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.

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are the first seismic waves released during an earthquake and can travel through solids and liquids.

Front

What are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that follow P waves and cannot travel through liquids.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide or move on top of each other.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

Where do most earthquakes occur?

Back

Most earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is the relationship between earthquakes and volcanoes?

Back

Most volcanoes are found along tectonic plate boundaries, where earthquakes also frequently occur.