Seismic Waves

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

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

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that records the waves produced by earthquakes.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or other geological activity.

Front

What is a P-wave?

Back

A P-wave (primary wave) is a type of seismic wave that travels through solids and liquids and is the fastest seismic wave.

Front

What is an S-wave?

Back

An S-wave (secondary wave) is a type of seismic wave that only travels through solids and is slower than P-waves.

Front

What is a surface wave?

Back

A surface wave is a seismic wave that travels along the Earth's surface and causes the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

How do P-waves and S-waves differ in terms of movement?

Back

P-waves compress and expand the material they move through, while S-waves move the material perpendicular to their direction of travel.

Front

What is the relationship between the focus and epicenter?

Back

The focus is the underground origin of the earthquake, while the epicenter is the point directly above it on the surface.

Front

What type of seismic wave can travel through all layers of the Earth?

Back

P-waves can travel through all layers of the Earth, including the liquid outer core.