Chapter 3 - Earthquakes Flashcards
How are earthquakes caused?
Earthquakes are caused by two plates colliding, sliding past each other or separating. Pressure builds up between two plates causing the rocks to break.
What is the focus?
The focus is the place within the crust where the rock breaks and earthquake begins.
What is the epicentre?
The epicentre is directly above the focus on the surface, where most severe shocks occur.
What are the aftershocks?
After an earthquake the area will experience smaller tremors
What are seismic waves?
Seismic waves are the vibrations that are sent out by the earthquake
What are seismographs?
Seismographs are used to measure the shocks caused by the earthquake.
Why does Japan experienced many earthquakes?
Japan experiences many earthquakes because it is on the Pacific ring of Fire
What happened to Japan in 2011?
In 2011 Japan hits most powerful earthquake it registered 9.0 on the Richter scale
How far off the coast of Japan was the epicentre of the earthquake?
The epicentre was about 70 km off the east coast of Japan
What is an earthquake?
A series of seismic waves that shake the ground and buildings
