Earthquake and Faults Flashcard

Front

What are Primary waves?

Back

Primary waves (P-waves) are the fastest type of seismic wave and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are compressional waves that push and pull the material they move through.

Front

What is a Thrust/Reverse Fault?

Back

A Thrust or Reverse Fault is a type of fault where the hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall, typically caused by compressional forces. This type of fault can create mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is a Normal Fault?

Back

A Normal Fault is a type of fault where the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall, usually due to extensional forces. Normal faults are often associated with the formation of fault-block mountains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is a Strike-Slip Fault?

Back

A Strike-Slip Fault is a type of fault where two blocks of crust slide past each other horizontally. This movement is primarily caused by shear stress.

Front

What is the difference between a plateau and a mountain?

Back

A plateau is a flat-topped area of land that is raised significantly above the surrounding area, while a mountain is a landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, typically having a peak.

Front

What are Surface Waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface. They are slower than P-waves and S-waves but can cause more damage during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What are Longitudinal Waves?

Back

Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. P-waves are an example of longitudinal waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What are Secondary Waves?

Back

Secondary waves (S-waves) are seismic waves that are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids. They move the ground up and down or side to side.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, usually due to tectonic plate movements, which create seismic waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus of an earthquake is the point within the Earth where the earthquake originates. It is the location where the seismic waves begin.