IB Diploma Programme (DP) - SL & HL · Geography

Option D: Geophysical hazards: Practice Questions

4 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 4 written questions with worked solutions. All on Option D: Geophysical hazards.

8 questions18 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following describes the primary process that leads to the formation of a tsunami?

Question 2

1 mark

Tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) and mid-latitude cyclones are both significant weather systems. What is the fundamental difference in their energy source and formation mechanism?

Question 3

1 mark

Why do subduction zone volcanoes typically produce highly explosive, Plinian-style eruptions compared to the effusive volcanism characteristic of constructive plate margins?

Question 4

1 mark

In tectonically active, densely populated coastal regions, a single geophysical hazard event can often trigger a series of cascading hazards, exacerbating its overall impact. For instance, an offshore earthquake might cause a tsunami, leading to widespread liquefaction and subsequent infrastructure damage. What is the most significant governance challenge in developing effective long-term disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for such complex, cascading hazard scenarios?

Question 5

2 marks

State the definition of a tsunami and identify the primary tectonic process that generates this geophysical hazard.

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Question 6

3 marks

Explain how building design, such as the use of cross-bracing, can mitigate the impacts of seismic waves in urban areas.

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Question 7

5 marks

Analyse the relationship between plate subduction rates and the explosivity of stratovolcanoes found along destructive plate margins.

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Question 8

4 marks

Geophysical hazards are natural events caused by physical processes on or inside the Earth. Answer the following questions regarding these events:

(a) Name two different types of geophysical hazards.
(b) In terms of human impact, explain the main difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster.
(c) Give one example of a 'structural' protection measure used in buildings to help them resist the force of an earthquake.

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