Earthquakes

Earthquakes generate compressional waves [P-waves] and shear waves [S-waves]. Compared to the speed of shear waves in a given earth material, the speed of compressional waves is

• always faster

• always slower

• always the same

• sometimes faster and sometimes slower

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What happens to P-waves and S-waves from an earthquake when they reach the outer core?

• S-waves are transmitted through the outer core, but P-waves are not transmitted.

• P-waves are transmitted through the outer core, but S-waves are not transmitted.

• Both P-waves and S-waves are transmitted through the outer core.

• Neither P-waves nor S-waves are transmitted through the outer core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A huge undersea earthquake off the Alaskan coastline could produce a

• tsunami

• cyclone

• hurricane

• thunderstorm

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The distance between an epicenter and seismograph’s location can be calculated by using the

• arrival time of the first P-wave

• difference in arrival times between P- and S- waves

• amplitude of the p-wave

• energy released by an earthquake

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

A strong earthquake that occurs on the ocean floor could result in the formation of

• an ocean current

• El Nino

• a delta

• a tsunami

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A seismic station recorded the P-waves, but no S-waves, from an earthquake because S-waves were

• absorbed by Earth’s outer core

• transmitted only through liquids

• weak and detected only at nearby locations

• not produced by this earthquake

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which evidence recorded at seismic stations following an earthquake supports the inference that Earth’s interior changes from solid rock to molten iron and nickel at the mantle-core boundary?

• P-waves arrive earlier than S-waves.

• P-waves and S-waves are both recorded at all stations.

• Only S-waves are recorded at all stations.

• Only P-waves are recorded on the opposite side of Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which process prevented P-waves from arriving at seismic station B?

• refraction

• reflection

• convection

• conduction

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Only P-waves were recorded at seismic station C because P-waves travel

• only through Earth’s interior, and S-waves travel only on Earth’s surface

• fast enough to penetrate the core, and S-waves travel too slowly

• through iron and nickel, while S-waves cannot

• through liquids, while S-waves cannot

What is the pressure and temperature at location D?

• 1.5 million atmospheres

• 3.1 million atmospheres

• 0.2 million atmospheres

• 6.5 million atmospheres

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3