Understanding Fault Lines and Earthquakes
10 Questions
2 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a seismograph?

  • To stop earthquakes from happening
  • To create destructive seismic waves
  • To predict when earthquakes will occur
  • To measure earthquakes and record details about their timing and strength (correct)

    • What are tectonic plates?

  • The parts of Earth's crust that fit together like a puzzle and are constantly moving (correct)
  • Seismic waves that shake the earth's crust
  • Large machines used by geologists
  • Locations where earthquakes occur

    • What is the location on Earth's surface where a fault can be seen called?

  • Mainshock
  • Seismograph
  • Aftershock
  • Fault line (correct)

    • Why are geologists unable to predict when earthquakes will occur?

    <p>Because activities along fault lines are unpredictable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when two tectonic plates suddenly slip along a fault?

    <p>An earthquake occurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a foreshock?

    <p>A smaller quake that occurs prior to the mainshock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are foreshocks different from aftershocks?

    <p>Aftershocks cannot be labeled until a larger quake occurs, while foreshocks do not need a larger quake to be labeled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes aftershocks to occur?

    <p>The build-up of stress energy along a fault line</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can aftershocks last?

    <p>A few days up to years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if an aftershock is stronger than the mainshock?

    <p>The aftershock becomes labeled as the main quake and the mainshock becomes a foreshock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    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.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser