What Is An Earthquake Flashcards
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere.
True or False: Earthquakes can only occur in tectonic plate boundaries.
False
What is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake’s origin called?
The epicenter
Fill in the blank: The area where the earthquake originates is known as the _______.
focus or hypocenter
What scale is commonly used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake?
The Richter scale
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary cause of earthquakes? A) Volcanic activity B) Tectonic plate movements C) Meteor impacts D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What type of seismic waves are the fastest?
Primary waves (P-waves)
True or False: S-waves can travel through liquids.
False
What is the scale used to measure the intensity of an earthquake’s effects on people and structures?
The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale
What are aftershocks?
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area following a larger earthquake.
Multiple Choice: Which type of fault is characterized by horizontal movement? A) Normal fault B) Reverse fault C) Strike-slip fault D) Thrust fault
C) Strike-slip fault
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a measure of the energy released during an earthquake.
magnitude
What geological feature is often formed as a result of earthquake activity?
Fault lines
True or False: Earthquakes can only occur on land.
False
What is the relationship between tectonic plates and earthquakes?
Earthquakes often occur at the boundaries of tectonic plates due to their movement.
What is liquefaction in the context of earthquakes?
Liquefaction is the process by which saturated soil loses its strength and stiffness due to shaking.
Multiple Choice: Which region is known for having the most seismic activity? A) The Himalayas B) The Pacific Ring of Fire C) The Sahara Desert D) The Amazon Rainforest
B) The Pacific Ring of Fire
What are tsunamis, and how are they related to earthquakes?
Tsunamis are large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
True or False: All earthquakes are predictable.
False
What is seismic retrofitting?
Seismic retrofitting is the process of strengthening existing buildings to make them more resistant to seismic activity.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a device used to detect and record seismic waves.
seismometer
What is the main difference between a foreshock and an aftershock?
A foreshock occurs before the main earthquake, while an aftershock occurs after it.
What does the term ‘seismic hazard’ refer to?
Seismic hazard refers to the probability of an earthquake occurring in a specific area and its potential impact.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following can be a primary effect of an earthquake? A) Building collapse B) Landslides C) Ground shaking D) All of the above
D) All of the above
