- 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) Caldera Volcano
B) Shield Volcano
C) Stratovolcano
D) Cinder Cone 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) Plinian
C) Vulcanian
D) Peléan
- 3. The summit of Pacaya volcano reaches an elevation of approximately how many meters above sea level?
A) 2,552 meters
B) 3,552 meters
C) 4,552 meters
D) 1,552 meters
- 4. Pacaya is part of a larger volcanic arc in Central America. What is the name of this volcanic arc?
A) Andes Volcanic Arc
B) Mexican Volcanic Belt
C) Central America Volcanic Arc
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) Caribbean Plate
B) Cocos Plate
C) Pacific Plate
D) Nazca Plate
- 6. What is the primary gas emitted by Pacaya volcano, which is also the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?
A) Sulfur dioxide
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon 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) Temperate rainforest
B) Alpine tundra
C) Tropical dry forest
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) Pools of boiling water
C) Vents that release volcanic gases and steam
D) Areas of hardened ash
- 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) Rhyolitic
B) Andesitic
C) Basaltic
D) Dacitic
- 10. The last major eruption of Pacaya that caused significant damage occurred in what year?
A) 1965
B) 1980
C) 2000
D) 2010
- 11. What is the main local community that is directly impacted by the activity of Pacaya volcano?
A) Antigua Guatemala
B) San Vicente Pacaya
C) Panajachel
D) Guatemala City
- 12. The fertile volcanic soil around Pacaya is ideal for agriculture. What is one of the major crops grown in this region?
A) Rice
B) Wheat
C) Coffee
D) Corn
- 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) Tsunamis
C) Lava flows
D) Earthquakes
- 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) Hot spot
B) Volcanic arc
C) Rift valley
D) Island chain
- 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 MacKenney
C) Crater El Fuego
D) Crater Pacaya Grande
- 16. What is the approximate distance of Pacaya volcano from the capital city of Guatemala, Guatemala City?
A) 50 kilometers
B) 25 kilometers
C) 100 kilometers
D) 200 kilometers
- 17. The volcanic ash from Pacaya can affect air quality and air travel. What are the primary components of volcanic ash?
A) Pure sulfur compounds
B) Only solidified lava fragments
C) Water vapor and gases
D) Pulverized rock, minerals, and volcanic glass
- 18. What is the historical significance of Pacaya for the indigenous populations of Guatemala?
A) It was considered a sacred burial ground.
B) It was a source of valuable minerals for trade.
C) It was often revered or feared as a powerful natural force.
D) It was primarily used for agricultural development.
- 19. When a stratovolcano like Pacaya erupts, what is the typical shape of the volcano?
A) Flat and circular
B) Conical with steep slopes
C) Irregular and fragmented
D) Broad and gently sloping
- 20. What is the primary source of heat that drives the volcanic activity at Pacaya?
A) Molten rock (magma) beneath the Earth's surface
B) Heat from the sun
C) Geothermal energy from underground water
D) Radioactive decay in the Earth's crust
- 21. What is the name of the national park where Pacaya volcano is located?
A) Parque Nacional Tikal
B) Parque Nacional Volcán Pacaya
C) Parque Nacional Semuc Champey
D) Parque Nacional El Mirador
- 22. The monitoring of Pacaya volcano is crucial for public safety. What scientific organization is primarily responsible for volcano monitoring in Guatemala?
A) INSIVUMEH (Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología)
B) USGS (United States Geological Survey)
C) NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
D) IGN (Instituto Geográfico Nacional)
- 23. What is the term for molten rock that erupts from a volcano onto the Earth's surface?
A) Ash
B) Pyroclastic flow
C) Lava
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) Lava flows and cinder cones
B) Canyons and plateaus
C) Sand dunes and mesas
D) Glacial valleys and fjords
- 25. What is the primary reason why Pacaya volcano is considered a significant tourist attraction?
A) Its proximity to ancient Mayan ruins.
B) Its unique snow-capped peak.
C) Its accessible hiking trails and often observable eruptive activity.
D) Its abundance of rare gemstones.
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