Earthquakes

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

Liquefaction occurs when loose, saturated soil turns into liquid that can’t support buildings.

Front

What can cause a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami can occur when there is vertical movement at a fault under the ocean floor.

Front

How is earthquake risk determined?

Back

Earthquake risk is determined by measuring strain in rocks near faults.

Front

What is the primary composition of the continental crust?

Back

The continental crust is largely made of granite.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture in Earth where movement has occurred.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, produced by earthquakes.

Front

What is a Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.