Earthquakes Quiz Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which statement describes surface waves?

They are the fastest seismic waves.

They are produced by earthquakes.

They are produced by P and S waves. (correct)

They can travel through liquids.

Which statement describes how geologists use data from seismographs to learn about earthquakes?

They analyze soil samples.

They measure wind speed.

They often compare information from all over the world. (correct)

They only use local data.

Which phrase describes a feature of an earthquake's epicenter?

Location of the first observation.

Region directly above the focus. (correct)

Point of highest intensity.

Subsurface point of origin.

The diagram shows circles drawn by geologists trying to determine the location of an earthquake's epicenter. What does each star on the map represent?

Location of a seismograph. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the Mercalli scale?

This scale rates an earthquake according to how much damage it causes. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does the moment magnitude scale estimate?

Energy released. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when stress builds at faults?

Rock can bend and break. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the Richter scale?

It increases in magnitude as the amount of damage increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the focus of an earthquake?

It develops in the lithosphere. Signup and view all the answers

How are S waves and P waves similar?

They shake the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquake Terminology and Concepts

Surface waves are a type of seismic wave created by both P (Primary) and S (Secondary) waves, traveling along the Earth's surface.
Geologists analyze seismic data from various global sources to enhance their understanding of earthquakes.
The epicenter of an earthquake is defined as the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus.

Seismology Practices

Seismographs are essential tools in locating earthquakes; each star on the map indicates the position of a seismograph that recorded seismic activity.
The Mercalli scale evaluates earthquakes based on the level of damage inflicted on structures and the intensity experienced by people.

Measuring Earthquake Magnitude

The moment magnitude scale measures the energy released during an earthquake, providing an estimation of its overall strength.
The Richter scale quantifies earthquake magnitude, indicating an increase as the potential for damage rises.

Faults and Stress

When stress accumulates at geological faults, the surrounding rock can bend or fracture, leading to potential seismic activity.
S waves (Secondary waves) and P waves (Primary waves) are both seismic waves that cause ground shaking during an earthquake.

Description

Test your knowledge on earthquakes with these flashcards. Each card covers a key concept or terminology related to earthquakes and seismology. Perfect for students and enthusiasts wanting to deepen their understanding of how earthquakes are assessed and studied.