Earthquake Vocabulary

Front

earthquake

Back

Vibrations within Earth caused by the

sudden release of energy, usually as a result of the

movement of rocks along a fault.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Fault

Back

A fracture in bedrock, along which blocks of

rock on opposite sides of the fracture move.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Models

Back

A tool scientists and engineers use to

represent ideas or provide an explanation.

May include diagrams, drawings, physical replicas,

mathematical representations, analogies, or

computer simulations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Front

modifications

Back

A change in the form or qualities of

an object with the intention of impacting how the

object functions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Front

Risks

Back

Exposure to the chance of injury or loss.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

seismogram

Back

The record made by a seismograph;

the paper on which data about earthquake waves

is recorded.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Richter scale

Back

1-10 scale for earthquake magnitude

Front

Mercalli Scale

Back

Scale for earthquake intensity and damage

Front

Magnitude

Back

Greatness of energy released during an earthquake

Front

Intensity

Back

A measure of the damage done by an

earthquake that is determined on the basis of the

earthquake’s effect on people, structures, and the

natural environment

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2