Earthquake Basics

8 Questions

What is the primary cause of earthquakes?

The movement of the earth's crust

What type of earthquake is associated with magma in motion?

Volcanic earthquake

What is the instrument used to measure the motion of the ground during an earthquake?

Seismograph

What is the release of magma from the crater called?

Volcanic eruption

What should be included in an emergency supply kit for volcanic eruptions?

Flashlights, batteries, first-aid materials, supplies of bottled water, nonperishable food, and medicines

What happens when the rocks break during an earthquake?

Waves of energy are released and sent out through the earth

Where should each family member know where the emergency supply kit is kept?

At home

What should be discussed with your family before a volcanic eruption?

The emergency preparedness plan for volcanic eruptions

Study Notes

Earthquakes

Earthquake is the shaking of the ground caused by the movement of crustal plates
Plates moving towards or away from each other cause nearby rocks to break and slide, releasing waves of energy and triggering an earthquake
Motion of the ground during an earthquake is measured by a seismograph

Types of Earthquakes

Tectonic earthquake: occurs when there is sufficient stored elastic strain energy to drive fracture propagation along a fault plane
Volcanic earthquake or tremor: a long-lasting rhythmic signal associated with magma in motion, can last for minutes or days

Volcanic Earthquake

Happens with a strong volcanic eruption
High temperature and pressure in the melting of rocks producing magma
Molten rock inside the chamber is forcefully driven out by intense heat and pressure, causing a volcanic eruption

Tectonic Earthquake

Caused by the movement of the Earth's crust
Can occur above ground or beneath the ocean

Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption

Have an emergency supply kit at home, containing flashlights, batteries, first-aid materials, supplies of bottled water, nonperishable food, and medicines
Discuss and plan an emergency preparedness plan for volcanic eruptions, including where to go during an eruption and how to apply first-aid treatments
Always listen to the radio or watch for updates on the volcanic eruption