EARTHQUAKE QUIZZ

What is an epicenter? 

• Where an earthquake started

• The surface right above where an earthquake started 

Answer explanation

The epicenter is defined as the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates. Therefore, the correct answer is 'The surface right above where an earthquake started'.

Where the earthquake begins on surface.

• epicenter

• joint

• fault

• focus

Answer explanation

The earthquake begins at the focus, but the point directly above it on the Earth's surface is called the epicenter. Therefore, the correct answer is epicenter.

What are earthquakes?

• The shaking that results from the movement of rock beneath Earth's surface

• Masses of earth sliding down cliffs or mountains

• A rotating column of air causing mass destruction

• A gigantic wave

Answer explanation

Earthquakes are defined as the shaking that results from the movement of rock beneath Earth's surface. This movement can cause significant ground shaking, distinguishing it from other geological phenomena.

What causes earthquakes?

• Millions of people jumping at once

• The earth rotating

• The movement of plate tectonics

• Gravity

Answer explanation

Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of plate tectonics. The Earth's crust is divided into plates that float on the semi-fluid mantle. Their interactions, such as collisions or sliding past each other, generate seismic activity.

What is the scale used to measure the strengths of earthquakes?

• Fujita scale

• Richter scale

• Damage scale

• NASA scale

Answer explanation

The Richter scale is the standard scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, quantifying the energy released. The other options, like the Fujita scale, measure different phenomena, such as tornado damage.

Can earthquakes be predicted

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Currently, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted. While scientists can identify areas at risk and understand seismic patterns, the exact timing and location of an earthquake remain uncertain, making the answer 'No'.

The earth has top layer called...

• crust

• ocean

• land

• sea

Answer explanation

The earth's top layer is called the crust. It is the outermost solid shell of the planet, distinguishing it from the ocean, land, and sea, which refer to bodies of water and landforms.

What is a crust?

• a layer that covers the earth

• a cupcake

• a layer that covers the moon

• the second layer of the planet

Answer explanation

A crust refers to the outer layer that covers the Earth, distinguishing it from other layers like the mantle and core. The other options do not accurately describe what a crust is.

The crust is broken into many peices called ...

• plates

• ashes

• countries

• boundries

Answer explanation

The Earth's crust is divided into large sections known as plates. These tectonic plates float on the semi-fluid mantle beneath them, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

What is the measure of the amount of energy released in an earthquake?

• Intensity

• Epicenter

• Magnitude

• Seismogram

Answer explanation

The magnitude of an earthquake quantifies the energy released at its source. It is measured on a logarithmic scale, making it the correct choice for assessing the earthquake's energy, unlike intensity, epicenter, or seismogram.