Earthquake Concepts and Terminology

Front

Focus

Back

The point inside the earth, along a fault, at which an earthquake begins.

Front

Epicenter

Back

The point on earth’s surface directly above an earthquake’s starting point, or focus.

Front

Seismology

Back

The scientific study of earthquakes.

Front

Seismologist

Back

A Scientist who studies earthquakes.

Front

What are the 3 tectonic plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, divergent, transform.

Front

Fault

Back

A break in the Earth’s crust.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Push, pull, or slip of tectonic plates past each other.

Front

What is released during an earthquake?

Back

Energy is released into the earth as waves.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

Any disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.

Front

What do waves carry?

Back

Waves only carry energy, not matter.