8.3 Earthquake Hazards

Front

What is a seismic gap?

Back

A seismic gap is an area along a fault where no earthquake activity has occurred for a long time, indicating a potential for future earthquakes.

Front

True or False: Methods used to make short-range earthquake predictions have been successful.

Back

False. Methods used to make short-range earthquake predictions have not been successful.

Front

Which type of building is least likely to be damaged in a major earthquake?

Back

A reinforced steel-frame building is least likely to be damaged due to its structural integrity and flexibility.

Front

What can violent shaking during an earthquake cause on slopes?

Back

Violent shaking can cause landslides, where soil and rock move down the slope.

Front

What is ground subsidence?

Back

Ground subsidence is the sinking of the ground caused by earthquake vibrations.

Front

Define an epicenter.

Back

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

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is the relationship between earthquakes and fault lines?

Back

Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust where earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated soil temporarily loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during an earthquake.