Passage VI

Figure 1 shows the relative ground elevation at Sites A-D in an earthquake-prone area, measured over 30 yr. Relative ground elevation is the vertical distance above or below the nearest benchmark (location of known, fixed elevation). Figure 2 shows the resistivity (which is directly proportion to the resistance to the flow of electrical current) of the bedrock in the same area, measured over 8 months (mo) in 1996. Figure 3 shows the level of the radon (a radioactive gas) emissions from well water in the same area, measured over 8 yr. The time at which an earthquake occurred in the area is indicated in all 3 figures.

31. Which of the following comparisons of the relative ground elevations at the 2 sites directly north of the epicenter to those at the 2 sites directly south of the epicenter over the period from January 1970 to January 1980 is best supported by Figure 1?

Answer and Explanation

Your Answer is

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Look at the text on the line and surface of figure 1, Sites A & B are in the north, and Sites C & D are in the south. When the abscissa is 1970-1980, the line segment of Sites A & B (north) is rising, and the line segment of Sites C & D (south) is falling