10 Questions
What is the purpose of a seismograph?
To measure earthquakes and record details about their timing and strength
What are tectonic plates?
The parts of Earth's crust that fit together like a puzzle and are constantly moving
What is the location on Earth's surface where a fault can be seen called?
Fault line
Why are geologists unable to predict when earthquakes will occur?
Because activities along fault lines are unpredictable
What happens when two tectonic plates suddenly slip along a fault?
An earthquake occurs
What is the definition of a foreshock?
A smaller quake that occurs prior to the mainshock
How are foreshocks different from aftershocks?
Aftershocks cannot be labeled until a larger quake occurs, while foreshocks do not need a larger quake to be labeled
What causes aftershocks to occur?
The build-up of stress energy along a fault line
How long can aftershocks last?
A few days up to years
What happens if an aftershock is stronger than the mainshock?
The aftershock becomes labeled as the main quake and the mainshock becomes a foreshock
Study Notes
Seismographs and Earthquakes
- A seismograph measures seismic waves generated by earthquakes, recording the ground motion caused by the waves.
Tectonic Plates
- Tectonic plates are large, rigid slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Faults
- The location on Earth's surface where a fault can be seen is called a fault trace.
Earthquake Prediction
- Geologists are unable to predict when earthquakes will occur because the complex processes leading up to an earthquake are not yet fully understood.
Earthquake Occurrence
- When two tectonic plates suddenly slip along a fault, they release energy in the form of seismic waves, causing an earthquake.
Foreshocks and Aftershocks
- A foreshock is a smaller earthquake that occurs before a larger earthquake (mainshock).
- Foreshocks are different from aftershocks in that they occur before the mainshock, whereas aftershocks occur after the mainshock.
- Aftershocks are caused by the continuing adjustment of the Earth's crust after the mainshock.
- Aftershocks can last for days, weeks, months, or even years after the mainshock.
- If an aftershock is stronger than the mainshock, it becomes the new mainshock, and the original mainshock is reclassified as a foreshock.
Test your knowledge about the Earth's tectonic plates, fault lines, and earthquakes with this quiz. Learn about the unpredictable nature of earthquake occurrences and the geological features associated with fault lines.
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