Geography Flashcards
What is the capital of Haiti?
Port-au-Prince
In what year did the devastating earthquake occur in Haiti?
2010
Who was Alfred Wegener?
The man that created the theory of continental drift.
What was the magnitude of the 2010 Haiti earthquake on the Richter scale?
7.0
What is Continental Drift?
Alfred Wegener’s theory that the continents were once together (called Pangaea) and have since spread apart
Which scale is used to measure the energy released by an earthquake?
Richter scale
What is the Mercalli scale?
A way to measure the intensity of earthquakes using observations, on a scale of 1-12.
What does the term ‘plate tectonics’ refer to?
The theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.
What geological feature is formed at a convergent plate boundary?
Composite volcanoes
What is the main cause of earthquakes?
Movement of tectonic plates
What are secondary effects of earthquakes?
Tsunamis, landslides, and aftershocks
What is the focus of an earthquake?
The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates.
What is the epicenter of an earthquake?
The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
What role does the mantle play in plate tectonics?
The convection currents that move the tectonic plates occur in the mantle
What is a superpower nation?
A superpower nation is a country that has the ability to exert influence or project power on a global scale.
Name two factors that contribute to a country becoming a superpower.
Military strength
Geographic size
Population
Resources
Economy
Soft/Cultural power
Political power
Which country is often considered the current leading superpower?
The United States
What is an emerging superpower?
An emerging superpower is a country that is gaining influence and capabilities but has not yet reached full superpower status.
What countries make up BRIC?
Brazil, Russia, India and China
What countries make up MINT
Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey
Name a key characteristic that distinguishes emerging superpowers from established superpowers.
Emerging superpowers have growing influence but may lack the military or economic strength of established superpowers.
What is the role of soft power in establishing a superpower’s influence?
Soft power enhances a nation’s ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce.
What is the significance of military technology in superpower status?
Advanced military technology allows for greater power projection and security.
What does GDP stand for
Gross Domestic Product
What does PPP stand for?
Prediction, protection and preparation.
What is the primary goal of protection measures in the context of tectonic hazards?
To minimize damage and loss of life during a tectonic event.
What role does community education play in preparation for tectonic hazards?
It helps individuals understand risks and appropriate responses during an event.
Name one technological tool used in the prediction of earthquakes.
Seismographs
What features can be found at collision plate boundaries?
Fold mountains
What features can be found at divergent plate boundaries?
Ocean ridges and submarine volcanoes
How many people were killed by the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
220,000
What evidence is there to support Wegener’s theory?
Similar fossils and rock types in specific areas
What is a Composite Volcano?
A steep volcano formed at destructive plate boundaries
What magnitude was the Haiti Earthquake?
7
How are tsunamis formed?
Earthquakes on the seabed create vertical displacement of water. Waves begin to travel outwards in all directions, smaller at first. When the water becomes shallower, the waves grow in size resulting in a tsunami.
Give an example of a convergent plate boundary
South American and Nazca plates
Give an example of a divergent plate boundary
South American and African plates
Give an example of a collision plate boundary
Indian and Eurasian plates
