Earthquake Theory Flashcard

Front

P waves ________.

Back

are faster than S waves and surface waves.

Front

The dense core of Earth is thought to consist predominantly of _______.

Back

iron.

Front

The lithosphere is defined as _______.

Back

a rigid layer of crustal and mantle material.

Front

Major earthquakes are often followed by somewhat smaller events known as ________.

Back

aftershocks.

Front

Approximately how much more energy is released in a 6.5 Richter magnitude earthquake than in one with magnitude 5.5?

Back

30 times.

Front

What are S waves?

Back

Secondary waves that are slower than P waves and can only travel through solids.

Front

Define the term 'Richter scale'.

Back

A logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.