Earthquake and Volcano Vocab

Front

What is a Secondary Wave?

Back

A type of seismic wave that causes particles to move at right angles relative to the direction the wave travels.

Front

What is a Surface Wave?

Back

A wave that travels along the surface of a medium.

Front

What is a Volcano?

Back

A vent or fissure in the Earth's surface through which magma and gases are expelled.

Front

What is a Shield Volcano?

Back

A large volcano with gentle slopes of basaltic lava; located along divergent plate boundaries and oceanic hot spots.

Front

What is a Primary Wave?

Back

The fastest-moving type of seismic wave; causes particles in the ground to move in a push-pull motion.

Front

What is a Cinder Cone Volcano?

Back

A steep, conical hill formed from the accumulation of volcanic debris.

Front

What is a Composite Volcano?

Back

A volcano formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and other volcanic debris.

Front

What is a Hot Spot?

Back

A location where magma from deep within the mantle melts through the crust above it.

Front

What are Seismic Waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically as a result of an earthquake.

Front

What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Waves?

Back

Primary waves are faster and move in a push-pull motion, while secondary waves move at right angles to the direction of travel.