Earthquakes Flashcards
Where do earthquakes occur
At fault lines (weaknesses in the crust)
What causes earthquakes
Sudden movement of the earths tectonic plates
What is the epicentre
The point directly above the earthquake where the magnitude is the greatest
What is the focus
The focus of an earthquake is the point below the surface at which the pressure is released.
What are earthquakes measured in and what does it determine
Earthquakes are measured in the Richter scale, which determines the magnitude of an earthquake.
What do they use to measure the magnitude of an earthquake
Seismograph
When did the massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit north- eastern Japan.
March 11, 2011
What did the 2011 Japan earthquake trigger
A tsunami that killed over 28,000 people
What are tsunamis
10m tall waves that travel at 500 mph that are created by underwater earthquake.
How do earthquakes occur
Sudden movement from the tectonic plates releasing their stored up energy
Steps of a tsunami occurring (may be asked in a diagram form)
- Earthquake occurs under water
- Water pushed up
- Waves spread out
- Waves slow and gain height
- Tsunami wave hits
Kobe earthquake key facts
Industrial city
7.2 Richter scale
6,000 killed
35,000 injured
300,000 homeless
Earthquake drill
Drop > cover > hold on
How to prepare for earthquakes
Stokepile food and materials and prepare earthquake kits: first aid, food, water, torch, radio, batteries, matches.
