Earthquakes

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in Earth where movement has occurred.

Front

What is an earthquake’s epicenter?

Back

The place on the surface directly above the focus.

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

When loose, saturated soil turns into liquid that can’t support buildings.

Front

What is the composition of the Earth’s core?

Back

An alloy of iron and nickel.

Front

Where do most earthquakes occur?

Back

Around the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, released during an earthquake.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves are primary waves that travel faster and can move through solids and liquids, while S-waves are secondary waves that only move through solids.