Earth Science Earth Quakes

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point within the earth where rock is under stress and where the earthquake originates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is seismology?

Back

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves that move through and around the earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a fault in geology?

Back

A fault is a thin zone of crushed rock separating blocks of the earth's crust.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, or human activities such as mining.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the earth's layers and are produced by earthquakes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the difference between the focus and the epicenter?

Back

The focus is the point inside the earth where an earthquake originates, while the epicenter is the point directly above it on the surface.