measuring and predicting earthquakes

Question 1

why is it important to understand the different waves?

Answer 1

the differences between them allow scientists to measure the strength and location of the hazards.

Question 2

what device measures waves?

Answer 2

Seismogram

Question 3

give 3 features of primary waves

Answer 3

1. longitudinal (oscilates in direction of travel)
2. refracts at the earths liquid causing a shadow zone.
3. fastest form of wave

Question 4

give 3 features of S waves

Answer 4

1. oscilates at a right angle to the direction of travel
2. can only travel through solids
3. 1/2 the speed of P waves

also detected 2nd.

Question 5

give 3 features of L (surface) waves

Answer 5

1. slowest wave
2. oscilates at right angles, rolling motions and vertical to the ground
3. nearest to the surface, causes the most damage

Question 6

what is the location of the earthquake called?

Answer 6

epicentre

Question 7

What does the Richter scale measure?

Answer 7

the magnitude of an earthquake by recording the amplitude of the earthquakes largest wave.

Question 8

What type of scale is the Richter scale?

Answer 8

Logarithmic 1-10. Each point increases by 10 fold.

Question 9

what is a disadvantage of the richter scale?

Answer 9

Cannot give accurate calculations for big earthquakes (magnitude of over 8)

Question 10

what does the Mercalli scale measure?

Answer 10

The damage caused by an earthquake based off of observation.

Question 11

what are 2 disadvantages of the Mercalli scale?

Answer 11

1. subjective as its observation based
2. varies based off of location

Question 12

what does the Movement Magnitude Scale measure?

Answer 12

The total moment ( amount of energy) an Earthquake releases.

Question 13

what is an advantage of the Movement Magnitude scale?

Answer 13

Can describe very small earthquakes.

Question 14

what type of scale is the movement magnitude scale?

Answer 14

logarithmic