Volcanoes/Earthquakes

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves that travel through the Earth. They are the first to be detected by seismographs and can move through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus, or starting point, of an earthquake.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point inside the Earth where an earthquake begins.

Front

What are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that travel slower than P waves and can only move through solids.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

What is liquefaction?

Back

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated soil loses its strength and stiffness due to shaking, causing it to behave like a liquid.

Front

What is viscosity in relation to magma?

Back

Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of magma. High viscosity magma results in explosive eruptions, while low viscosity allows for gentle lava flows.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes when stress is released.

Front

What is a volcanic vent?

Back

A volcanic vent is an opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases are expelled during a volcanic eruption.