Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
What geological processes lead to the formation of different types of faults?
Different types of faults are formed due to various geological processes, such as tectonic plate movements and the stress exerted on the Earth's crust over time.
How do seismic waves travel through various materials, and what impacts their speed?
Seismic waves travel at different speeds depending on the material's density and elasticity; they move faster through solids than liquids and gases.
In what ways can the understanding of the Shadow Zone help scientists in earthquake research?
Understanding the Shadow Zone aids scientists in determining the structure of Earth's interior, particularly the liquid outer core, and helps interpret seismic data.
What are the potential economic and social impacts of significant earthquakes on a community?
Significant earthquakes can lead to huge economic losses due to property damage, disruption of infrastructure, loss of businesses, and long-term social challenges like displacement.
How does liquefaction occur, and what conditions are necessary for it to take place during an earthquake?
Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength due to shaking; it typically requires loose, water-saturated sediments, a strong shaking event, and a specific depth of groundwater.
What strategies can communities implement for earthquake and tsunami preparedness to minimize risk and improve response?
Communities can create awareness programs, conduct drills, establish early warning systems, and plan evacuation routes to enhance preparedness for seismic events.
What role do historical earthquake records play in predicting future seismic events?
Historical earthquake records help seismologists understand patterns, frequency, and the potential size of future earthquakes, aiding in risk assessment and preparedness.
Discuss the differences in human response to earthquakes versus tsunamis and the factors influencing these responses.
Responses can differ due to the nature of the events; earthquakes prompt immediate safety actions, while tsunamis require evacuation to higher ground, influenced by warning systems and public awareness.
What is seismic activity?
The occurrences of earthquakes and related phenomena.
What is the magnitude of an earthquake measured by?
Magnitude is commonly measured by the Richter Scale or Moment Magnitude Scale.
What is tremor in the context of seismic activity?
A tremor refers to a minor earthquake or tremulous motion of the ground.
What are aftershocks?
Smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area after a larger earthquake.
What is an earthquake's amplitude?
The maximum extent of a vibration or displacement from the rest position.
How do geologists use fault lines?
Geologists use fault lines to identify areas at risk for future earthquakes.
What is a megathrust earthquake?
A large earthquake that occurs at subduction zones, often with a magnitude of 7.5 or greater.
What should you do during an earthquake?
Stay indoors, find cover under sturdy furniture, and stay away from windows.
How can building codes help reduce earthquake risk?
Building codes ensure structures can withstand seismic forces, reducing damage and casualties.
What is a seismic gap?
A section of a fault that has not produced earthquakes for a long time, potentially indicating a buildup of stress.
What is the relationship between tectonic plate movement and earthquakes?
Most earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates interacting at their boundaries.
What are surface waves?
Seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.
What is a fault trace?
The intersection of a fault plane with the Earth's surface.
What is foreshock?
An earthquake that occurs before a larger seismic event, serving as a precursor.
What is the difference between an earthquake and a seismic event?
An earthquake is a specific type of seismic event characterized by ground shaking.
How does the moment magnitude scale differ from the Richter scale?
The moment magnitude scale measures total energy released, while the Richter scale measures amplitude of seismic waves.
What is seismic retrofitting?
The process of strengthening existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity.
What are tectonic plates?
Large sections of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological activity.
What is the difference between intraplate and interplate earthquakes?
Intraplate earthquakes occur within a tectonic plate, while interplate earthquakes occur at the boundaries between plates.
How does soil composition affect earthquake impact?
Soil composition influences how seismic waves travel; softer soils can amplify shaking and increase damage.
What contributes to the cause of an earthquake?
Faults, where rocks break and move along a fracture, release energy that causes earthquakes.
What are the properties of seismic waves?
Seismic waves vary in speed, frequency, and amplitude, influencing the extent of ground motion.
How can you read a seismogram?
By analyzing the wave patterns on the seismogram, such as the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves.
What are common earthquake hazard effects?
Hazard effects include structural damage, tsunamis, aftershocks, and landslides.
Why are historical earthquake events significant?
They provide insights into seismic patterns, frequency, and potential risk in specific regions.
How do you use the Richter scale?
The Richter scale quantifies the amplitude of seismic waves to measure earthquake magnitude.
What is the process for locating an earthquake epicenter?
Determine the time difference between P-waves and S-waves to triangulate the epicenter location.
Note 
Flashcard (21)