Topic 2, Chapter 2.1
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the epicenter of an earthquake?

  • The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates.
  • The point on the Earth's surface directly above where the earthquake originates. (correct)
  • The location where seismic waves are first detected.
  • The fault line where the Earth's crust breaks.

    • The Richter scale accurately measures the total energy released by all earthquakes, regardless of their magnitude or duration.

    False (B)

    What is the name of the instrument used to detect and measure seismic waves?

    seismometer

    Most earthquakes occur along __________, which are deep fractures in the Earth's crust.

    <p>fault lines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each term with its correct description:

    <p>Focus = The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates. Fault Line = The intersection between a geological fault and the Earth's surface. Seismic Waves = Waves of energy that travel through the Earth. Epicenter = Point on Earth's surface directly above the focus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what causes the release of energy that results in earthquakes?

    <p>The sudden shift or snapping of rocks under stress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If an earthquake measures 6.0 on the Richter scale, how much more energy does an earthquake measuring 8.0 release?

    <p>1024 times more (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is less accurate than the Richter scale for measuring large earthquakes.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the relationship between tectonic forces, frictional forces, and the occurrence of earthquakes.

    <p>Tectonic forces push rocks along a fault line together and frictional forces lock them in place, causing stress to build up. When the stress exceeds the rocks' strength, they suddenly shift, releasing seismic waves which creates an earthquake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Insanely difficult: Which statement accurately describes the primary limitation of the Richter scale (ML) and the compensatory advantage of the Moment Magnitude scale (Mw)?

    <p>ML underestimates the total seismic moment due to its reliance on peak wave amplitude; Mw uses total energy released, thus accommodating sustained and complex ruptures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological feature is the intersection between a fault and the Earth's surface?

    <p>Fault Line (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Richter scale is the most accurate measurement for earthquakes of all magnitudes.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What instrument is used to measure seismic waves?

    <p>seismometer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake is called the ______.

    <p>epicenter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each earthquake-related term with its correct definition:

    <p>Focus = Point of energy release within the Earth Epicenter = Point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus Seismic Waves = Energy waves traveling through the Earth Fault Line = Intersection of a fault with the Earth’s surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of earthquakes?

    <p>Sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An increase of 1.0 on the Richter scale represents a 10 times increase in energy released.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one limitation of the Richter Scale when measuring earthquakes.

    <p>underestimates long earthquakes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most earthquakes occur along plate boundaries, also known as ______.

    <p>faults</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If two earthquakes occur in the same location, one measuring 5.0 Mw and the other measuring 7.0 Mw, approximately how many times more energy did the 7.0 Mw earthquake release than the 5.0 earthquake?

    <p>1024 times (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Earthquakes

    The shaking of Earth caused by sudden energy release in the lithosphere.

    Focus

    The point in the Earth's crust where seismic waves originate during an earthquake.

    Epicenter

    The point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus.

    Seismic Waves

    Waves of energy generated by movements in the Earth's layers, like earthquakes.

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    Fault Line

    The intersection of a geological fault and the Earth's surface where earthquakes occur.

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    Seismometer

    An instrument that detects and records seismic waves and ground vibrations during earthquakes.

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    Richter Scale

    A scale that measures earthquake magnitude based on the largest recorded wave height.

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    Moment Magnitude Scale

    A scale calculating earthquake magnitude based on total energy released; more accurate for large quakes.

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    Tectonic Processes

    The movements and interactions of Earth's tectonic plates that cause earthquakes along fault lines.

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    Ground Shaking

    The physical shaking of the ground due to the release of seismic waves during an earthquake.

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    Parts of an Earthquake

    Components include focus, epicenter, fault line, and seismic waves.

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    Focus vs Epicenter

    Focus: origin of waves; Epicenter: point directly above on surface.

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    Richter Scale Limitations

    Underestimates long earthquakes by focusing only on largest wave height.

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    Moment Magnitude Scale Accuracy

    Rates earthquakes based on total energy released; more accurate for large magnitudes.

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    Tectonic Forces

    Forces causing rocks to build stress along fault lines, leading to earthquakes if exceeded.

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    Stress Release in Faults

    When stress on rocks exceeds their strength, they shift suddenly causing an earthquake.

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    Study Notes

    Earthquakes and Volcanoes

    • Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth's ground due to energy release in the lithosphere.
    • Focus: Point in the Earth's crust where seismic waves originate.
    • Epicenter: Point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus. Shaking is strongest near the epicenter. The further from the epicenter, the weaker the shaking.
    • Seismic Waves: Waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers after an earthquake.
    • Faults: Fractures in the Earth's crust where rocks move. Most earthquakes occur along faults. Tectonic forces cause rocks along faults to move. Friction can lock the rocks, build up stress and cause the rocks to eventually snap or move suddenly, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.
    • Tectonic Processes: Cause earthquakes by pushing rock, which builds up stress that causes rocks to move resulting in seismic waves. Plates on the Earth's crust can slide past each other or collide.
    • Plate Boundaries: Where plates meet; generally associated with most earthquakes and volcanoes.

    Measuring Earthquakes

    • Seismometer: Sensitive instrument that records ground vibrations (earthquakes). Measures the height of the largest wave.
    • Seismic Waves: Measured to determine earthquake magnitude. The height of the largest wave.
    • Richter Scale (ML): Measures earthquake magnitude based on the largest seismic wave amplitude. Logarithmic scale (increase of 1 magnitude = 32 times more energy). It uses the maximum seismic wave amplitude rather than the total seismic energy released.
    • Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw): Measures earthquake magnitude based on the total energy released during the earthquake. More accurate than the Richter Scale, especially for large earthquakes. More accurate, especially for earthquakes of magnitude 8 and above.

    Earthquake Magnitude

    • Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw): Estimates energy released during an earthquake, based on the total energy released, rather than just the largest seismic wave. It is usually calculated from the measurements of seismic waves.
    • Richter Scale (ML): Measures earthquake magnitude based on largest wave amplitude, less accurate for larger earthquakes. Limitation: The Richter scale might underestimate larger earthquakes, as it focuses on the largest wave, and not the total released energy from a long-lasting earthquake. (logarithmic scale; each whole number increase in magnitude corresponds to a 32-fold increase in energy)
    • Magnitude: Describes the size of an earthquake. Larger magnitudes imply more energy released. Magnitudes using Mw are generally more accurate than those using ML when measuring larger quakes.

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    Description

    Explore earthquakes and volcanoes, including the focus, epicenter, and seismic waves. Learn about faults, tectonic processes, and measuring earthquakes using seismometers and the Richter Scale. Understand how these natural phenomena shape our planet.

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