Virginia Earth science Areas of crustal activity and Earthquakes

Front

Where does most crustal activity such as earthquakes and volcanoes occur?

Back

On the borders of continents and oceans.

Front

What is the difference between Love waves and Rayleigh waves?

Back

Rayleigh waves move in a circular motion, while Love waves move side to side.

Front

Which type of wave is associated with the damage done by earthquakes?

Back

L-waves (Rayleigh & Love waves) are associated with the damage.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, produced by earthquakes.

Front

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

Back

P-waves (Primary waves) are compressional and travel faster than S-waves (Secondary waves), which are shear waves.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.