Earthquakes and Tsunamis Overview

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Questions and Answers

What primarily causes earthquakes?

Volcanic eruptions

Atmospheric pressure changes

Meteor strikes

Tectonic plates slipping past each other (correct)

The epicenter of an earthquake is the same as the focus.

False

What is the primary type of wave produced during an earthquake that travels the fastest?

P Waves

A __________ is a large wave caused by underwater earthquakes.

tsunami Signup and view all the answers

Match the following earthquakes and their corresponding tsunamis:

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake = Massive tsunami causing extensive devastation 2011 Tohoku Earthquake = Caused severe tsunami affecting Japan 1883 Krakatau Eruption = Triggered a massive tsunami 2004 Southeast Asian Tsunami = Resulted from a 9.0 magnitude earthquake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of seismic wave?

R Waves Signup and view all the answers

The outer core of the Earth is solid.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Alfred Wegener Signup and view all the answers

What type of volcano is considered unlikely to erupt again?

Extinct Signup and view all the answers

The oceanic crust is less dense than continental crust.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name the three types of plate boundaries.

Divergent, Convergent, Transform Fault Signup and view all the answers

Magma is forced out of the Earth's crust at ________ boundaries.

tectonic Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of volcanoes with their characteristics:

Active = Currently erupting or showing signs of eruption Dormant = Not currently active but may erupt in the future Extinct = Unlikely to erupt again Substantive = None of the above Signup and view all the answers

Where do most volcanoes form?

Along tectonic plate boundaries Signup and view all the answers

Sea floor spreading occurs at convergent boundaries.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between P, S, and L waves?

P waves are fast and compressional; S waves are slower and shear; L waves are surface waves and cause the most damage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates slipping past each other, releasing energy as seismic waves.
Epicenter: The point on Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's origin.
Focus: The location within the Earth where the earthquake originates.
Seismic waves:
- P waves (Primary waves): Fastest, compress and stretch rocks.
- S waves (Secondary waves): Slower than P waves, move rocks side-to-side.
- L waves (Surface waves): Most destructive, move in circular or up-and-down motions along the surface.
Understand the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami (how, what, where, when).
Understand the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (how, what, where, when).

Tsunamis

Definition: A large wave caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other crustal movements.
Historical Tsunamis:
- 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami: A 9.0 magnitude earthquake caused widespread devastation.
- Krakatau eruption (1883): Triggered a massive tsunami.

Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

Continental Drift Theory: Continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
Evidence for Continental Drift:
- Similar fossils and mountain ranges found on now-separated continents.
- Matching glacial features across continents.

Structure of the Earth

Layers:
- Crust: Outermost layer (continental and oceanic).
- Mantle: Below the crust, composed of hot, semi-liquid rock (magma).
- Core: Hottest part, divided into inner (solid) and outer (liquid) core.
Types of Crust:
- Continental
- Oceanic (denser than continental).
Diagram: Understand the structure and each layer's properties.

Volcanoes

Locations: Primarily at tectonic plate boundaries (especially the Ring of Fire).
Types by Activity:
- Extinct: Unlikely to erupt again.
- Dormant: Not currently active but may erupt in the future.
- Active: Showing signs of or currently erupting.
Magma formation: Formation at tectonic boundaries, and volcanic eruptions.

Plate Boundaries

Types of Plate Boundaries:
- Divergent: Plates move apart, creating new crust.
- Convergent: Plates collide, leading to subduction, mountain formation, or volcanic activity,
- Transform: Plates slide past one another.
Sea Floor Spreading: Hot magma rises at mid-ocean ridges, creating new crust and pushing continents apart.

Study Tips

Understand key terms (epicenter, focus, tsunami, continental drift, Ring of Fire).
Be able to label and explain Earth's layers (crust, mantle, core) on a diagram.
Be familiar with historical events, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 1883 Krakatoa eruption.
Understand differences between wave types (P, S, L waves).
Practice labeling diagrams and review key topics from the slides.
Practice multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions.

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Description

This quiz explores the causes and effects of earthquakes, including the mechanisms behind seismic waves. It also covers significant historical events, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Understand how these natural phenomena impact our world.