Earthquake Concepts and Earth's Interior

Front

What is an Earthquake?

Back

The shaking of the Earth’s crust caused by a release of energy.

Front

What scale measures the intensity of ground movement during an earthquake?

Back

Richter scale.

Front

What are P Waves?

Back

Body waves that squeeze and stretch (push and pull) rock materials as they pass through the Earth.

Front

What are S Waves?

Back

Body waves that cause particles of rock material to move at right angles to the direction in which the waves are traveling.

Front

What is the difference between P Waves and S Waves?

Back

P Waves can travel through solids and liquids, while S Waves can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What is a fault in geological terms?

Back

A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is a seismogram?

Back

A record produced by a seismograph that shows the motion of the ground during an earthquake.