Cambridge IGCSE · Geography (0460)

Earthquakes and volcanoes: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Earthquakes and volcanoes.

10 questions25 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following describes the function of the magma chamber in a volcano?

Question 2

1 mark

At which type of plate boundary is a subduction zone typically formed, leading to the creation of deep ocean trenches and explosive volcanoes?

Question 3

1 mark

Why do destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, such as those found along the west coast of South America, typically experience a much wider range of earthquake focus depths than constructive (divergent) boundaries?

Question 4

1 mark

Which type of volcano is characterized by broad, gentle slopes and is primarily formed by the eruption of thin, runny basaltic lava?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following describes an effective building design strategy used to reduce structural damage during an earthquake?

Question 6

2 marks

State the term used to describe the point underground where an earthquake originates and seismic waves are first released.

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Question 7

4 marks

Explain why destructive (convergent) plate boundaries are often associated with both explosive volcanic eruptions and powerful earthquakes.

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Question 8

2 marks

Identify and briefly describe the focus of an earthquake.

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Question 9

4 marks

(a) State the term used to describe the point within the Earth's crust where an earthquake originates.
(b) Name the large, bowl-shaped cavity that can be found at the top of a volcano after an eruption has occurred.
(c) Give two reasons why volcanic eruptions can be hazardous to people living in nearby settlements.

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Question 10

8 marks

(a) Study the following data comparing two seismic events:
- Event A: Magnitude \( 7.8 \), Focus Depth \( 10 \) km, occurance in a densely populated urban area.
- Event B: Magnitude \( 8.1 \), Focus Depth \( 150 \) km, occurance in a remote mountainous region.
Explain why Event A is likely to result in a higher death toll than Event B, despite having a lower magnitude.
(b) Describe the processes that occur at a destructive (convergent) plate boundary which lead to the formation of both a subduction zone and explosive volcanic eruptions.
(c) "The impacts of an earthquake are determined more by a country's level of development than by the physical strength of the earthquake itself." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer with reference to specific preparation and response strategies.

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