Earthquakes

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 Primary (P) Waves?

Back

Primary (P) Waves are the fastest seismic waves that arrive first during an earthquake. They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What are Secondary (S) Waves?

Back

Secondary (S) Waves are seismic waves that arrive after P Waves. They can only travel through solids and are slower than P Waves.

Front

What are Surface Waves?

Back

Surface Waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface. They are slower than both P and S Waves and usually cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates (the focus).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

How many seismograms are needed to locate the epicenter of an earthquake using triangulation?

Back

Three seismograms are needed to accurately locate the epicenter of an earthquake using triangulation.

Front

What is the Richter Scale?

Back

The Richter Scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake, indicating the amount of seismic energy released.

Front

What is the Mercalli Intensity Scale?

Back

The Mercalli Intensity Scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects and damage, rather than its magnitude.

Front

What is the S-P Interval?

Back

The S-P Interval is the time difference between the arrival of P Waves and S Waves at a seismic station, used to help determine the distance to the epicenter.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is the relationship between earthquake magnitude and danger?

Back

Generally, earthquakes with larger magnitudes release more energy and are more dangerous to people living nearby.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2