Earthquakes Flashcards
what scale is used to measure the strength of an earthquake
the movement magnitude scale
what scale measures the damage an earthquake causes
the Mercalli scale
what do you call the person who studies earthquakes
seismologist
what is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster
Natural hazards are the natural movements of the earth (such as earthquakes and volcanoes) and cannot be avoided. Natural disasters is the term used when people or the environment are damaged by the hazard.
why is the occurrence of earthquakes not equally distributed around the earth?
because they occur most frequently at plate boundaries
where would you find the San Andreas fault?
California, USA
What is the Richter scale
the scale that used to be used to measure the strength of earthquakes
what are seismic waves and what causes them
seismic waves are the shock waves that move from the point of an earthquake outwards. They occur when plate boundaries shift or move, releasing energy in the form of waves and sending a ripple effect through the earth’s crust.
what is the difference between the focus and the epicentre of an earthquake
the focus is the point under the ground where the earthquake starts and the epicentre is the point on the earth’s surface directly above the focus
T or F: stronger seismic waves occur when an earthquake occurs deep below the earth’s surface
False: stronger waves occur when the earthquake occurs close to the earth’s surface
explain how disease may be a result of an earthquake
fresh water supply to cities or towns may be destroyed by an earthquake which damages water pipes. People may then use/drink dirty water and contract diseases such as cholera or dysentery
other than disease, list 5 other negative effects of earthquakes
injury and loss of life displacement of people damage to infrastructure (roads, buildings, communication systems, electricity supply, dams) fires tsunamis
explain why some communities may experience fewer deaths and less infrastructure damage following an earthquake than others
1) search & rescue teams and medical care services in poorer or less developed communities are often under resourced and not as efficient as in wealthier or more developed communities. This means that it takes longer to assist people in need and not as many people are able to be helped so the death toll may be higher.
2) in wealthier and more developed communities buildings can be specially constructed to be earthquake resistant - this results in less buildings collapsing and less infrastructure damage
list 4 features you may find in a “quake proof house”
1) hollow concrete blocks
2) roof of reinforced cement concrete
3) foundations made of stone
4) reinforced steel corner pillars or springs
If you lived in an area probe to earthquakes, what measures would you put in place:
1) have an emergency plan in place
2) keep a stock of medical supplies, tinned food and bottle water in a water tight container
3) keep a tent and blankets stored ready for use
