Earthquakes 101

What is the primary cause of most earthquake-inducing stress in the Earth's crust?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Man-made activities like fracking

• Movement of tectonic plates

• Changes in atmospheric pressure

How do seismographs record seismic activity?

• They measure changes in atmospheric pressure.

• They detect magnetic field fluctuations.

• They oscillate and draw a jagged line to reflect ground movement.

• They use sonar to map underground shifts.

Which statement accurately describes the Moment Magnitude Scale?

• It has an upper limit of 10.

• It measures earthquakes linearly.

• Each magnitude on its scale is 10 times greater than the one before it.

• It is rarely used by seismologists today.

Where did the largest recorded earthquake, with a magnitude of about 9.5, occur in 1960?

• Alaska, United States

• Kobe, Japan

• Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

• Valdivia, Chile

Where did the largest recorded earthquake, with a magnitude of about 9.5, occur in 1960?

• Alaska, United States

• Kobe, Japan

• Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

• Valdivia, Chile