Measuring Earthquakes

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Energy released by an earthquake in waves or vibrations.

Front

In what order do the three types of seismic waves arrive at a seismograph? Options: S wave, P wave, Surface wave, Surface wave, P wave and S wave, P wave, S wave and Surface wave, P wave, Surface wave and S wave

Back

P wave, S wave and Surface wave

Front

Which type of seismic wave produces the most severe ground movement? Options: P wave, S wave, Surface wave, None of the above

Back

Surface wave

Front

Describe the moment magnitude scale, and explain why it is useful in measuring earthquakes.

Back

It measures earthquakes total energy of earthquakes near or far.

Front

How do geologists locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

They measure the difference between seismic waves on three or more seismographs. The epicenter is where the circles intercept.

Front

__________ records ground movements caused by seismic waves as they
move through Earth

Back

Seismograph

Front

________ are the slowest seismic waves.

Back

Surface waves

Front

___________ is the point beneath Earth’s surface at which rock under stress breaks and triggers an earthquake.

Back

Focus

Front

__________ is the point on the surface directly above the point at which an earthquake occurs.

Back

Epicenter

Front

True or False? The shaking and trembling that results from movement of rock beneath Earth’s surface is called an earthquake.

Back

True