6-2 Earthquakes and Seismic Waves

Front

What type of wave occurs when some P waves and S waves reach the surface, moving more slowly and causing the ground to roll or shake buildings?

Back

Surface waves

Front

What rating system estimates the total energy released by an earthquake?

Back

Moment Magnitude Scale

Front

What scale rates earthquakes based on the damage done to buildings and homes?

Back

Mercalli scale

Front

What is the area beneath Earth's surface where rock breaks under stress, triggering an earthquake?

Back

Focus

Front

In seismic wave diagrams, which letter typically represents surface waves?

Back

A

Front

What are the two main types of body waves generated by earthquakes?

Back

P waves and S waves

Front

What is the primary difference between P waves and S waves?

Back

P waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids and liquids, while S waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the significance of the focus in an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point where the earthquake originates, and it is the location of the initial rock break.

Front

What is the difference between the epicenter and the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

Front

What does the Moment Magnitude Scale measure?

Back

It measures the total energy released by an earthquake.