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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. What does Magnus Magnusson tell Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson to protect first during the eruptions of 1973?

2. What does the U.S. Army Air Corps do to an insulating vent on Mauna Loa volcano in 1935?

3. How long does the the Mauna Loa eruption of 1984 last?

4. What position does Magnus Magnusson hold in 1973?

5. What does the author observe about historical attempts to control lava?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is threatened in Heimaey as a result of the unexpected volcanic eruption of 1973?

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

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

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

5. Is there any warning prior to the eruption in Heimaey that began on January 23, 1973?

6. Who is Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson, and what idea does he come up with?

7. Briefly describe Mauna Loa.

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

9. What role does Magnus Magnusson play during the 1973 volcanic eruptions in Heimaey?

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 "Cooling The Lava," how much of the success of the operation can be attributed to human ingenuity, and how much can be attributed to a fortunate turn of events? Explain your answer in detail, supporting your conclusions with examples.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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