Dynamic Earth: Earthquakes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the main cause of an earthquake?

The shaking of the ground

Waves that ripple from the epicenter

Force of gravity

Stress caused by plate movement (correct)

Which type of wave vibrates both side to side and up and down?

S wave (correct)

P wave

Surface wave

Which type of wave is the first to arrive during an earthquake?

Surface wave

S wave

P wave (correct)

Which type of wave may make the ground roll?

Surface wave Signup and view all the answers

When earthquakes produce vibrations called waves, how do those waves travel?

They travel away from the focus of the earthquake in all directions. Signup and view all the answers

The ______ scale is best used to measure the strength of small, nearby earthquakes.

Richter Signup and view all the answers

The _____ magnitude scale is useful for measuring the strength of earthquakes of all sizes and at all distances from a seismograph.

Moment Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Mercalli scale is true?

The scale rates an earthquake according to how much damage it causes. Signup and view all the answers

Which is used to find the epicenter of an earthquake?

Seismograph Signup and view all the answers

Which increases along faults and leads to rock breaking?

Stress Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes seismic waves?

They carry energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the damage that results from earthquakes?

Amount of damage can be used to determine intensity. Signup and view all the answers

Which is one step that geologists use to find the epicenter of an earthquake?

They measure the difference between arrival of P waves and S waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes earthquakes?

They release energy. Signup and view all the answers

How are S waves and surface waves similar?

Both arrive after P waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is involved in earthquake formation?

Rocks breaking Signup and view all the answers

What happens when stress builds at faults?

Rock can bend and break. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the focus of an earthquake?

It develops in the lithosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase describes a feature of an earthquake's epicenter?

Region directly above the focus Signup and view all the answers

How are S waves and P waves similar?

They shake the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes P waves?

They travel through liquids. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes S waves?

They move side to side. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes surface waves?

They are produced by P and S waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the Mercalli scale?

This scale rates an earthquake according to how much damage it causes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the Richter scale?

It increases in magnitude as the amount of damage increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does the moment magnitude scale estimate?

Energy released Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the moment magnitude scale?

It collects data using a seismograph. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy do geologists use to locate the center of an earthquake?

They collect data from seismographs. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a seismograph?

It uses a needle on graph paper to measure seismic wave activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes how geologists use data from seismographs to learn about earthquakes?

They often compare information from all over the world. Signup and view all the answers

Which word identifies the shaking that results from movement under Earth's surface?

earthquake Signup and view all the answers

Which word identifies the agent that carries the energy released from earthquakes?

waves Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes one aspect of an earthquake's magnitude?

It is based on the size of seismic waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the location of an earthquake's epicenter?

It is located at the point where circles intersect on a map. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquake Causes and Characteristics

Earthquakes are primarily caused by stress resulting from the movement of tectonic plates.
The focus of an earthquake is the point within the Earth where it originates, while the epicenter is the point directly above it on the surface.

Types of Seismic Waves

P waves: Primary waves that arrive first during an earthquake; they can travel through solids and liquids.
S waves: Secondary waves that vibrate side to side and arrive after P waves; they cannot travel through liquids.
Surface waves: These waves travel along the Earth's surface and may cause the ground to roll; they arrive last.

Measuring Earthquakes

The Richter scale measures the strength of small, nearby earthquakes, focusing on the amplitude of seismic waves.
The moment magnitude scale measures the energy released by earthquakes regardless of size or distance from the seismograph and is more effective for large quakes.
The Mercalli scale assesses the intensity of an earthquake based on the damage caused, providing a qualitative measure of its effects.

Epicenter and Location Finding

Geologists determine the epicenter by analyzing data from multiple seismographs, measuring the arrival times of P and S waves, and drawing intersecting circles on a map.
Seismographs play a crucial role in locating earthquakes by recording seismic wave activity.

Energy and Damage Analysis

Seismic waves carry energy released during an earthquake, which contributes to the shaking felt on the surface.
The amount of damage caused by an earthquake helps gauge its intensity; typically, more significant damage corresponds to higher magnitudes.

Fault Dynamics

Increased stress along fault lines causes rocks to bend and break, which can lead to an earthquake.
When stress accumulates beyond a certain threshold, it results in the sudden release of energy, causing ground shaking.

Conclusion on Earthquake Responses

Earthquakes result in the release of energy, creating seismic waves that carry damage potential across various distances.
Understanding the characteristics, measurement methods, and effects of earthquakes is vital for preparedness and response strategies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on earthquakes with these flashcards focusing on the causes, types of waves, and their behaviors. Perfect for students studying earth science or preparing for exams on geological phenomena.