Natural Hazards Study Guide

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Front

What technology can help make buildings more stable during an earthquake?

Back

Seismic technology, such as base isolators and energy dissipating devices, can help make buildings more stable and save lives during an earthquake.

Front

Where do earthquakes commonly occur?

Back

Earthquakes commonly occur near faults, which are fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fault line is a crack in the Earth's surface where two tectonic plates meet and can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

Back

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by any large and sudden disturbance, such as an earthquake under the sea.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected.