Earthquake Definition and Causes

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What causes an earthquake?

The collision of asteroids with the Earth

The interaction of Earth's atmosphere and lithosphere

The release of energy within the earth's core

Sudden movement along faults in the earth's crust (correct)

How are scientists able to measure earthquake waves?

By analyzing volcanic eruptions

Through delicate instruments known as seismographs (correct)

Using satellites in space

By observing changes in ocean tides

What primarily drives the motion of tectonic plates?

Convection within the mantle (correct)

Erosion caused by water bodies

The rotation of the Earth on its axis

Solar radiation from the sun

Where do most earthquakes occur?

Within the boundaries of different tectonic plates Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves are used to measure earthquake behavior?

Mechanical waves through rock layers Signup and view all the answers

What type of stress is generated when two objects collide?

Compressional stress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five stages of an earthquake?

Rupture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of aftershocks?

The sudden drop in stress after the mainshock Signup and view all the answers

Which type of earthquake is caused by volcanic activity?

Volcanic earthquake Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of an earthquake are rocks packed so tightly together that they must crack to increase space?

Dilatancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of tsunamis in the ocean?

Underwater earthquakes caused by movement along tectonic plate boundaries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main parts of an earthquake?

The aftershocks that follow the main earthquake event Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the focus and the epicenter of an earthquake?

The focus is the depth at which the earthquake starts, and the epicenter is the surface location directly above it Signup and view all the answers

Which type of seismic wave causes elliptical shaking of the Earth's surface?

Rayleigh waves Signup and view all the answers

What type of fault motion occurs when one block moves downwards relative to the other?

Normal fault Signup and view all the answers

Earthquake Definition and Causes

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