Earthquake Basics
What causes most earthquakes?
Movement of tectonic plates
Which waves arrive first?
P-waves
What three steps should you do during an earthquake?
Drop, Cover, Hold On
What type of volcano has gentle slopes and quiet eruptions?
Shield volcano
What hot liquid comes out of a volcano?
Lava
What is the point on Earth’s surface above the focus called?
Epicenter
Which waves move side-to-side and come second?
S-waves
Where is the safest place indoors during an earthquake?
Under a sturdy table/desk, away from windows
What type of volcano is small, steep, and made of ash/cinders?
Cinder cone
What’s the difference between magma and lava?
Magma is underground, lava is on the surface
What tool do scientists use to study earthquakes?
Seismograph
Which waves travel along Earth’s surface and cause the most damage?
Surface waves
Why is it dangerous to run outside during an earthquake?
Debris/falling objects can injure you
What type of volcano is tall, steep, and can explode violently?
Composite volcano
What type of eruption happens with low-silica magma?
Quiet eruption
What is the point inside the Earth where an earthquake starts?
Focus
What do P-waves travel through that S-waves cannot?
Liquids
What should every family have ready for emergencies?
Emergency kit: food, water, flashlight, etc.
Which type of volcano makes the Hawaiian Islands?
Shield volcano
What type of eruption happens with high-silica magma and trapped gases?
Explosive eruption
What kind of boundary often produces earthquakes?
Transform boundary
Why do surface waves cause so much destruction?
They move along the surface where people/buildings are
Why do some schools practice earthquake drills?
So students know how to respond quickly and safely
Give one example of a composite volcano.
Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Fuji, etc.
What is a dangerous fast-moving cloud of hot gas and ash called?
Pyroclastic flow