Earthquakes and Earth's Interior

This set of flashcards covers important vocabulary related to earthquakes and the Earth's interior, useful for studying for an exam.

Earthquake

A shaking or trembling caused by the sudden release of energy, usually associated with faulting or breaking of rocks.

Elastic Rebound Theory

The theory that explains how energy in rocks is stored and released, where rocks bend until the strength is exceeded, causing a rupture.

Seismology

The study of earthquakes and seismic waves.

Focus (Hypocenter)

The point within the Earth where an earthquake's energy is released.

Epicenter

The point directly above the focus on the Earth's surface.

Seismogram

A record of earthquake waves electronically captured through a seismograph.

Body Waves

Seismic waves that travel through the Earth, including primary (P) and secondary (S) waves.

Surface Waves

Seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and are generally slower than body waves.

P Waves (Primary Waves)

The fastest seismic waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

S Waves (Secondary Waves)

Slower seismic waves that can only travel through solids.

Love Waves

Seismic waves that travel faster than Rayleigh waves and cause transverse vibrations.

Rayleigh Waves

Seismic waves that move like water waves, causing ellipses in particle movement.

Richter Magnitude Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the total amount of energy released by an earthquake.

Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale

A scale that measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its effects on people and structures.

Liguidation

The process where solid water-saturated material transforms into a liquid state under earthquake shock.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate moves under another plate, often leading to earthquakes.

Seismic Gaps

Areas along faults where no earthquakes have occurred for a long time, believed to be candidates for future earthquakes.

Foreshocks

Smaller earthquakes that precede a major earthquake, indicating increased seismic activity.

Geothermal Gradient

The rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth's interior.

Crust

The outer layer of the Earth, composed of continental and oceanic crust, varying in thickness and density.