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GEOL-1403 > Lesson 11: Earthquake - Seismology > Flashcards

Lesson 11: Earthquake - Seismology Flashcards

1
Q

Define the focus/hypocenter

A

Where rock slippage originates in the ground

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2
Q

Define the epicenter.

A

the point on the ground surface directly above the focus/hypocenter

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3
Q

Define seismic waves.

A

how stored-up energy is released; radiates in all directions from the focus/hypocenter

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4
Q

What are the different types of body waves?

A
  1. Longitudinal ( P) Waves
  2. Transverse (S) Waves
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5
Q

How are Longitudinal (P) Waves characterized?

A

Particle motion: alternating compression and dilation (parallel to the direction of propagation)
Speed: Travels the fastest
Traveling media: Solids, liquids, and gases

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6
Q

How are Transverse (S) Waves characterized?

A

Particle motion: alternating transverse motions (perpendicular to the direction of propagation)
Speed: Slower than P waves in a solid
Traveling media: Not through fluids

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7
Q

What are the different types of surface waves?

A
  1. Rayleigh waves
  2. Love waves
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8
Q

How are Rayleigh Waves characterized?

A

Particle motion: elliptical, motion is both in the direction of propagation and perpendicular (vertical plane)
Speed: slower than love waves
Traveling media: Solids

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9
Q

How are Love Waves characterized?

A

Particle motion: Alternating transverse motions; horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of propagation
Speed: Faster than Rayleigh waves, but slower than P and S waves
Traveling media: solids

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10
Q

How do we measure earthquakes?

A
  1. Magnitude
  2. Intensity
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11
Q

Compare magnitude and intensity.

A

Magnitude: the amount of energy released; an earthquake has 1 magnitude
Intensity: degree of shaking on the surface; values are assigned to locations

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12
Q

How are earthquakes distributed in terms of plate boundaries?

A
  1. Divergent plate boundaries at midocean ridges/spreading centers and continental rift zones
  2. Convergent plate boundaries at subduction and suture zones
  3. Transform plate boundaries
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13
Q

What are the different ways that earthquakes cause destruction?

A

From:
1. Seismic waves
2. Ground ruptures
3. Fault scarps
4. Ground shaking
5. Liquefaction
6. Elevation Changes
7. Mass wasting
8. Tsunamis
9. Health problems

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14
Q

When an earthquake occurs, energy radiates in all directions from its source. The source (within the earth) is referred to as the _____.

A

Focus/hypocenter

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15
Q

___ have the highest velocities (are the fastest seismic waves).

A

P waves

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16
Q

The distance between a seismological recording station and the earthquake source is determined from the ________.

A

comparison of arrival times of P and S waves.

17
Q

The _______ scale measures the total energy released during an earthquake. It does not directly measure the extent of building damage.

A

Moment Magnitude

18
Q

_ is the maximum possible damage designation on the Modified Mercalli scale.

A

X

19
Q

The ______ is the point on the ground surface directly above the focus or hypocenter.

A

epicenter

20
Q

________ are relatively smaller earthquakes that sometimes precede the largest earthquake in a series, which is termed the mainshock.

A

Foreshocks

21
Q

A ______ wave is a surface wave having a horizontal motion that is transverse/perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling,

A

Love

22
Q

The ____ is a number that characterizes an earthquake’s relative size (amount of energy released).

A

magnitude

23
Q

Earth’s most powerful earthquakes occur at ________

A

Convergent boundaries - subduction zones

24
Q

During _______, a near-surface layer of water-saturated sand changes rapidly from a solid to a liquid, causing buildings to float on Earth.

A

Liquefaction

25
Q

Your house stands the greatest chance of surviving a large earthquake if it is built on top of ______.

A

hard igneous rock

26
Q

Approximately how fast do tsunami waves travel in the open ocean?

A

450 MPH

27
Q

Which type of plate boundary is the frequent site of tsunami initiation?

A

Convergent-subduction zone

28
Q

Which of the following US states has the highest tsunami risk?
a. Texas
b. Florida
c. Washington
d. Maine

A

c. Washington

29
Q

(T/F): The ground surface can go up (uplift) or go down (subside) following an earthquake

A

True

GEOL-1403 (22 decks)

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