Seismic Waves

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically as a result of an earthquake or other geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What are the three main types of seismic waves?

Back

The three main types of seismic waves are P waves (primary waves), S waves (secondary waves), and surface waves.

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are slower than P waves and can only travel through solids.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are the slowest seismic waves and travel along the Earth's surface, causing the most damage during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point beneath the Earth's surface where the earthquake begins.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that records the motion of seismic waves during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the difference between magnitude and intensity?

Back

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, while intensity measures the effects of the earthquake at different locations.