Ch.3 Earthquakes Flashcards
What is an earthquake
The sudden movement and shaking of the earths surface
Why do earthquakes occur
When there is a sudden release of energy coming out of the earths surface due to movement of the tectonic plates
Faultline
A crack in the earths crust where an earthquakes are most likely to occur
Focus
Where an earthquake begins
tremors
Shock waves that come out of the focus
Epicentre
The place directly above the focus where an earthquake is strongest
Aftershocks
A series of aftershocks that happen after an earthquake
Seismologist
Somebody who studies earthquakes
Seismometer
The machine that detects earthquakes
Seismograph
The instrument that is used to measure the movement in the earth
Magnitude
Strength
Richter Scale
The scale we use to measure how strong an earthquake is
What is a tsunami
Giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions
How do tsunamis occur
Where there is an earthquake under the sea water
The sudden release of pressure from tectonic plates causes a very big wave to appear
Where do earthquakes occur
Where plates collide, separate and slide by plate boundaries.
Example: pacific ring of fire
3 effects of an earthquake
Crack roads & buildings
Homelessness
Death and injury
Case study on an earthquake
Japan, 2011
Plate collision & subduction (Eurasian and Pacific)
9.0 of Richter scale
Cost around €254 billion
