earthquakes and faults

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A break in the Earth’s crust.

Front

Where do earthquakes usually occur?

Back

The boundaries between continents and oceans.

Front

What happens when faults move?

Back

An earthquake occurs.

Front

What instrument measures the magnitude of an earthquake?

Back

A seismograph.

Front

Which layer of the Earth contains the tectonic plates?

Back

Crust.

Front

What causes an earthquake?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates along faults.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point inside the Earth where the earthquake starts.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What is a seismic wave?

Back

A wave of energy that travels through the Earth, caused by an earthquake.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.