Earthquakes and Earth's Interior

Front

What is the moment magnitude scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the size of earthquakes based on the energy released.

Front

What factors are used to calculate moment magnitude?

Back

Surface area of a fault, magnitude of past earthquakes, average displacement along a fault.

Front

What is NOT a factor in calculating moment magnitude?

Back

Rigidity of rock in the area.

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

A phenomenon where loose, saturated soil turns into liquid that can’t support buildings.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What causes liquefaction?

Back

Earthquakes shaking the ground, leading to the saturation of soil.

Front

What are the two types of measurements used to describe the size of an earthquake?

Back

Magnitude and intensity.

Front

What does magnitude measure?

Back

The amount of energy released by an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Front

What does intensity measure?

Back

The effects of an earthquake at different locations.

Front

What is a travel-time graph used for?

Back

To find the epicenter of an earthquake.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.