The Science of Earthquakes

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the shaking of the ground that occurs when rock below Earth's surface breaks?

earthquake

What are the three types of stress that cause earthquakes?

compressional stress, tensional stress, shear stress

What is created when rocks break into two pieces?

faults

What is the term for the point underground where an earthquake begins?

focus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the central point on the surface directly above the focus?

epicenter Signup and view all the answers

What are foreshocks and aftershocks?

energy that is released before and after the main quake Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Ring of Fire'?

an area with high earthquake and volcano activity Signup and view all the answers

What natural disaster can result from underwater earthquakes?

tsunami Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of stress that can cause rocks to break?

Compressional stress, tensional stress, shear stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the San Andreas Fault?

A famous fault in California that causes frequent earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What are foreshocks and aftershocks?

The energy released before and after the main earthquake Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of an earthquake?

The point underground where the rock breaks Signup and view all the answers

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

The point directly above the focus on the surface of Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ring of Fire?

A nickname for the area where most earthquakes and volcanoes occur due to plate boundary interactions Signup and view all the answers

What are some components of an earthquake?

Some components of an earthquake include faults, foreshocks, aftershocks, the focus, and the epicenter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an earthquake?

An earthquake is the shaking of the ground when rock below Earth's surface breaks. Signup and view all the answers

What causes an earthquake?

An earthquake is caused by tensional stress that builds up enough energy when tectonic plates constantly shift. Signup and view all the answers

What is a seismograph?

A seismograph is a machine that records ground movement from earthquakes. Signup and view all the answers

What information does a seismograph record?

A seismograph records information about the strength and speed of the energy traveling from the breaking point underground. Signup and view all the answers

How does energy release during an earthquake?

Energy builds up underground and once it builds up enough, it is released explosively, causing the shaking of the ground. Signup and view all the answers