Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's crust caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What instrument measures earthquake waves?

Back

A seismograph is the instrument that records earthquake waves.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a break in Earth's crust along which rocks move.

Front

What happens if Earth's plates stop moving?

Back

If Earth's plates stopped moving, there would be fewer earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

What is the Richter Scale?

Back

The Richter Scale is a tool used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

Front

What is the Mercalli Scale?

Back

The Mercalli Scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its effects.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large pieces of Earth's crust that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake starts.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust where molten rock, ash, and gases can escape.