0

Underwater Acoustics and Marine Geophysics

Description: This quiz covers the fundamentals of Underwater Acoustics and Marine Geophysics, including topics such as sound propagation, sonar, and seismic waves.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: underwater acoustics marine geophysics oceanography
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary mechanism by which sound propagates underwater?

  1. Convection

  2. Compression waves

  3. Radiation

  4. Conduction


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sound propagates underwater primarily through compression waves, where the pressure of the water is alternately increased and decreased, causing the water particles to move back and forth.

Which property of seawater has the most significant impact on the speed of sound propagation?

  1. Temperature

  2. Salinity

  3. Pressure

  4. Density


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The speed of sound in seawater is primarily influenced by temperature, with warmer water generally having a higher sound speed than colder water.

What is the term used to describe the bending of sound waves as they travel through water due to changes in temperature and pressure?

  1. Refraction

  2. Reflection

  3. Diffraction

  4. Scattering


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Refraction is the bending of sound waves as they travel through water due to changes in temperature and pressure, causing the sound waves to travel in a curved path.

What is the primary purpose of sonar?

  1. Measuring the depth of water

  2. Detecting underwater objects

  3. Communicating with submarines

  4. Mapping the ocean floor


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sonar is primarily used to detect underwater objects, such as submarines, ships, and marine life, by emitting sound waves and analyzing the reflected signals.

Which type of sonar uses multiple sound beams to create a detailed image of the underwater environment?

  1. Active sonar

  2. Passive sonar

  3. Multibeam sonar

  4. Side-scan sonar


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Multibeam sonar uses multiple sound beams to create a detailed image of the underwater environment, providing information about the seafloor topography, underwater structures, and marine life.

What is the primary method used in marine geophysics to study the structure and composition of the Earth's crust beneath the ocean?

  1. Seismic reflection profiling

  2. Magnetic anomaly mapping

  3. Gravity anomaly mapping

  4. Heat flow measurements


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Seismic reflection profiling is the primary method used in marine geophysics to study the structure and composition of the Earth's crust beneath the ocean by sending sound waves into the seafloor and analyzing the reflected signals.

What type of seismic wave travels through the Earth's crust and is commonly used in seismic reflection profiling?

  1. P-waves

  2. S-waves

  3. Love waves

  4. Rayleigh waves


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

P-waves are a type of seismic wave that travels through the Earth's crust and is commonly used in seismic reflection profiling due to their ability to penetrate deep into the subsurface.

Which geophysical method involves measuring the Earth's magnetic field to infer information about the underlying geology?

  1. Seismic reflection profiling

  2. Magnetic anomaly mapping

  3. Gravity anomaly mapping

  4. Heat flow measurements


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Magnetic anomaly mapping involves measuring the Earth's magnetic field to infer information about the underlying geology, such as the presence of magnetic minerals and variations in the Earth's crustal structure.

What is the term used to describe the variations in the Earth's gravitational field caused by differences in the density of the underlying rocks and structures?

  1. Seismic reflection profiling

  2. Magnetic anomaly mapping

  3. Gravity anomaly mapping

  4. Heat flow measurements


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gravity anomaly mapping involves measuring variations in the Earth's gravitational field caused by differences in the density of the underlying rocks and structures, providing information about the subsurface geology.

Which geophysical method involves measuring the flow of heat from the Earth's interior to the surface?

  1. Seismic reflection profiling

  2. Magnetic anomaly mapping

  3. Gravity anomaly mapping

  4. Heat flow measurements


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Heat flow measurements involve measuring the flow of heat from the Earth's interior to the surface, providing information about the thermal properties of the subsurface and the geodynamic processes occurring within the Earth.

What is the primary mechanism by which seismic waves are generated during an earthquake?

  1. Volcanic eruptions

  2. Landslides

  3. Sudden release of energy along a fault

  4. Meteorite impacts


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Seismic waves during an earthquake are primarily generated by the sudden release of energy along a fault, where tectonic plates move abruptly, causing the ground to shake.

Which type of seismic wave is characterized by a side-to-side motion of the ground?

  1. P-waves

  2. S-waves

  3. Love waves

  4. Rayleigh waves


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

S-waves are a type of seismic wave characterized by a side-to-side motion of the ground, causing horizontal shaking during an earthquake.

What is the term used to describe the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus?

  1. Epicenter

  2. Hypocenter

  3. Magnitude

  4. Intensity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus, where the seismic waves reach the surface.

Which scale is commonly used to measure the strength of an earthquake based on the energy released?

  1. Richter scale

  2. Mercalli scale

  3. Moment magnitude scale

  4. Intensity scale


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The moment magnitude scale is commonly used to measure the strength of an earthquake based on the energy released, providing a more accurate representation of the earthquake's size.

What is the term used to describe the measure of the shaking intensity experienced at a particular location during an earthquake?

  1. Richter scale

  2. Mercalli scale

  3. Moment magnitude scale

  4. Intensity scale


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The intensity scale is used to measure the shaking intensity experienced at a particular location during an earthquake, based on the observed effects on people, structures, and the environment.

- Hide questions