6-2 Earthquakes and Seismic Waves

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

P waves (Primary waves) and S waves (Secondary waves).

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Waves that occur when P waves and S waves reach the surface; they move more slowly and can cause the ground to roll or shake buildings.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What does the Moment Magnitude Scale measure?

Back

It estimates the total energy released by an earthquake.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The point on the surface directly above the focus of the earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What instrument is used to record and measure seismic waves?

Back

Seismograph.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

How do P waves differ from S waves?

Back

P waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while S waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the significance of the Richter scale?

Back

It was a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, but has largely been replaced by the Moment Magnitude Scale.

Front

What are the effects of surface waves during an earthquake?

Back

They can cause significant damage by rolling the ground and shaking buildings from side to side.

Front

What is a seismogram?

Back

A record produced by a seismograph that shows the arrival times and amplitudes of seismic waves.