What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is shaking of the earth caused by the releasing energy of two faults. The faults get caught on each other for awhile which caused the energy to build up and then eventually, the energy is released causing the shaking of the earth which is called an Earthquake.
Epicentre
The epicentre is the place where the earthquake is the strongest. It is usually located above the focus.
Focus
The focus is the centre of the earthquake where the two plates collide and where the energy is released. It is where the earthquake is started.
The epicentre is the place where the earthquake is the strongest. It is usually located above the focus.
Focus
The focus is the centre of the earthquake where the two plates collide and where the energy is released. It is where the earthquake is started.
Seismograph's and Richter Scale
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The seismograph is a instrument used to measures and records the crusts movement. The Richter scale is a scale that measures the magnitude of the earthquake. The Richter scale is a scale from 1-10.
The Ring of Fire
The area around the pacific ocean is known as the "Ring of Fire". It is a place where many earthquakes occur because there are so many plate boundaries. These plate boundaries collide and connect. Then they are released creating earthquakes.
Faults
A fault is the place in the crust when the tectonic plates meet, and when they collide they often create earthquakes.
Faults
There are three types of fault lines:
Normal fault line:
A normal fault line occurs at a divergent boundary. One plate slides down the other while pulling apart.
Reverse Fault line:
A reverse fault line occurs at a convergent boundary. One plate slides down the other while they come together.
Strike Slip Fault:
A Strike Slip fault occurs at a transform boundary. One plate slides down while both the plates are sliding past each other.
Faults
Seismic Waves
Seismic waves are waves of energy that are released when two tectonic plates break apart from each other. When that energy is released it creates the waves. There are 3 types of seismic waves: Primary waves, Secondary waves, and surface waves.
Primary Waves
Primary waves are the fastest and the least harmless waves. They can travel through anything on Earth. They will make the chandelier swing back and forth or make the plates rattle in your cupboard. The Primary waves are technically a warning that the earthquake is on it's way.
Secondary Waves
Secondary waves are also warning waves. They are two times slower than primary waves. But they can not travel through everything on Earth including solids and liquids.
Surface Waves
Surface waves are the slowest waves of all. But the Surface waves are big and strong and can break big buildings down and split the ground in two.