Earthquakes and Seismic Activity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of the vibration that occurs during an earthquake?

Seismic waves traveling through the earth

Aftershocks

Powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust (correct)

Rapid release of energy

What is the typical duration of vibrations from a large earthquake?

A few hours

A few days (correct)

A few weeks

A few minutes

Approximately how many earthquakes occur every year that can cause damage?

About 10,000

About 100 (correct)

About 50,000

About 1,000

What is the characteristic of small earthquakes?

They are slight tremors and do not cause much damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the rapid release of energy that creates seismic waves?

Seismic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical pattern of large earthquakes?

They begin with slight tremors but rapidly take form of violent shocks Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristics of earthquakes with their descriptions:

Slight tremors = Usually does not cause much damage Violent shocks = Can take down buildings and cause death and injury Aftershocks = Vibrations that last for a few days Seismic waves = Type of vibration through the earth's crust Signup and view all the answers

Match the effects of earthquakes with their corresponding outcomes:

Large earthquakes = Can cause death and injury Small earthquakes = Do not cause much damage Aftershocks = Can last for a few days Seismic waves = Travel through the earth Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of earthquakes with their characteristics:

Large earthquakes = Start with slight tremors but rapidly take form of violent shocks Small earthquakes = Usually slight tremors and do not cause much damage Aftershocks = Vibrations that occur after the main earthquake Seismic waves = Type of energy released during an earthquake Signup and view all the answers

Match the statistics of earthquakes with their corresponding values:

Total earthquakes per year = 500,000 Earthquakes that can be felt per year = 100,000 Earthquakes that can cause damage per year = 100 Aftershocks per year = Not specified Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms related to earthquakes with their definitions:

Tremor = Another term for an earthquake Quake = Another term for an earthquake Temblor = Another term for an earthquake Seismic = Related to earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

Match the consequences of large earthquakes with their effects:

Death and injury = Typical outcome of large earthquakes Economic loss = Typical outcome of large earthquakes Structural damage = Typical outcome of large earthquakes Environmental damage = Not specified Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are one of the most deadly natural hazards, causing catastrophic loss of human lives and economic damage.
An earthquake is a vibration through the earth's crust, resulting from powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust.

Causes of Earthquakes

The powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust triggers a rapid release of energy, creating seismic waves that travel through the earth.

Characteristics of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are usually brief, but may repeat over a long period of time.
Large earthquakes begin with slight tremors, rapidly developing into violent shocks.
The vibrations from a large earthquake last for a few days, known as aftershocks.
Small earthquakes are usually slight tremors, causing little to no damage.

Effects of Earthquakes

Large earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, resulting in death and injury.

Statistics

There are approximately 500,000 earthquakes every year.
Only about 100,000 of these earthquakes can be felt.
Around 100 earthquakes can cause damage each year.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are one of the most deadly natural hazards, causing catastrophic loss of human lives and economic damage.
An earthquake is a vibration through the earth's crust, resulting from powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust.

Causes of Earthquakes

The powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust triggers a rapid release of energy, creating seismic waves that travel through the earth.

Characteristics of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are usually brief, but may repeat over a long period of time.
Large earthquakes begin with slight tremors, rapidly developing into violent shocks.
The vibrations from a large earthquake last for a few days, known as aftershocks.
Small earthquakes are usually slight tremors, causing little to no damage.

Effects of Earthquakes

Large earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, resulting in death and injury.

Statistics

There are approximately 500,000 earthquakes every year.
Only about 100,000 of these earthquakes can be felt.
Around 100 earthquakes can cause damage each year.

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Description

Learn about earthquakes, their causes, and effects. Discover the powerful movements of rocks that trigger seismic waves, causing devastating loss of life and economic damage.