Earthquake Flashcards
What is an earthquake
An earthquake is a sudden and often violent shift in the rocks that form the earths crust, which is often felt at the surface.
How are Earthquakes formed?
Earthquakes happen when rocks deep beneath the Earth’s surface are under intense pressure and finally reach their breaking point, causing a sudden shift. This break occurs at a location known as the focus, or origin. Directly above the focus, on the Earth’s surface, is the epicenter. When the rocks break, energy is released in the form of shock waves that spread out from the focus, causing the ground to shake.
What is a Volcano
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface through which magma, ash, and gases from below the Earth’s crust are
released.
How are earthquakes measured
Seismographs
How are volcanoes formed
This often happens when pressure builds up beneath the
Earth’s surface, causing magma to rise through cracks in the crust.
When the magma reaches the surface, it’s called lava, and it can flow out in eruptions
A volcanoe can be
Active Volcano: Actively erupting or has erupted in recent history. It shows signs of activity, like gas emissions, earthquakes, or heat.
Dormant Volcano: Hasn’t erupted in a long time but still has a magma supply. It can become active again if conditions change.
Extinct Volcano: Hasn’t erupted for thousands or millions of years and no longer has a magma source. It’s considered unlikely to erupt again.
Types of tectonic plates
Convergent Boundaries: Two tectonic plates move toward each other, leading to one plate being forced beneath the other. This can result in volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Divergent Boundaries: Plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and solidify, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading.
Transform Boundaries: Plates slide past one another horizontally. This lateral movement can cause earthquakes
