Chapter 3 Flashcards
how are earthquakes caused?
earthquakes are caused when the plates separate, collide and slide past each other.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is a series of seismic waves that shake the ground and buildings.
What does an earthquake result from?
an earthquake results from broken rock caused by the build up of pressure between two plates.
What is the focus?
The focus is the place within the crust where the rock breakes and the earthquake begins.
What is the epicentre?
The epicentre is on the surface directly above the focus. It is where the most severe shocks or tremors occur.
what will the area of an earthquake experience after the earthquake?
Usually after an earthquake the area will experience aftershocks, which can often cause further damage to already weakened buildings.
what is an aftershock?
Ground tremors continuing after a major earthquake.
What is a fault or fault line?
A fault or fault line is a crack in the earth’s surface.
what are seismic waves?
The vibrations that are sent out by the earthquake.
what are seismographs?
An instrument used to measure the force of an earthquake.
What is the richter scale?
The scale which we measure the magnitude of earthquakes.
Why does Japan experience many earthquakes?
Because it is on the Pacific Ring Of Fire?
When was Japan hit by its most powerful earthquake ever and what did it register?
In 2011 and it registered a 9.0 on the Richter Scale.
How far off the east coast of Japan was the epicentre?
70 kilometres.
what caused the earthquake in Japan?
The Pacific Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate sinking it underneath it.
