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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 position does Magnus Magnusson hold in 1973?

2. Over two centuries of recorded history, Mauna Loa erupts how often on average?

3. In Heimaey, who is Sveinn Eiriksson?

4. In gallons, how much water is pumped onto the lava flows of Heimaey each day?

5. During the 1973 volcanic eruptions, many farmers and fishermen leave Heimaey:

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson and Sveinn Eiriksson work together to fight against the lava that threatens Heimaey's town and harbor.

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

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

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

5. What hazards do workers face as they try to stop the lava flows?

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

7. What is the population of Iceland's Heimaey before and after the 1973 eruptions?

8. What is the "City Flow?"

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe life for the residents of Heimaey before and after their island erupts in 1973. How is life for the islanders different afterward? How is it worse? How is it better?

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

John McPhee shows how man works hard to control nature in an attempt to protect communities and economic centers.

1. Using one of the three main stories covered in "The Control of Nature," show how man is in conflict with nature.

2. Do people's efforts to redirect or tame natural forces solve problems or make them worse? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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