Earthquakes

What's the main cause of most earthquakes?

• Pressure from within Earth's crust

• Hurricanes

• Human activity

• Changes in temperature within the earth's mantle

Which of the following is a true statement about tectonic plates?

• All tectonic plates are located at Earth's core

• They're located approximately 10 meters below the surface of the ocean

• They're located in the molten layer beneath Earth's crust

• All of Earth's landmass rests on tectonic plates

The weight of the lithosphere keeps the mantle in a semi-solid state. What can you infer from this?

• Pressure and heat have similar effects on solids

• Pressure raises the melting point of solids

• Pressure lowers the melting point of solids

• Pressure has no effect on the melting point of solids

Place the following in sequence from highest to lowest temperature: A) Lithosphere; B) Mantle; C) Core

• C,A,B

• B,C,A

• C,B,A

• A,C,B

What can you infer from the fact that tectonic plates are always moving around?

• New volcanoes form every few years.

• The shape and location of the continents have changed over time.

• Tectonic activity probably caused the last Ice Age.

• Earthquakes will continue long after hurricanes and tsunamis have stopped.

Why are surface waves more destructive to buildings than the initial seismic wave in an earthquake?

• It creates more sustained motion on the surface.

• It reaches the surface faster.

• It reaches deeper below the surface.

• It travels farther from the hypocenter

What is this instrument called?

• Richter scale

• Barometer

• Electrograph

• Seismograph

Why are faults sometimes referred to as "active boundaries?" Choose the best answer.

• Because they are all volcanically active

• Because they serve as boundaries between nations

• Because Earth's crust shifts on either side of them

• Because people must actively avoid faults to escape injury

In the phrase, "The Richter scale measures the potency and duration of seismic events," what does "potency" mean?

• Speed

• Strength

• Type

• Time

Which city is most likely to experience a strong earthquake?

• Los Angeles

• Chicago

• New York

• Miami