Earthquakes!

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that measures and records the details of earthquakes, such as their duration and intensity.

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are the fastest type of seismic wave and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that can only travel through solids and are slower than P waves.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a large ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Front

What is the Mercalli scale?

Back

The Mercalli scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects on people, buildings, and the Earth's surface.

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated soil loses its strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, often during an earthquake.

Front

What is an aftershock?

Back

An aftershock is a smaller earthquake that occurs in the same general area during the days to years following a larger earthquake.