Shake & Wave: Quiz on Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Published Jun 30, 2026 · Updated Jul 16, 2026 · Editorial Team
Test your knowledge of how earthquakes and tsunamis form, travel, and affect our planet in this fun, easy-level quiz.
❓ 10 Questions
⏱️ 5 Minutes
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Question 1 of 100 correct
⏱️ 05:00
QUESTION 1
What causes most earthquakes?
All Questions in This Quiz
Here is every question waiting for you in this 10-question Science & Tech quiz. Play it in the interactive player above to lock in your answers, see your score and read the explanations.
What causes most earthquakes?
- A. Movement of tectonic plates
- B. Volcanic eruptions
- C. Meteor impacts
- D. Ocean tides
What is the point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates called?
- A. Epicenter
- B. Focus (or hypocenter)
- C. Crust
- D. Mantle
Which scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the energy released?
- A. Mercalli scale
- B. Richter scale
- C. Beaufort scale
- D. Saffir-Simpson scale
A tsunami is most commonly caused by:
- A. Underwater earthquakes
- B. Hurricanes
- C. Heavy rainfall
- D. Wind waves
What term describes the speed at which tsunami waves travel in deep ocean?
- A. A few km/h
- B. About the speed of a car (~50 km/h)
- C. As fast as a jet plane (~800 km/h)
- D. Speed of sound (~1200 km/h)
Which of the following is NOT a typical warning sign of an incoming tsunami?
- A. Sudden rise or fall of coastal water
- B. Loud roaring sound from the ocean
- C. Appearance of a rainbow in the sky
- D. Strong ground shaking felt before the wave arrives
The "Ring of Fire" is known for:
- A. Frequent hurricanes
- B. High concentration of earthquakes and volcanoes
- C. Dense forests
- D. Largest deserts
What is a seismograph used to measure?
- A. Ocean temperature
- B. Ground motion during an earthquake
- C. Atmospheric pressure
- D. Wind speed
Which ocean is most prone to generating tsunamis?
- A. Atlantic Ocean
- B. Indian Ocean
- C. Pacific Ocean
- D. Arctic Ocean
If you feel an earthquake while near the coast, what should you do first?
- A. Run to higher ground immediately
- B. Stay inside and hide under a sturdy table
- C. Call a friend to tell them
- D. Go to the beach to watch the waves
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