- 1. Volcano Pacaya, located in Guatemala, is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its frequent eruptions and accessible trails make it a unique geological marvel. What type of volcano is Pacaya primarily classified as?
A) Stratovolcano
B) Cinder Cone Volcano
C) Shield Volcano
D) Caldera Volcano
- 2. Pacaya is known for its relatively frequent and often non-explosive eruptions. What is the typical style of eruption associated with Pacaya?
A) Strombolian
B) Vulcanian
C) Plinian
D) Peléan
- 3. The summit of Pacaya volcano reaches an elevation of approximately how many meters above sea level?
A) 1,552 meters
B) 4,552 meters
C) 3,552 meters
D) 2,552 meters
- 4. Pacaya is part of a larger volcanic arc in Central America. What is the name of this volcanic arc?
A) Central America Volcanic Arc
B) Andes Volcanic Arc
C) Mexican Volcanic Belt
D) Cascadia Subduction Zone
- 5. The geological activity at Pacaya is a direct result of the tectonic plate interaction in the region. Which tectonic plate subducts beneath the North American Plate to fuel Pacaya's volcanism?
A) Nazca Plate
B) Caribbean Plate
C) Pacific Plate
D) Cocos Plate
- 6. What is the primary gas emitted by Pacaya volcano, which is also the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?
A) Carbon dioxide
B) Nitrogen
C) Sulfur dioxide
D) Water vapor
- 7. Pacaya's slopes are covered in a variety of vegetation, adapted to the volcanic soil. What type of ecosystem is typically found on the lower slopes of Pacaya?
A) Alpine tundra
B) Tropical dry forest
C) Temperate rainforest
D) Savanna
- 8. One of the most striking features of Pacaya is the presence of hot springs and fumaroles. What are fumaroles?
A) Cracks in lava flows
B) Areas of hardened ash
C) Pools of boiling water
D) Vents that release volcanic gases and steam
- 9. Pacaya is known to have a lava field where visitors can often roast marshmallows. What is the typical chemical composition of the lava erupted from Pacaya?
A) Basaltic
B) Dacitic
C) Andesitic
D) Rhyolitic
- 10. The last major eruption of Pacaya that caused significant damage occurred in what year?
A) 2010
B) 2000
C) 1965
D) 1980
- 11. What is the main local community that is directly impacted by the activity of Pacaya volcano?
A) San Vicente Pacaya
B) Guatemala City
C) Antigua Guatemala
D) Panajachel
- 12. The fertile volcanic soil around Pacaya is ideal for agriculture. What is one of the major crops grown in this region?
A) Coffee
B) Corn
C) Wheat
D) Rice
- 13. When visiting Pacaya, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards. Which of the following is a common hazard associated with Pacaya's eruptions?
A) Mudslides (lahars)
B) Earthquakes
C) Lava flows
D) Tsunamis
- 14. Pacaya volcano is part of a larger geological feature known as a volcanic chain. What is the term for a chain of volcanoes formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate under another?
A) Island chain
B) Hot spot
C) Volcanic arc
D) Rift valley
- 15. The summit crater of Pacaya has undergone changes over time due to its eruptive activity. What is the name of the current prominent crater at the summit?
A) Crater Sierra Madre
B) Crater Pacaya Grande
C) Crater MacKenney
D) Crater El Fuego
- 16. What is the approximate distance of Pacaya volcano from the capital city of Guatemala, Guatemala City?
A) 25 kilometers
B) 50 kilometers
C) 200 kilometers
D) 100 kilometers
- 17. The volcanic ash from Pacaya can affect air quality and air travel. What are the primary components of volcanic ash?
A) Only solidified lava fragments
B) Water vapor and gases
C) Pulverized rock, minerals, and volcanic glass
D) Pure sulfur compounds
- 18. What is the historical significance of Pacaya for the indigenous populations of Guatemala?
A) It was a source of valuable minerals for trade.
B) It was primarily used for agricultural development.
C) It was considered a sacred burial ground.
D) It was often revered or feared as a powerful natural force.
- 19. When a stratovolcano like Pacaya erupts, what is the typical shape of the volcano?
A) Flat and circular
B) Broad and gently sloping
C) Conical with steep slopes
D) Irregular and fragmented
- 20. What is the primary source of heat that drives the volcanic activity at Pacaya?
A) Radioactive decay in the Earth's crust
B) Geothermal energy from underground water
C) Heat from the sun
D) Molten rock (magma) beneath the Earth's surface
- 21. What is the name of the national park where Pacaya volcano is located?
A) Parque Nacional Tikal
B) Parque Nacional Semuc Champey
C) Parque Nacional El Mirador
D) Parque Nacional Volcán Pacaya
- 22. The monitoring of Pacaya volcano is crucial for public safety. What scientific organization is primarily responsible for volcano monitoring in Guatemala?
A) NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
B) USGS (United States Geological Survey)
C) IGN (Instituto Geográfico Nacional)
D) INSIVUMEH (Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología)
- 23. What is the term for molten rock that erupts from a volcano onto the Earth's surface?
A) Pyroclastic flow
B) Lava
C) Ash
D) Magma
- 24. Pacaya's frequent eruptions contribute to the formation of new landforms around the volcano. What is a common volcanic landform created by repeated eruptions?
A) Canyons and plateaus
B) Sand dunes and mesas
C) Lava flows and cinder cones
D) Glacial valleys and fjords
- 25. What is the primary reason why Pacaya volcano is considered a significant tourist attraction?
A) Its abundance of rare gemstones.
B) Its accessible hiking trails and often observable eruptive activity.
C) Its unique snow-capped peak.
D) Its proximity to ancient Mayan ruins.
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