Earthquakes

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering vocabulary and definitions based on earthquake concepts from the lecture notes.

Earthquake

A sudden, violent release of elastic strain on a fault accompanied by movement, rock fracture, and shaking.

Elastic Rebound Theory

A theory explaining how energy builds up in the crust until it exceeds the elastic limit, causing rock to break and release energy as an earthquake.

Seismograph

An instrument used to detect and record seismic waves generated by earthquakes.

Epicenter

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

Focus

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Magnitude

A measure of the size of an earthquake, indicated by the amplitude and frequency of seismic waves.

P-wave

Primary wave; a type of seismic wave that compresses and expands the ground, travels fastest, and can go through solids and fluids.

S-wave

Secondary wave; a type of seismic wave that moves the ground perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, can only travel through solids.

Aftershock

Smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area following a larger earthquake.

Foreshock

A smaller earthquake that occurs before the main shock of a larger earthquake.

Richter Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake based on the amplitude of seismic waves.

Hazards

Potential threats associated with earthquakes, including structural damage, tsunamis, and liquefaction.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by sudden displacement of large volumes of water due to underwater earthquakes.

Fault

A crack in the Earth's crust along which movement has taken place.

Strike-slip fault

A fault along which the movement is horizontal, with blocks sliding past each other.

Normal fault

A fault where the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall, typically associated with extensional forces.

Reverse fault

A fault where the hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall; associated with compressional forces.

Elastic Limit

The maximum extent to which a material can be deformed and still return to its original shape.

Seismic Waves

Energy waves that travel through the Earth as a result of tectonic activity.

Surface Waves

Seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and cause most of the shaking during an earthquake.

Love Waves

A type of surface wave that causes horizontal shaking of the ground.

Rayleigh Waves

A type of surface wave that causes the ground to roll in an elliptical motion.

Triangulation

A method used to determine the location of an earthquake's epicenter by analyzing the arrival times of seismic waves at multiple seismographs.

Plate Boundaries

Regions where two or more tectonic plates meet; they are associated with earthquake activity.

Brittle Deformation

Permanent deformation that occurs when a material breaks or fractures.

Ductile Deformation

Deformation occurring when a material bends and flows without breaking.

Preparedness

Actions taken in advance to ensure safety and minimize the impact of an earthquake.

Elastic Strain

The stored energy in the crust that builds up before an earthquake.

Liquefaction

A process where saturated soil loses its strength and stiffness due to shaking and behaves like a liquid.

Seismic Pulse

The wave of energy produced by an earthquake as it travels through the Earth.

Emergency Kit

A collection of essential items prepared in advance to address basic survival needs during and after an earthquake.

Building Codes

Regulations that specify the minimum acceptable standards for buildings to withstand earthquakes.

Induced Earthquakes

Earthquakes that are triggered by human activities, such as fracking or reservoir-induced seismicity.

Elastic Deformation

Temporary deformation of materials that can return to their original shape after the stress is removed.

Seismic Hazard Assessment

The process of evaluating the likelihood of earthquake impacts on a region.

Emergency Planning

The process of preparing for potential earthquake events, including safety drills and emergency response strategies.

Depth of Focus

The distance below the Earth's surface where an earthquake originates.

Seismic Risk

The potential economic and human losses that could be caused by earthquakes in a specific area.

Historic Earthquakes

Significant past earthquakes that are often studied to understand patterns and impacts.

Relief Efforts

Post-earthquake actions taken to assist affected populations and restore functionality in damaged areas.

Ground Shaking

The vibration of the ground caused by seismic waves during an earthquake.

Safety Protocols

Recommended procedures to follow during an earthquake to minimize harm.

Clean Water Supply

The availability of uncontaminated water essential for survival during emergencies.

Evacuation Plans

Pre-arranged strategies for moving people out of dangerous areas during an earthquake.

Seismic Monitoring

Continuous tracking of seismic activities using instruments to detect and record earthquakes.

Resilience,

The ability of a community or infrastructure to withstand and recover from disasters like earthquakes.

Dangerous Structures

Buildings that may collapse or cause harm during an earthquake.

First Responders

Emergency personnel who are among the first to arrive at the scene of an earthquake.

Emergency Response

Actions taken immediately following a disaster to provide relief and assistance.

Disaster Preparedness Education

Training and information provided to the public to improve readiness for earthquakes.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate is forced under another, commonly associated with high seismic activity.

Geological Survey

An assessment of landforms and geological conditions to inform earthquake risk.

Brittle-Ductile Transition

The depth in the Earth's crust where rocks change from brittle to ductile behavior.

Wavespeed

The rate at which seismic waves move through different materials in the Earth.

Earthquake Resistant Design

Engineering practices aimed at minimizing damage to structures during earthquakes.

Shock Absorption

The ability of materials and designs to dissipate energy from seismic waves.

Backup Power

Alternative energy sources available during power outages caused by earthquakes.

Disaster Recovery

The process of rebuilding and returning to normalcy after a major disaster.

Risk Assessment

Evaluation of potential hazards and vulnerabilities associated with earthquakes.

Community Preparedness

Collective actions taken by communities to enhance safety and resilience against earthquakes.

Fundamental Frequency

The natural vibration frequency of a structure, which can influence its earthquake response.

Crisis Management

Strategies employed to respond to and mitigate the effects of a disaster.

Seismic Retrofit

Structural upgrades made to existing buildings to improve their resistance to earthquakes.

Earthquake Magnitude Scale

A scale used to quantify the size of an earthquake based on seismic wave measurements.

Post-Traumatic Stress

Psychological effects experienced by individuals following an earthquake.

Social Infrastructure

Community resources and services that enhance resilience and recovery post-earthquake.

Emergency Communication Systems

Technologies used to disseminate information and instructions during disasters.

Vulnerability Assessment

The process of determining the susceptibility of structures or populations to earthquake impacts.

Base Isolation

A technique used in construction to prevent earthquake forces from being transmitted to buildings.

Hydraulic Dampers

Devices used to absorb energy and minimize vibrations during seismic events.

Structural Reinforcement

Enhancements made to buildings to withstand seismic forces.

Behavioral Responses

The reactions and actions of individuals during and after an earthquake event.

Public Health Emergency

A situation arising from an earthquake that poses immediate risks to health and safety.

Earthquake Prediction

The attempts to forecast the occurrence of earthquakes based on scientific observations.

Safety Drills

Practice exercises intended to prepare individuals for effective responses during earthquakes.

Seismology

The scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves.

Preparedness Drills

Simulated exercises that educate participants on how to respond during an earthquake.

Emergency Services

Organizations that provide immediate assistance during emergencies, including earthquakes.