Earthquakes Cornell Notes page 121
What is seismology? The study of earthquakes
Earthquakes Shaking or trembling of the Earth’s surface Creates seismic waves that flow on and through Earth Earthquakes
Sudden movements in Earth’s crust What causes Earthquakes? Sudden movements in Earth’s crust Stress builds up until rock finally breaks Volcanic activity, Landslides, and Nuclear Tests
Earthquakes do NOT cause the crust to move- The moving crust causes Earthquakes!!
Where do Earthquakes usually occur? Plate boundaries and faults
Parts of an Earthquake: Focus Underground origin of earthquake
Earthquake: Epicenter Parts of an Earthquake: Epicenter location of an earthquake directly above the focus on surface.
Seismograph an instrument that measures vibrations in the ground, used to determine strength of an earthquake
An alternative seismic instrument…
The Richter Scale Uses recordings of Seismographs to determine amount of energy released. Scale of 1-10 Each successive unit is ten times more powerful than the one before. A 7.0 on the Richter scale is 1000 times more powerful than an earthquake measuring 4.0.
The Mercalli Intensity Scale Classifies EQ’s based on what is felt by people and the amount of damage caused Uses roman numerals Scale: I - XII
Scale II Felt indoors by few
Scale IV Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few
Scale VI Felt by all, indoors and outdoors. Moved furniture
Scale VIII Fright general - alarm approaches panic.
Scale XII Damage total - practically all buildings damaged greatly http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/eqmaps/doc/mmi.html
What’s the largest Earthquake in the U.S.? Alaska 115 died-- most deaths due to the tsunami Shaking was felt earthquake of March 27, 1964. It had a magnitude of 9.2. for an estimated 7 minutes raised or lowered the ground approx. 56 feet in some places. length of the ruptured fault was 621 miles. energy released was equal to 12,000 Hiroshima-type blasts.
Largest in World… Chile (1960)- 9.5