Earth's Interior
Earthquakes and Seismic Waves
Density and Convection
Plate Tectonics and Boundaries
Natural Hazards and Population Impacts
100

This is the outermost layer of Earth where we live.

The crust

100

These are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through all states of matter.

P-waves or primary waves

100

In a system, this happens to the material that is less dense.

Rises

100

This theory describes that Earth's surface is divided into moving plates.

Plate tectonics

100

A natural hazard can become a disaster when it impacts this.

Human populations

200

This layer is made of solid rock but can flow slowly over time.

The mantle

200

These waves can only travel through solids.

S-waves or secondary waves

200

In a system, this happens to material that becomes cooler and more dense.

Sinks

200

At this type of boundary, plates move away from each other.

Divergent boundary

200

This factor determines how severely a population is affected by a natural hazard.

Vulnerability

300

This layer is liquid and responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field.

The outer core

300

This scientific instrument is used to measure and record seismic waves.

Seismometer

300

This process transfers heat through the movement of material.

Convection

300

This surface feature commonly forms at convergent oceanic-continental boundaries.

Volcanoes, Trenches, or Subduction zones

300

This technology gives populations seconds to minutes of warning before earthquakes arrive.

Early warning systems

400

This evidence from seismic waves proves the outer core is liquid.

S-waves do not travel through it

400

If two seismic stations record the same earthquake, the one that detects the waves earlier is located ____.

Closer

400

In Earth's mantle, convection is driven primarily by this energy source.

Heat from Earth's core or radioactive decay

400

This boundary type is mainly associated with frequent shallow earthquakes and no volcanic activity.

Transform boundary

400

This is the tradeoff people consider when living near tectonically active regions.

Risk versus reward

500

Scientists determined Earth has a layered structure by studying this type of wave data.

Seismic waves or seismograms

500

Scientists can determine that Earth has different layers because seismic waves change this as they travel through different materials.

Speed or direction

500

This relationship explains why iron sank toward the center of Earth early in its history.

Higher density materials sink while lower density materials rise

500

The age of the ocean floor increases as you move away from this feature.

Mid-ocean ridge

500

Wealthier and more developed countries often experience fewer fatalities from earthquakes because of this key factor.

Stronger infrastructure or being prepared

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