Earthquake Data

What do we call the instrument used to collect seismic wave data?

• Seismogram

• Seismograph

• Damper

Answer explanation

The first seismograph was invented in 132 A.D. by the Chinese astronomer and mathematician Chang Heng.

What are the two types of seismic waves?

• Love Waves

• P-waves

• Surface Waves

• S-Waves

Answer explanation

Love waves are a type of surface wave.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The place on Earth's surface where an earthquake originates is the _________________.

Answer explanation

The epicenter is where the earthquake originates on the earth's surface. The hypocenter (focus) is where it begins under the earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which type of wave travels the fastest and pushes and pulls the ground?

• S-Wave

• Body Wave

• P-Wave

• Surface Wave

Answer explanation

P-waves push and pull while s-saves cause the ground to move up and down and side to side.

What does the Richter Scale measure?

• Intensity

• Magnitude

• Surface Waves

• Body Waves

Answer explanation

An earthquake's magnitude tells us how strong the seismic waves were.

The Modified Mercalli Scale measures an earthquake's intensity. What does intensity mean?

• How strong the seismic waves were.

• How strong the p-waves were.

• How much damage was caused and what it felt like.

• How many people died or were injured.

Answer explanation

Invented by Giuseppe Mercalli in 1902, this scale uses the observations of the people who experienced the earthquake to estimate its intensity. The Mercalli scale isn't considered as scientific as the Richter scale, though.

What type of data do we use to triangulate an earthquake's epicenter?

• Seismic waves

• Richter Scale

• Mercalli Scale

Answer explanation

We always use data from three cities so that we can get a more precise location. Hence the word triangulate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which point correctly shows the epicenter of the earthquake that affected cities 1, 2, & 3?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

When measuring earthquake data, which is a type of data NOT collected?

• Damage caused to buildings

• Seismic waves

• How many leaves fall off of trees

Answer explanation

While damage to nature is documented, specific leaves falling is not ;)

P- waves move in a __________________ motion and S-waves move from _____________________.

• side-to-side/up and down, push & pull

• pushing, shaking

• Push & pull, side-to-side/up and down

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2