Seismic Waves and Seismology Quiz

Definition of Seismic

• Seismic: Pertaining to earthquakes or earth vibrations.

  • Derived from the Greek word "seismos," meaning "earthquake."

• Seismic Waves: Energy waves generated by the sudden release of energy within the Earth, commonly during an earthquake.

  • Types of seismic waves:
    • P-waves (Primary waves): Fastest waves; travel through solids, liquids, and gases; compressional motion.
    • S-waves (Secondary waves): Slower than P-waves; travel only through solids; shear motion.
    • Surface Waves: Travel along the Earth's surface; cause the most damage during earthquakes; slower than P-waves and S-waves.

• Seismology: The scientific study of earthquakes and seismic waves.

  • Involves measuring and interpreting seismic activity to understand Earth’s structure and behavior.

• Seismic Activity: Refers to the frequency, type, and size of earthquakes that occur in a region.

  • Areas with high seismic activity are often near tectonic plate boundaries.

• Seismograph: An instrument that detects and records the motion of the ground caused by seismic waves.

  • Used to determine the location, depth, and magnitude of earthquakes.

• Seismic Hazards: Potential dangers associated with earthquakes, including ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis.

• Seismic Design: Engineering practices aimed at constructing buildings and infrastructure that can withstand seismic forces.

Definition and Origin

• Seismic: Associated with earthquakes and earth vibrations; originates from the Greek "seismos," meaning earthquake.

Seismic Waves

• Energy Waves: Produced by sudden energy release within the Earth during earthquakes.
• Types of Seismic Waves:
  • P-waves (Primary Waves): The fastest seismic waves; can travel through solids, liquids, and gases; exhibit compressional motion.
  • S-waves (Secondary Waves): Slower than P-waves; can only travel through solids; characterized by shear motion.
  • Surface Waves: Move along the Earth's surface; usually cause the most destruction during earthquakes; slower than both P-waves and S-waves.

Seismology

• Field of Study: Focuses on earthquakes and seismic waves.
• Objectives: Measure and interpret seismic activity to understand Earth’s structure and behavior.

Seismic Activity

• Definition: Refers to the frequency, type, and size of earthquakes in a specific region.
• Tectonic Plates: Regions with high seismic activity are often adjacent to tectonic plate boundaries.

Seismograph

• Purpose: Instrument used to detect and record ground motion from seismic waves.
• Functionality: Helps determine the location, depth, and magnitude of earthquakes.

Seismic Hazards

• Potential Dangers: Includes ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis; these hazards contribute to the risk associated with earthquakes.

Seismic Design

• Engineering Practices: Focus on constructing buildings and infrastructure that can resist seismic forces, ensuring safety and stability during earthquakes.