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Questions and Answers
A majority (i.e., 81%) of large _________ occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt.
A majority (i.e., 81%) of large _________ occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt.
tectonic earthquakes
The circum-Pacific seismic belt is also known as the ________ of Fire.
The circum-Pacific seismic belt is also known as the ________ of Fire.
Ring
Most earthquakes can be linked to _________ plate boundaries.
Most earthquakes can be linked to _________ plate boundaries.
tectonic
The _________ is the point in Earth's interior where an earthquake originates.
The _________ is the point in Earth's interior where an earthquake originates.
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The _________ is the point on Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter.
The _________ is the point on Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter.
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A sudden and violent shaking of the ground is called an ______.
A sudden and violent shaking of the ground is called an ______.
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__________ waves are vibrations that travel through the Earth or along its surface when an earthquake occurs.
__________ waves are vibrations that travel through the Earth or along its surface when an earthquake occurs.
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The scientist who studies earthquakes is known as a ______.
The scientist who studies earthquakes is known as a ______.
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There are two types of _________ waves that travel through Earth: p-waves and s-waves.
There are two types of _________ waves that travel through Earth: p-waves and s-waves.
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The ______ plates of the Earth’s crust are responsible for most earthquakes.
The ______ plates of the Earth’s crust are responsible for most earthquakes.
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P-waves are also known as _________ waves because they are the first detected after an earthquake.
P-waves are also known as _________ waves because they are the first detected after an earthquake.
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The partially molten layer beneath the lithosphere is called the ______.
The partially molten layer beneath the lithosphere is called the ______.
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When tectonic plates slide against each other, ______ may occur.
When tectonic plates slide against each other, ______ may occur.
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Earthquakes that occur due to tectonic plate movements are known as ______ earthquakes.
Earthquakes that occur due to tectonic plate movements are known as ______ earthquakes.
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Each year, there are over ______ detectable earthquakes.
Each year, there are over ______ detectable earthquakes.
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Pressure build-up in tectonic plates can last for long periods until they overcome ______.
Pressure build-up in tectonic plates can last for long periods until they overcome ______.
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P-WAVES cause the surface of the Earth to EXPAND and CONTRACT in the direction of wave travel, which is ______.
P-WAVES cause the surface of the Earth to EXPAND and CONTRACT in the direction of wave travel, which is ______.
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S-WAVES cause the surface of the Earth to RISE and FALL, moving ______ to the direction of wave travel.
S-WAVES cause the surface of the Earth to RISE and FALL, moving ______ to the direction of wave travel.
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P-WAVES can travel through SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, and ______.
P-WAVES can travel through SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, and ______.
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S-WAVES can ONLY travel through ______.
S-WAVES can ONLY travel through ______.
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SURFACE WAVES are much ______ than BODY WAVES.
SURFACE WAVES are much ______ than BODY WAVES.
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LOVE WAVES cause Earth’s surface to move from SIDE to SIDE, ______ to the direction of their motion.
LOVE WAVES cause Earth’s surface to move from SIDE to SIDE, ______ to the direction of their motion.
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RAYLEIGH WAVES cause the Earth’s surface to shake in an ______ pattern.
RAYLEIGH WAVES cause the Earth’s surface to shake in an ______ pattern.
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BODY WAVES include p-WAVES and s-WAVES, while SURFACE WAVES include LOVE and ______ WAVES.
BODY WAVES include p-WAVES and s-WAVES, while SURFACE WAVES include LOVE and ______ WAVES.
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Study Notes
Earthquake Definitions
- Earthquake: A sudden, violent shaking of the ground due to movements within Earth's crust or volcanic activity.
- Quake: To shake or tremble.
- Seismic: Relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of Earth's crust.
- Seismology: The study of earthquakes.
- Seismologist: A scientist who studies earthquakes.
Earthquake Frequency
- Each year, there are over 500,000 detectable earthquakes.
- 100,000 are felt by humans.
- 100 cause damage and/or death.
- Since October 2023, multiple earthquakes have hit western Afghanistan, causing approximately 1500 deaths and 2000 injuries.
Earthquake Causes: Tectonic Plates
- Earth's crust and upper mantle (lithosphere) are made up of large rocky plates called tectonic plates.
- The lithosphere is divided into 7 major and 8 minor tectonic plates.
- These plates sit on the asthenosphere, a partially molten layer of the mantle.
- Asthenosphere movement causes tectonic plates to shift and interact.
- Friction between moving plates can build up pressure. This pressure is released as seismic waves when the plates move.
Earthquake Causes: Plate Interactions
- Plates may slide against one another, leading to friction and pressure build-up.
- This build-up can release as seismic waves, causing earthquakes.
- Earthquakes often occur where plates meet, especially along the "circum-Pacific seismic belt," also known as the Ring of Fire.
- Most (81%) major earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, at converging tectonic plate boundaries.
Epicenter vs. Hypocenter
- Hypocenter: The point within Earth where an earthquake originates.
- Epicenter: The point on Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter, where seismic waves are first felt.
Seismic Waves: Types
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Seismic Waves: Vibrations that travel through Earth during an earthquake.
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Body Waves: Travel through Earth's interior (P-waves and S-waves).
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P-waves (Primary Waves):
- Travel through solids, liquids, and gases,
- Cause ground to compress and expand in the direction of the wave.
- Travel faster than S-waves.
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S-waves (Secondary Waves):
- Travel through solids,
- Cause ground to move side-to-side perpendicular to the wave direction.
- Slower than P-waves.
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Surface Waves: Travel along Earth's surface
- Love Waves Travel horizontally, causing side-to-side movement.
- Rayleigh Waves Travel with a rolling motion,
- More destructive than body waves.
Seismic Waves: Earth's Internal Structure
- Seismic waves provide insights into Earth's internal structure, including the solid and liquid layers. Different layers affect the paths of waves.
Earthquake Magnitude
- Earthquake magnitude is measured on the Earthquake Magnitude Scale (e.g., Richter scale).
- Different magnitudes correspond to different levels of damage.
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Description
This quiz explores key definitions related to earthquakes, including terms like seismic and seismology. It also covers the frequency of earthquakes and their causes, specifically focusing on tectonic plates. Test your knowledge of earth science and seismic activity.
