Earthquake Science Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which statements describe S waves? Check all that apply.

They are faster than P waves.

They travel through solids. (correct)

They move side to side. (correct)

They arrive after P waves. (correct)

Which phrases describe an earthquake's epicenter? Check all that apply.

Area at Earth's surface (correct)

The area of maximum damage

Region directly above the focus (correct)

The point where the earthquake starts underground

What happens when stress builds at faults? Check all that apply.

Rock can bend and break. (correct)

Forces affect Earth's rocks. (correct)

No effects occur.

Energy may be released. (correct)

Which statements describe the Richter scale? Check all that apply.

It determines an earthquake's magnitude based on the size of its seismic waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements describe surface waves? Check all that apply.

They travel slower than P waves. Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are involved in earthquake formation? Check all that apply.

Movement below the surface Signup and view all the answers

Which statements describe a seismograph? Check all that apply.

It has a curved graphing surface. Signup and view all the answers

How do 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 statements describe the Mercalli scale? Check all that apply.

This scale uses Roman numerals to rank the damage caused by an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

How are S waves and P waves similar? Check all that apply.

They shake the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

S Waves

S waves move side to side and travel through solids only.
They arrive after P waves during an earthquake.

Earthquake Epicenter

The epicenter is located at the Earth's surface.
It is the region directly above the earthquake's focus.

Fault Stress

When stress accumulates at faults, energy may be released.
Rocks can bend and break due to accumulated forces affecting them.
These processes influence the behavior of Earth's rocks.

Richter Scale

The Richter scale measures fault movement during earthquakes.
It increases in magnitude with the amount of damage caused.
The scale determines an earthquake's magnitude based on the size of its seismic waves.

Surface Waves

Surface waves travel slower than P waves.
They result in significant ground motion.
These waves are produced by the interaction of P and S waves.

Earthquake Formation Factors

Earthquakes are caused by moving tectonic plates.
Rocks can break during stress, contributing to seismic activity.
Movement occurring below the Earth's surface plays a crucial role in formation.

Seismographs

Seismographs feature a curved graphing surface and are essential for locating epicenters.
They utilize a needle on graph paper to measure seismic wave activity.
Seismographs help determine the arrival times of P waves.

Geologists and Seismographs

Geologists use global data from seismographs to analyze earthquakes and improve understanding.

Mercalli Scale

The Mercalli scale evaluates earthquakes based on the damage caused.
It employs Roman numerals to categorize the level of damage.

Comparison of S and P Waves

Both S waves and P waves induce ground shaking.
They travel through solids; P waves can also move through liquids.
Both types of waves can transform into surface waves.

Description

Test your knowledge on earthquakes, including the different types of seismic waves and their effects. This quiz covers key concepts such as S waves, the Richter scale, and factors influencing earthquake formation.