Natural Hazards

Front

What is a natural hazard?

Back

A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, and the environment.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a numerical scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake based on the amplitude of seismic waves.

Front

What are faults?

Back

Faults are breaks in the Earth's lithosphere where blocks of rock have moved past each other.

Front

What is the modified Mercalli scale?

Back

The modified Mercalli scale is a scale that uses observations to rate the intensity of shaking from an earthquake.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates and the stress that builds up in the Earth's crust.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that measures and records the vibrations caused by seismic waves during an earthquake.

Front

What does the height of the lines on a seismograph indicate?

Back

The height of the lines on a seismograph indicates the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter scale.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, under the sea.

Front

What is the difference between magnitude and intensity of an earthquake?

Back

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