FlashDash ← Public Lessons
Science 11-1 (7. Earthquakes and Seismic Waves)
Q
What causes an earthquake?
A
Stored energy is suddenly released when rocks slip along a fault.
Q
What is a fault?
A
A fracture in Earth's crust along which rocks move.
Q
What is the focus (hypocenter) of an earthquake?
A
The point inside Earth where the earthquake begins.
Q
What is the epicenter?
A
The point on Earth's surface directly above the focus.
Q
What are P waves?
A
Compressional seismic waves that generally travel fastest.
Q
Which seismic waves arrive first?
A
P waves.
Q
What are S waves?
A
Shear seismic waves that generally arrive after P waves.
Q
Can S waves travel through liquids?
A
No.
Q
Can P waves travel through liquids?
A
Yes.
Q
What are surface waves?
A
Seismic waves that travel along Earth's surface and may cause strong shaking.
Q
What does a larger difference between P-wave and S-wave arrival times mean?
A
The earthquake occurred farther from the seismic station.
Q
Which travels faster, P waves or S waves?
A
P waves.
Q
What is the main difference between the focus and epicenter?
A
The focus is inside Earth; the epicenter is on Earth's surface.