Earthquakes COPY Flashcards
what is an earthquake
shaking and vibration of the Earth’s crust due to movement of tectonic plates
where are earthquakes likely to happen?
conservative (sliding parallel)
&
destructive (sliding under)
plate boundaries
how do we measure the magnitude (strength) of an earthquake
on a seismometer which produces a seismograph
what is the Richter scale
measures the magnitude (strength) of the seismic waves (earthquake tremor) shown on the seismograph
what happens if 3 is registered on the Richter scale
gentle vibrations like a passing lorry
what happens if 5 is registered on the Richter scale
furniture moves
what happens if 6 is registered on the Richter scale
damaged buildings
what happens if 7-10 is registered on the Richter scale
major disaster
what is the highest Richter scale ever measured
where?
9.5
Chile
South America
1960
what causes a tsunami
underwater earthquake
how do you predict an earthquake
- cracks appear in rocks
- strange animal behaviour
- changes in well water levels
how do you plan for an earthquake
- monitor eathquake zones
- put disaster plans in place (fire, ambulance, police)
- warn people using the media
- educate people at school
- organise emergency supplies before the earthquake starts
- build strong skyscrapers