Seismicity

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of primary (P) waves.

Answer 1

Fastest
Compressional l l l lll l l l l lll l l l l lll l l l
Vibrate in the direction in which they are travelling

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of secondary (S) waves.

Answer 2

Travel at half the speed of primary waves

Vibrating at right angles to the direction that they are traveling in

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of surface (L) waves.

Answer 3

Slowest of all the waves
Near to the ground surface
Rolling movement
Shake the ground at right angles to the direction of the wave movement

Question 4

What is the richter scale?

Answer 4

A logarithmic scale
6 on the scale is 10 times bigger than a 5
Measures energy released

Question 5

What is the Mercalli scale?

Answer 5

Measures the intensity of the event and its impacts.

Question 6

Describe the secondary effects of earthquakes?

Answer 6

Soil liquefaction
Landslides and avalanches
Effects on people and the built environment
Tsunamis

Question 7

The effect tsunamis have depend on…

Answer 7

Wave height
Length of earthquakes
Extent of warnings given
Coastal physical geography, both offshore and in the coastal area
Coastal land use and population density