Earth Systems & Resources
What natural tectonic event has the potential to dramatically alter habitats and cause a temporary increase in biodiversity by creating new ecological niches?
Gradual continental drift causing continents to move closer together over time.
Volcanic eruptions that form new landforms with unique habitats.
The consistent weathering of rocks releasing nutrients into soil very slowly over centuries.
Slow erosion of mountains contributing sediment to river deltas far away from their source.
Which scenario best illustrates how human construction can influence natural tectonic processes?
Urban expansion can reduce earthquake risks by distributing seismic energy across built structures.
High-rise buildings alter wind patterns sufficiently enough to affect the movement of continental plates.
Construction of coastal defenses can prevent tsunami formation triggered by underwater earthquakes.
Building large reservoirs can induce seismic activity due to increased pressure on fault lines.
The rerouting of river water for agricultural irrigation near a divergent plate boundary could indirectly result in what long-term ecological consequence?
Increased volcanic activity from rapid infusion of water into magma chambers below earth's surface.
Direct creation of new species as organisms adapt rapidly to changing water availability.
Altered regional climate patterns affecting biomes over time due to landscape changes.
Immediate prevention of rift valley formation due to decreased erosion rates.
Given the interaction between hydrologic cycles and plate tectonics, which aspect could critically affect both freshwater management and earthquake risk mitigation?
Predicting precise rainfall patterns over decades
Assessing aquifer vulnerability during tectonic shifts
Measuring ocean current speeds after earthquakes
Calculating future ice cap melt rates exclusively
Which of the following pollutants is most likely to increase the acidity of soil and water ecosystems, potentially leading to decreased species diversity?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Methane (CH4)
Considering seismic activities' effect on human infrastructure, what would be a key consideration when planning for sustainable urban development?
Incorporating large green spaces to enhance carbon capture only
Relying exclusively on building materials sourced from nearby mountains
Integrating earthquake-resistant design features into buildings
Focusing solely on vertical expansion to minimize land use
Which human activity is primarily responsible for the increased release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
Composting organic waste
Planting trees
Recycling plastics
Burning fossil fuels

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What process takes place at divergent boundaries on the ocean floor?
Seafloor spreading
Continental collision
Subduction
Transform faulting
Which intentional human activity could potentially decrease seismic risks in earthquake-prone areas?
Intensive fracking operations along known fault lines.
Drilling for geothermal energy near fault lines.
Implementation of strict building codes designed for seismic safety.
Large-scale deforestation in seismically active zones.
Which of the following energy sources has an environmental impact that includes both habitat disruption and risk of seismic activity when utilized?
Wind power
Nuclear power
Geothermal energy
Hydroelectric power