Faults and Earthquakes

Front

What is the magnitude of an earthquake?

Back

The magnitude of an earthquake is a single number that geologists assign to an earthquake based on its size.

Front

What type of stress occurs when rocks are pulled apart?

Back

Tension is the type of stress that occurs when rocks are pulled apart.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are the energy released from an earthquake, which includes s-waves, p-waves, and surface waves.

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

A transform boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other?

Back

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus of an earthquake is the point within the Earth where the earthquake originates.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

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

Back

P-waves (primary waves) are compressional waves that travel fastest through the Earth, while S-waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that travel slower and can only move through solids.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

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.