Topic 3: Earthquakes

Question 1

How do earthquakes occur?

Answer 1

Earthquakes occur when the tectonic plates collide or when the edges along their faults get stuck together as they slide past each other. This results in tension building up along the fault lines. When the rocks fracture or break loose, the tension is released in seismic waves, that move through the Earth.

The point where an earthquake starts is called the hypocentre. The epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface vertically above the hypocentre.

Question 2

Name 4 effects that earthquakes have on people.

Answer 2

1. Injury and death.
2. Diseases.
3. Displacement.
4. Poverty.

Question 3

Earthquakes cause p______ and i____________ damage to the city/town that the earthquake struck. Earthquakes can also cause f____ and ts______.

Answer 3

1. Poverty.
2. Infrastructural.
3. Fires.
4. Tsunamis.