Vocab Flashcards
Seismologist
Scientist who studies earthquakes
Deformation
The process which by the shape of the earth changes because of stress
Seismograph
An instrument that records vibrations in the ground to determine the location and strength of an earthquake
Seismogram
Tracing of an earthquakes motion
Epicenter
Point on earths surface directly above the starting point
Focus
area inside the earth where an earthquake begins
Richter scale
Measures the strength of earthquakes as the earthquake is occurring.
Anywhere from 0.1-10.0
Mercalli scale
Asses damage after an earthquake occurs . Goes by Roman numerals 1-12
Ran by person
Elastic deformation
Does lead to earthquakes
Elastic rebound
The sudden return of elastic ally deformed rock to its original shape. Occurs when more stress is applied to rock than the rock can withstand
Plastic deformation
Does NOT lead to earthquakes when rock is deformed if does NOT go back to its original shape
Seismic wave
Waves of energy that travel through the earth away from an earthquake
P wave
Primary waves
Can travel through solids liquids and gas
Squeeze and stretch
Moves like: ———>
S wave
Secondary wave
- arrives second
Shear rock
Can not travel through liquid rock
Surface wave
Moves on the surface
Most destructive
Moves on surface in a circular motion
