Earthquake Test 2

Front

What is a P wave?

Back

A P wave, or primary wave, is the first type of seismic wave to arrive at a seismograph after an earthquake. It is a compressional wave that travels through solids and liquids.

Front

What does the Richter scale measure?

Back

The Richter scale measures the strength of an earthquake based on the amplitude of seismic waves recorded on a seismogram.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are energy released by an earthquake that travels through the Earth in the form of waves or vibrations.

Front

What is the Mercalli intensity scale?

Back

The Mercalli intensity scale is a qualitative scale that measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects, ranging from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).

Front

What is an epicenter?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the point where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is triangulation in the context of earthquakes?

Back

Triangulation is a method used to determine the location of an earthquake's epicenter by using data from at least three different seismograph stations.

Front

What is the difference between P waves and S waves?

Back

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

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus, or hypocenter, is the point beneath the Earth's surface where the rocks break and the earthquake originates.

Front

What is a seismogram?

Back

A seismogram is a record produced by a seismograph that shows the arrival times and amplitudes of seismic waves.

Front

What is the significance of the moment magnitude scale?

Back

The moment magnitude scale is a more modern scale used to measure the total energy released by an earthquake, providing a more accurate assessment than the Richter scale.