The hypocenter, also called the focus, is the point where the rupture starts; plotting many hypocentres maps a fault plane underground.

Q 03/05

Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with the deepest and most powerful earthquakes?

A) Convergent

B) Divergent

C) Transform

D) Passive

Answer · why

A) Convergent

Convergent boundaries, where one plate subducts beneath another, host the deepest and largest earthquakes.

Q 04/05

Which seismic wave travels fastest and reaches a recording station first?

A) S-waves

B) Surface waves

C) P-waves

D) Love waves

Answer · why

C) P-waves

P-waves, or primary waves, arrive first, so early-warning systems detect them to send alerts seconds before the slower, destructive waves hit.

Q 05/05

Which famous tower's soft soil has helped it survive at least four strong earthquakes?

A) The Eiffel Tower

B) Pisa's Leaning Tower

C) Toronto's CN Tower

D) Chicago's Willis Tower

Answer · why

B) Pisa's Leaning Tower

Pisa's Leaning Tower sits on soil so soft that the tower doesn't sway in step with quake shaking, so the ground that tilted it has also saved it.