Unit 2 Earthquakes & Volcanoes

Question 1

earthquake

Answer 1

A sudden release of energy that makes the ground tremble

Question 2

fissure

Answer 2

A crack that may appear in the ground as the result of an earthquake

Question 3

seismologist

Answer 3

A scientist who studies earthquakes

Question 4

seismic wave

Answer 4

a wave of energy released during an earthquake

Question 5

seismometer

Answer 5

a device that measures the strength of an earthquake’s seismic waves

Question 6

plate boundary

Answer 6

the location where two lithospheric plates meet

Question 7

conservative margin

Answer 7

a plate boundary where the two plates are sliding past each other.

Question 8

focus

Answer 8

the starting point of an earthquake; the point underground where “jammed” plates give way and release their energy

Question 9

epicenter

Answer 9

the location on the earth’s surface directly above the focus.

Question 10

aftershock

Answer 10

smaller tremors that may occur after the main earthquake takes place

Question 11

seismic gap

Answer 11

a period of time (often many years) in which no movement has occurred along an active plate boundary.