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chapter 5 SECTION 2
SEC.2 Measuring Earthquakes
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10/02/2005

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Term
focus
Definition
The point beneath Earth's surface where rock breaks under stress and causes an earthquake.
Term
seismic wave
Definition
A vibration that travels through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake.
Term
P waves
Definition
A type of seismic wave that compressed and expands the ground.
Term
S waves
Definition
A type os seismic wave that moves the ground up and down or side to side.
Term
surface waves
Definition
A type of seismic wave that forms when P waves and S waves reach Earth's surface.
Term
seismograph
Definition
A device that records ground movements cause by seismic waves as they move through Earth.
Term
magnitude
Definition
The measurement of an earthquakes strength based on seismic waves and movement along faults.
Term
mercalli scale
Definition
A scale that rates earthquakes according to their intensity and how much damage they caused.
Term
richter scale
Definition
A scale that rates seismic waves as measured by a mechanical seismograph.
Term
moment magnitude scale
Definition
A scale that rates earthquakes by estimating the total energy released by an earthquake.
Term
epicenter
Definition
The point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquakes focus
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