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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the author recounts the moments before the 1973 eruption in Heimaey, he describes what?

2. On January 23, 1973, the five thousand residents of Heimaey, the only populated island of Vestmannaeyjar, are threatened by what?

3. Why do residents of Heimaey hose down oncoming lava?

4. After the eruptions of 1973 end, how many of Heimaey's evacuees return?

5. Heimaey is considered to be an important what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how workers are able to walk upon lava fields as they try to cool down the lava on Heimaey in 1973.

2. What is the "City Flow?"

3. Describe how Heimaey residents are evacuated following the eruptions that begin unexpectedly in 1973.

4. How is Heimaey's harbor altered after the eruptions and lava flows of 1973?

5. How old are the oldest parts of Hawaii and Iceland?

6. How does the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration protect its sensitive, expensive equipment against damaging lava in Hawaii?

7. Briefly describe Mauna Loa.

8. How do the views of Hawaiian natives towards volcanoes differ from the views of the U.S. Army Air Corps?

9. How do the working crews stop the large chunk of mountain from crashing into Heimaey's town and port?

10. Describe work crews' first attempts at cooling off the lava flows of Heimaey in 1973.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In detail, explain how carefully studying the geological history of a region before engineering a project could lead to more effective, efficient, and lasting solutions. What other factors do people need to consider to come up with better solutions? What factors get in the way of developing a viable solution? How can engineers, politicians, conservationists, and residents work together to develop the right solutions?

Essay Topic 2

From your observations of the Louisiana, Iceland, and California examples the author covers in his book, explain why people choose to live in dangerous places where the forces of nature are especially active. Do you feel that the reasons for living in these places outweigh the risks and dangers? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast how residents of Hawaii and residents of Iceland handle the challenges that come from living on volcanic lands.

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