Physical Geography

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The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora was assigned a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of:

Explanation

Mount Tambora's eruption released an estimated 160 km³ of tephra, corresponding to a VEI of 7, the highest recorded for a historic eruption.

2.Primary (P) seismic waves travel fastest through which part of the Earth?

ACrust
BMantle
COuter core
DInner core

Explanation

P‑waves are compressional waves and their velocity increases with rigidity and density. The solid inner core, being the densest and most rigid part, allows P‑waves to travel at the highest speed (~13 km/s).

3.According to the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM), the average density of the outer core is closest to:

A3.3 g/cm³
B5.5 g/cm³
C9.9 g/cm³
D13.0 g/cm³

Explanation

PREM gives an average density for the liquid outer core of about 9.9 g cm⁻³, reflecting its composition of iron‑nickel alloy with lighter elements such as sulfur and oxygen.

Which type of volcano is characterized by low‑viscosity lava that creates broad, gently sloping flanks?

A
Shield volcano
B
Cinder cone
C
Stratovolcano
D
Caldera

Explanation

Shield volcanoes are built by the eruption of fluid basaltic lava that spreads widely, forming a shield‑shaped, gently sloping profile.

5.The Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) marks the boundary between:

ACrust and Mantle
BMantle and Outer core
COuter core and Inner core
DLithosphere and Asthenosphere

Explanation

The Moho is the seismic discontinuity identified by a sudden increase in P‑wave velocity, indicating the transition from the relatively low‑velocity crustal rocks to the higher‑velocity mantle peridotites.

6.In natural resource economics, 'resource rent' is best expressed as:

ATotal revenue minus total extraction cost
BMarket price multiplied by quantity
COnly the fixed cost of mining operations
DNet present value of future cash flows

Explanation

Resource rent represents the surplus earned after covering all costs of extraction. It is calculated as total revenue (price × quantity) less total extraction cost (including variable and fixed components).

7.The Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) separates which two layers of the Earth?

ACrust & mantle
BMantle & outer core
COuter core & inner core
DLithosphere & asthenosphere

Explanation

The Moho is the seismic boundary where there is a sudden increase in seismic wave velocities, marking the transition from the crust (silicate rocks) to the mantle (denser peridotite).

8.The temperature at the boundary between the outer core and the inner core is approximately:

A5,000 °C
B3,000 °C
C7,000 °C
D1,000 °C

Explanation

Thermodynamic models and seismic studies estimate the temperature at the inner core boundary to be around 5,500–6,000 °C, often rounded to about 7,000 °C. This high temperature, combined with immense pressure, allows the inner core to remain solid despite being hotter than the outer core.

Which two primary factors are responsible for transforming neutral environmental

substances into resources over time?

1. Time

2. Technology

3. Topography

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1,2and3

Explanation

Time and Technology are the two main factors that transform materials into resources as human knowledge advances and needs change over different historical eras .

10.Which layer lies directly beneath the Earth's mantle?

AInner core
BOuter core
CCrust
DLithosphere

Explanation

The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth and is overlain by the crust. Beneath the mantle lies the core, which is divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core. Hence, the outer core is directly below the mantle.

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