Ch. 9 Mid-Term Exam Review

Front

What is the focus in relation to seismic waves?

Back

The focus is the point within the Earth where seismic waves originate during an earthquake.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that cause ground particles to move in a manner similar to ocean waves.

Front

Define a fault in geological terms.

Back

A fault is a break in Earth's lithosphere where rocks on either side have moved relative to each other.

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 does a seismologist study?

Back

A seismologist studies earthquakes and the seismic waves they produce.

Front

What are primary waves?

Back

Primary waves, or P-waves, are the fastest seismic waves that compress and expand the material they travel through.

Front

What are secondary waves?

Back

Secondary waves, or S-waves, are seismic waves that move the ground up and down or side to side and arrive after P-waves.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is a seismic wave?

Back

A seismic wave is an energy wave that travels through the Earth, typically generated by earthquakes.

Front

What is the difference between the focus and the epicenter?

Back

The focus is the point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates, while the epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the focus.