4th Grade Science : Natural Earth Processes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Natural Earth Processes

A community in the Philippines is worried about the effects of tsunamis and typhoons. How could the town generate ideas to reduce the impacts of the storms?

Possible Answers:

Hire a team of engineers to design and build structures that can withstand the storms.

All of the answer choices would be good ways to generate ideas to reduce the impacts of the storms.

Meet with meteorologists and weather experts to design an early warning system.

Hold a community meeting to brainstorm ideas of how residents could assist.

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices would be good ways to generate ideas to reduce the impacts of the storms.

Explanation:

Many communities face similar problems with different types of severe natural hazards: hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. To keep the community safe and help the residents make positive changes, all of the plans to generate ideas would be beneficial. Engineers, weather experts, meteorologists, and community members all have a role to play in preparing for these dangerous storms. By working together to reduce the impacts of the storms, the community can hopefully have a better outcome.

Example Question #1 : Generate Ways To Reduce Impacts Of Earth Processes

Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but they can take steps to reduce their impacts.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement in the question is correct. There is no way to eliminate hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters, but there are ways to reduce the impact that they have on communities. Many towns have task forces with different community members on them to generate ideas and plans for reducing the negative effect that these storms can have. In areas that frequently receive these types of storms, there are codes and rules about the way buildings have to be constructed and where they can be located. Simple changes to buildings and towns can make a big difference.

Example Question #1 : Natural Earth Processes

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

The passage gives useful tips to keep people safe if they are caught in a tsunami. Which idea would help give residents more time to prepare before the storm arrives?

Possible Answers:

Better flotation devices

Early warning alert system

Houses above sea-level

Stronger roofs

Correct answer:

Early warning alert system

Explanation:

Giving residents more time to prepare for tsunamis could be a way to reduce the impacts of natural disasters significantly. If people had an early warning system, there would be more time for evacuations, preparation, and getting to higher ground. This is an idea that has been implemented in places that experience these monster waves. There has been an increase in the number of survivors and a decrease in the number of casualties.

Example Question #2 : Natural Earth Processes

Which answer choices are examples of natural hazards that can harm communities?

Possible Answers:

Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions

Deforestation, pollution, earthquakes, and floods

Earthquakes, famine, war, and volcanic eruptions

Earthquakes, pesticides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions

Correct answer:

Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions

Explanation:

Natural hazards are events that are not human-made and harm communities. The events have to be naturally occurring and not influenced by humans. Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are all examples of events that are generated by nature, and there are no influences by humans.

Example Question #3 : Natural Earth Processes

There is only one way to reduce the impact of an earthquake on a city and its residents.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The statement is false. There are multiple ways that a city and its residents could be protected and reduce the impact of an earthquake. Building houses that can withstand the trembling, stronger foundations and roofs, early warning systems, emergency supplies prepared, and strict building codes are all ways to reduce the negative impacts of an earthquake.

Example Question #1 : Generate Ways To Reduce Impacts Of Earth Processes

A community in Japan is worried about the effects of tsunamis and typhoons. Which idea would NOT reduce the impacts of the storms?

Possible Answers:

Design an early warning system

Build structures that can withstand the storms

Plant trees and other vegetation near the water's edge

New construction that is closer to the water

Correct answer:

New construction that is closer to the water

Explanation:

Many communities face similar problems with different types of severe natural hazards: hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. To keep the community safe and help the residents make positive changes, new safety ideas and measures need to be taken to strengthen the structures and land. Adding new construction that is closer to the water would NOT help reduce the impact of storms, but could increase damage to the buildings. Floodwaters rise and swell near the shore, so moving houses, further inland would be a better idea.

Example Question #3 : Generate Ways To Reduce Impacts Of Earth Processes

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

True or False: Based on the information in the passage above, there are very few negative impacts on humans due to natural events.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The passage provided illuminates many adverse effects or possible effects on humans due to Earth's natural processes. Massive flooding, series of waves that last for hours, waves traveling at immense speeds, and heights are all examples of natural processes that can devastate communities and the lives of the citizens.

Example Question #4 : Natural Earth Processes

The Governor of Florida is having a contest for students in the 4th grade to help generate ideas to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the state. Which type of natural disaster should the students focus on to make the most significant impact in Florida?

Possible Answers:

Volcanic eruptions

Blizzards

Hurricanes

Earthquakes

Correct answer:

Hurricanes

Explanation:

The students in Florida should focus on hurricane preparedness plans and ways to strengthen their communities against the intense wind a rain that the storms bring. Florida has a season where hurricanes are likely and more prevalent, and the whole state is at risk. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, flooding, intense wind gusts, and massive amounts of rain. Students would make the most significant impact on Florida residents if they generated ideas for hurricanes.

Example Question #5 : Natural Earth Processes

True or False: Basic emergency preparedness is an essential step to reducing the injury and damage of natural disasters.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement in the question is true. Being prepared for an emergency (including a natural disaster or severe storm) is an essential step to reduce injury and damage. First aid supplies, food, water, home strengthening materials like rope or plywood, as well as flashlights, and many other things can serve benefits to keeping people and buildings safe during an emergency.

Example Question #6 : Natural Earth Processes

What does the term "natural Earth processes" mean?

Possible Answers:

Physical processes that are reversed by humans

Physical processes that are done to the Earth by humans

Physical processes on Earth that stop unnecessary change

Physical processes on Earth that create constant change

Correct answer:

Physical processes on Earth that create constant change

Explanation:

The term "natural Earth processes" refers to the physical processes on Earth that create constant change. These processes—including movement in the tectonic plates in the crust, wind and water erosion, and deposition—shape features on Earth's surface and happen naturally. They also include natural disasters like typhoons, hurricanes, landslides, and tornadoes.

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