Intro to Earthquakes & Waves

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Earthquake

Back

Sudden shaking and vibration of the earth caused by a large release of energy.

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Seismologist

Back

A scientist who studies the energy waves caused by rocks breaking apart in the Earth or slipping tectonic plates.

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Fault

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where there is some tectonic plate movement.

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Aftershock

Back

An earthquake wave that follows the main shock of an earthquake

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Horizontal

Back

A line parallel to the horizon (movement from side to side)

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Vertical

Back

A line perpendicular to the horizon (movement up and down)

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Wave

Back

A pattern of motion that carries energy through matter called a medium

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Body Wave

Back

An earthquake wave that travels through the body of the earth instead of at the surface (examples are P waves and S waves)

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P-wave

Back

A primary compressional wave that reaches the seismograph first (think push or pull)

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S-wave

Back

A secondary earthquake wave that travels more slowly as a series of crests and troughs.