LT 15 Earthquakes

Front

What is an S wave?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that move through the Earth and can only travel through solids. They are slower than P waves and are responsible for much of the shaking felt during an earthquake.

Front

What is an epicenter?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the focus of an earthquake. It is often the location where the most intense shaking and damage occurs.

Front

What type of earthquake wave can travel through both liquids and solids?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are seismic waves that can travel through both liquids and solids. They are the fastest seismic waves and arrive first at a seismic station.

Front

How does distance from the epicenter affect P and S waves?

Back

The closer a location is to the epicenter, the closer the P and S waves will be when they arrive. This means that locations near the epicenter will experience shaking sooner than those farther away.

Front

What type of waves cause the most destruction during an earthquake?

Back

Surface waves cause the most destruction during an earthquake. They travel along the Earth's surface and can produce severe shaking and damage.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus, or hypocenter, is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates. It is the location where the rocks first break and seismic waves begin to radiate outward.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface. They typically cause the most damage during an earthquake due to their larger amplitude and longer duration.

Front

What is the difference between P waves and S waves?

Back

P waves are compressional waves that can travel through both liquids and solids, while S waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids. P waves are faster than S waves.

Front

What is seismic activity?

Back

Seismic activity refers to the frequency, type, and size of earthquakes that occur in a certain area over a period of time. It is an important factor in assessing earthquake risk.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument used to detect and record the vibrations caused by seismic waves during an earthquake. It helps scientists measure the intensity and duration of shaking.