Master the Science of Earthquakes

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What is seismic activity?

Seismic activity refers to the frequency, size, and type of earthquakes an area experiences over time.

How are earthquakes caused?

Earthquakes are caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates.

What is a seismograph?

A seismograph is an instrument used to measure and record ground-shaking activity caused by earthquakes.

What is a seismogram?

A seismogram is the recording made by a seismograph, which shows the ground-shaking activity caused by an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't seismic activity be measured directly at the location of an earthquake?

Seismic activity cannot be measured directly at the location of an earthquake because it occurs deep underground. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when tectonic plates bump into each other?

When tectonic plates bump into each other, the edges get stuck while the rest of the plate continues to move, eventually causing the rock in the location where the plates are stuck to break and release a large amount of built-up energy, resulting in an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of body waves produced by an earthquake?

The two types of body waves produced by an earthquake are P waves and S waves. Signup and view all the answers

How do P waves travel through the ground?

P waves travel through the ground in a compressional wave fashion, where the wave compresses the medium it's traveling through as it moves along. Signup and view all the answers

How do S waves move through the ground?

S waves move through the ground in an up and down wave movement, similar to a wave over the surface of water. This is called a transverse wave. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of surface waves produced by an earthquake?

The two types of surface waves produced by an earthquake are Love waves and Rayleigh waves. Signup and view all the answers

How do Love waves move across the ground?

Love waves move across the ground in a snake-like fashion, moving from side to side. They are a transverse wave flipped on its side, moving the ground horizontally. Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves cause the most damage during an earthquake?

Rayleigh waves cause the most damage during an earthquake, as they roll across the surface of the earth similar to an S wave underground or a wave rolling across the surface of the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What is seismic activity?

Seismic activity is the frequency, size, and type of earthquakes an area experiences over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a seismogram?

A seismogram is the recording made by a seismograph, which measures the ground shaking produced by an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

How are earthquakes measured?

Earthquakes are measured using a seismograph to record the ground shaking. The size and length of the lines on the seismogram relate to the magnitude, or strength, of the earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

What are body waves?

Body waves are seismic waves that travel through the earth's inner layers. They include primary waves (P waves) and secondary waves (S waves). Signup and view all the answers

How do primary waves (P waves) travel?

Primary waves travel the fastest and are the first waves to register on a seismograph. They travel by compressing the ground, similar to how a Slinky gets compressed if you shimmy it back and forth. Signup and view all the answers

How do secondary waves (S waves) travel?

Secondary waves are transverse waves that travel up and down like a Slinky would if you whipped it vertically. They are the second waves to reach a seismograph. Signup and view all the answers

What are surface waves?

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel across the earth's surface. They cause the most damage during an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

How do Love waves and Rayleigh waves differ?

Love waves are the fastest surface waves and move horizontally across the ground. Rayleigh waves are slower but often larger, rolling up and down like S waves on the surface. Signup and view all the answers