Earthquake and Volcano Vocab

Front

Molten rock beneath the earth's surface.

Back

Magma

Front

Point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's focus.

Back

Epicenter

Front

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

Back

Primary Wave

Front

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

Back

Secondary Wave

Front

Shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

Back

Earthquake

Front

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Back

Fault

Front

An opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases erupt.

Back

Volcano

Front

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Back

Focus

Front

A hot spot in the Earth's mantle that causes volcanic activity.

Back

Hot Spot

Front

The scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Back

Richter Scale