Earthquakes Flashcards
(10 cards)
Why do earthquakes happen?
Plates grind against each other along fault line, becoming locked and stuck together. This causes frictions which causes seismic pressure to build up. When the faults give way the seismic pressure is released, causing energy waves to spread out in all directions. The vibrations of these seismic waves cause earthquakes as they travel through the earth.
What is the focus of an earthquake?
The point inside the earth where the earthquake begins.
What is the epicentre of an earthquake?
The point on the earths crust directly above the focus.
What is Qualatitive data?
Words and what people say, for example a comment box
What is Quantitive data
Numbers and figures, for example a chart of numbers
What is the mercalli scale?
A subjective scale used to measure the severity of earthquakes using people’s opinions and feelings, measures after the earthquake
What is the Richter scale?
An objective scale that uses machines to measure the energy if the earthquake, uses a machine to do so and measures during the quake
Where is Christchurch located?
In the continent of Australia, in New Zealand, South East of the country Australia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean
What plate boundary is Christchurch on?
A collision plate boundary
What plate boundary do earthquakes occur along?
Conservative plate boundaries
