Earthquake Basics
What is the point inside Earth where an earthquake begins?
Focus
Which seismic wave travels the fastest?
P-waves
What tool measures seismic waves?
Seismograph
Where is the epicenter located?
On Earth’s surface directly above the focus
Which seismic wave cannot travel through liquids?
S-waves
What is the name of the height of the waves on the seismograph?
amplitude
What is elastic rebound?
The bending and breaking of rock that releases stored energy.
What type of wave causes the most damage at Earth’s surface?
Surface waves
How do scientists determine which location is closest to the epicenter?
The station with the smallest gap between P and S waves
Areas with frequent earthquakes are called what?
Seismic zones
If the time between P-wave and S-wave arrival increases, what does that mean?
The station is farther from the epicenter
Why do scientists use seismograph data for?
To locate the epicenter
Most earthquakes occur where?
Along plate boundaries
Why don’t S-waves travel through the outer core?
Because the outer core is liquid
What does an earthquake with a great amount of energy look like on a seismograph?
High amplitudes