Earthquake and Seismic Waves Worksheet

Which of the following statements about P waves is correct?

• They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

• They are slower than S waves

• They are slower than S waves

• They cause the most destruction during earthquakes

Which wave is usually detected first by seismograph during an earthquake?

• P wave

• S wave

• Surface wave

An instrument that detects and measures seismic waves.

• Seismograph

• Thermometer

• Barometer

• Speedometer

These are shock waves produced by an earthquake.

• seismic wave

• earthquake wave

• tsunami wave

• tidal wave

What is the primary role of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)?

• To study and monitor earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis in the Philippines

• To monitor weather patterns and typhoons

• To regulate mining and natural resources

• To provide agricultural forecasts

It is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes based on the amplitude of seismic waves.

• Richter scale

• Seismic wave

• Magnitude Scale

• Mercalli scale

The point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates is called _____

• Focus

• Epicenter

• Magnitude

• Intensity

The point on Earth's surface directly above the focus is known as ____.

• Epicenter

• Focus

How do you describe the shaking of intensity X?

• Completely devastating

• Scarcely perceptible

• Very strong

• Weak

What does intensity IX (devastating) typically describe?

• Heavy damage to well-built structures; buildings may shift off foundations

• Not felt by humans, only detected by instruments

• Slight damage to poorly built structures, felt indoors in many

• Total destruction; nearly all structures collapse