Questions and Answers
Which statement describes surface waves?
Which statement describes how geologists use data from seismographs to learn about earthquakes?
Which phrase describes a feature of an earthquake's epicenter?
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?
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Which statement describes the Mercalli scale?
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Which factor does the moment magnitude scale estimate?
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What happens when stress builds at faults?
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Which statement describes the Richter scale?
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Which statement describes the focus of an earthquake?
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How are S waves and P waves similar?
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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.
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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.