Earthquakes Flashcards
What causes earthquakes?
Vibrations of the Earth’s crust caused by movement at plate boundaries and major faults.
Where can earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes can occur at all four major plate boundaries.
Where are the most severe earthquakes typically found?
Conservative and destructive plate boundaries.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is when the ground shakes, caused by sudden movement between plates.
What are seismic waves?
Earthquakes produce long shock waves called seismic waves.
Where do seismic waves travel out from?
Seismic waves travel out from the centre of the crust
What is the focus of an earthquake?
The focus is the point where the earthquake starts.
Why is there more damage near the focus of an earthquake?
Near the focus, the waves are stronger which causes more damage.
What is the epicentre of an earthquake?
The epicentre is the point on earth’s surface directly above the focus.
What scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake? And what instrument is used
A Richter scale used to measure magnitude
instrument called a seismograph.
What type of scale does a seismograph use?
A seismograph uses a logarithmic scale.
How does the logarithmic scale work for the Richter scale?
Shows how strong the earthquake is
What is the amount of energy released in an earthquake called?
The amount of energy released in an earthquake is called its magnitude.
How is the magnitude of an earthquake measured?
Magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale.
Tell me the 5 short term effects of an earthquake
Roads destroyed 🚘
Buildings collapse 🏠
Debris cause injury/death ☠️
Water or gas mains burst 💥
Electricity is cut out ⚡️
