earthquakes

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 is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus (or hypocenter) is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that measures and records the details of an earthquake, including the force and duration of the shaking.

Front

What is a seismogram?

Back

A seismogram is a visual record produced by a seismograph that shows the motion of the ground during an earthquake.

Front

What is the magnitude of an earthquake?

Back

Magnitude is a measure of the amount of energy released during an earthquake.

Front

What are P-waves?

Back

P-waves, or primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves that travel through the Earth and are the first to be detected by seismographs.

Front

What are S-waves?

Back

S-waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that follow P-waves and can only travel through solids.

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 the difference between intensity and magnitude?

Back

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, while intensity measures the effects of the earthquake at different locations.