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Chapter 13- Geology
Earthquakes
13
Geology
Undergraduate 1
04/10/2010

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Term
What is an Earthquake?
Definition
It is when rocks being stressed suddenly break along a new or preexisting fault.
Term
Seismic Waves
Definition
ground vibrations that are set off by two blocks of rock on either side of the fault slip.
Term
What is the focus?
Definition
Is the point at which the slip begins of the earthquake.
Term
What is the epicenter?
Definition
It is the geographic point on Earth's surface directly above the focus.
Term
What is a seismograph?
Definition
is a tool in which records the seismic waves that earthquakes generate.
Term
P waves
Definition
are primary waves (compressional) they travel through solid, liquid, or gaseous material as a succession of compression and expansions.
Term
S waves
Definition
secondary waves (shear) they displace material at right angles to their path of travel. they do not exist in liquid or gases.
Term
Surface waves
Definition
they are confined to Earth's surface and outer layers, like waves on the ocean.
Term
Which earthquakes (small/large, shallow/deep) occur at which plate boundaries?
Definition
Divergent: Shallow Transform-Fault: Large Covergent: Deep
Term
What are tsunamis, how are they generated?
Definition
It is a a large earthquake that occurs beneath the ocean can generate a destructive sea wave (tidal wave).
Term
Primary hazards
Definition
faulting and shaking
Term
Secondary hazards
Definition
landslides, tsunamis, fires
Term
What are the different motions of P and S waves?
Definition
The P waves move in a compressional motion similar to the motion of a slinky, while the S waves move in a shear motion perpendicular to the direction the wave is travelling.
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