Lesson 7 - Earthquakes

Question 1

What is an earthquake?

Answer 1

Shaking of the ground caused by sudden motions along faults/fractures in the Earth’s crust

Question 2

Recall the 4 stages that lead to an earthquake taking place?

Answer 2

Gradual buildup of tectonic strain stores elastic energy in the rocks
Pressure exceeds strength of rock - rock fractures
Sudden release of energy creates seismic waves which radiate away from fracture
Brittle crust rebounds either side of fracture (shaking)

Question 3

Give 3 causes of death during an earthquake

Answer 3

Building collapse
Accessibility
Lack of services
Polluted/inaccessible water supplies
Landslides
Tsunami

Question 4

Which other factors can affect the death toll of an earthquake?

Answer 4

Development
Location/Accessibility
Magnitude
Focus depth
Preparation
Governance
Experience
Time of day/year