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Understanding Earthquakes

Total questions: 6

Worksheet time: 3mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is an earthquake?

a)

A geological process that happens over millions of years.

b)

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

c)

A phenomenon that occurs only underwater.

d)

A type of weather event caused by high winds.

2.

What causes earthquakes to occur?

a)

Changes in atmospheric pressure

b)

Human activities like mining and drilling

c)

Volcanic eruptions releasing magma

d)

Movement of tectonic plates and the release of built-up stress along faults.

3.

What is the scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake?

a)

Richter scale or moment magnitude scale (Mw)

b)

Fujita scale

c)

Beaufort scale

d)

Saffir-Simpson scale

4.

How can people prepare for an earthquake?

a)

Ignoring building codes

b)

People can prepare for an earthquake by creating an emergency plan, securing heavy furniture, having an emergency kit, practicing safety drills, and staying informed.

c)

Moving to a different country

d)

Buying a new car

5.

What is the difference between an earthquake's epicenter and its focus?

a)

The focus is the point where seismic waves are first detected; the epicenter is where they are strongest.

b)

The epicenter is the underground origin of the earthquake; the focus is the surface point directly above it.

c)

The focus is the underground origin of the earthquake; the epicenter is the surface point directly above it.

d)

The epicenter is the center of the earthquake; the focus is the area surrounding it.

6.

What safety measures should be taken during an earthquake?

a)

Stand still in the doorway

b)

Drop, cover, and hold on; stay away from windows and heavy objects.

c)

Hide under a table with no legs

d)

Run outside immediately