Earthquakes and Tectonic Plates
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Questions and Answers

What causes the ground to shake during an earthquake?

The fault slipping

What are seismic waves?

Energy that gets sent through the ground during an earthquake

What are body waves?

Seismic waves that travel through the earth's interior

What are surface waves?

<p>Seismic waves that radiate outward across the surface of the earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the epicenter?

<p>The point on the surface directly above the focus of an earthquake</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fastest type of seismic wave?

<p>Body waves</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of seismic waves?

<p>Body waves and surface waves</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of elastic rebound?

<p>The theory that fault slipping causes the ground to shake during an earthquake</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of earthquakes?

<p>The main cause of earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates along plate boundaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tectonic plates?

<p>Tectonic plates are pieces of the Earth's crust that fit together like puzzle pieces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do tectonic plates move?

<p>Tectonic plates move because the Earth's mantle underneath them is fluid-like and causes the plates to float and slide past each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when tectonic plates slide past and bump into each other?

<p>When tectonic plates slide past and bump into each other, tension and pressure are created, sometimes causing the plates to stick together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes an earthquake to occur?

<p>An earthquake occurs when the tension between two locked plates becomes too great and they suddenly break free from each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are earthquakes considered to be dangerous natural disasters?

<p>Earthquakes are considered dangerous because they strike with little or no warning and can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, roads, and bridges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Ring of Fire'?

<p>The 'Ring of Fire' is an area where most of the world's earthquakes occur because it lines up with many of the plate boundaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the San Andreas Fault?

<p>The San Andreas Fault in California is one of the most famous faults because it runs much of the length of the state and is very active.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of elastic rebound?

<p>The theory of elastic rebound explains that faults slip during an earthquake and cause ground shaking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the ground shaking during an earthquake?

<p>The movement of faults causes the ground to shake during an earthquake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are seismic waves?

<p>Seismic waves are waves of energy that are released during an earthquake and travel through the Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

<p>The epicenter is the center of the earthquake on the Earth's surface, directly above the focus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquake Fundamentals

  • Ground shaking during an earthquake occurs due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust.
  • Seismic waves are energy waves generated by the abrupt movement of rocks during an earthquake.

Types of Seismic Waves

  • Body waves travel through the Earth's interior and are categorized into two types: Primary (P) waves and Secondary (S) waves.
  • Surface waves travel along the Earth’s surface and typically cause the most damage due to their intensity.

Epicenter and Wave Characteristics

  • The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates.
  • Primary (P) waves are the fastest seismic waves, arriving first during an earthquake.

Tectonic Activity and Earthquake Theory

  • Seismic waves are primarily classified into body waves and surface waves, each with distinct properties and effects.
  • The theory of elastic rebound explains how energy builds up in rocks until it exceeds their strength, leading to a sudden release that causes earthquakes.

Causes of Earthquakes

  • The main cause of earthquakes stems from tectonic plate movements, where Earth's lithosphere is divided into large segments.
  • Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle, gravitational forces, and their interactions at boundaries.

Interactions of Tectonic Plates

  • When tectonic plates slide past each other, it can cause transform boundaries, leading to friction and earthquakes.
  • When plates collide, or converge, it may result in subduction zones or mountain formation, also triggering seismic activity.

Earthquake Hazards

  • Earthquakes are considered dangerous natural disasters because they can cause extensive destruction, including building collapses, tsunamis, and landslides.

Notable Geological Features

  • The 'Ring of Fire' is a horseshoe-shaped area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
  • The San Andreas Fault is a major fault line in California where the Pacific and North American plates meet, known for frequent earthquakes.

Repetition of Core Concepts

  • The theory of elastic rebound reiterates the fundamental mechanics of how energy is stored and released during an earthquake.
  • Ground shaking and seismic waves are vital to understanding earthquake dynamics and their impacts on human safety and infrastructure.

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Description

Test your knowledge on earthquakes and tectonic plates with this informative quiz. Learn about faults and how the elastic properties of the Earth's crust contribute to ground shaking. Expand your understanding of these natural disasters and their impact.

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