Understanding Earthquakes

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates that shift in different directions, causing the ground to shake.

Front

What are the types of earthquakes?

Back

There are 3 movements/types of earthquakes, measured by magnitude.

Front

What is a theory?

Back

An idea intended to explain facts or events.

Front

What is the crust?

Back

The outermost layer of Earth, including continents and ocean floors.

Front

What does a geologist study?

Back

A geologist is a scientist studying Earth's structure, composition, and processes.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another.

Front

What is magnitude in relation to earthquakes?

Back

Magnitude is the size or extent of an earthquake, measured on a scale.

Front

What happens during an earthquake?

Back

Earthquakes occur due to the movement of Earth's plates, which are separated by faults. When movement is enough to unstick the edges, pressure release causes an earthquake.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph measures and records ground vibrations caused by seismic waves.