Earthquakes and Seismic Data Flashcard

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point within the earth where the earthquake originates.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

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

Back

The focus is the point within the earth where the earthquake originates, while the epicenter is the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus.

Front

Can S-waves be measured at the South Pole if an earthquake occurs at the North Pole?

Back

No, S-waves cannot be measured at the South Pole if the earthquake occurs at the North Pole.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

Do both P and S waves travel through solids?

Back

True, both P and S waves can travel through solids.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

Which type of seismic wave travels the fastest?

Back

P-waves travel the fastest among seismic waves.

Front

How is earthquake magnitude measured?

Back

Earthquake magnitude is measured using the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale.

Front

What are P-waves?

Back

P-waves, or primary waves, are seismic waves that compress and expand the material they travel through.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What are S-waves?

Back

S-waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that move the ground up and down or side to side.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and are responsible for most of the damage during an earthquake.