Earthquakes and Tsunamis Quiz

Earthquakes

• Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates slipping past each other, releasing energy in 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.
• 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 and 2011 Tohoku earthquakes and tsunamis: (How, What, Where, When).

Tsunamis

• Tsunamis are large waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or other crustal movements.
• Historical Tsunamis (e.g., the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, and 1883 Krakatau eruption).

Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

• Continental Drift Theory: Continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
• Evidence for Continental Drift includes: similar fossils and mountain ranges found on separated continents; and matching glacial features.

Earth's Structure

• Layers of the Earth: Crust (continental and oceanic), Mantle (magma), Core (outer liquid, inner solid).
• Continental Crust/Oceanic Crust: Continental crust forms land, oceanic crust is found under oceans (is denser).
• Diagram: Study and label the Earth's structure diagram.

Volcanoes

• Volcano location: Primarily at tectonic plate boundaries, especially along the Ring of Fire.
• Volcano types (by activity): Extinct (unlikely to erupt), Dormant (not currently active but may erupt), Active (showing signs of erupting or currently erupting).
• Volcano Formation: Magma forms at boundaries and is forced out, often resulting in eruptions.

Plate Boundaries

• Types of Plate Boundaries:
  • Divergent: Plates move apart, creating new crust.
  • Convergent: Plates collide, resulting in subduction, mountain formation or volcanic activity.
  • Transform: Plates slide past each other without creating or destroying crust.
• Seafloor Spreading: Hot magma rises, creating new crust, pushing continents apart over time.

Study Tips

• Focus on definitions (epicenter, focus, tsunami, continental drift, Ring of Fire).
• Understand Earth's structure diagram (crust, mantle, core).
• Be familiar with historical events (e.g., Southeast Asian tsunami of 2004, Krakatau eruption).
• Know the characteristics of P, S, and L waves (speed and destructiveness).
• Practice labeling diagrams.

This quiz covers essential concepts related to earthquakes and tsunamis, including their causes, characteristics, and historical events. Test your knowledge on tectonic plate movements, seismic waves, and the impact of major tsunamis like the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami. Dive into the fascinating world of geology and natural disasters!