1. Handout 3 (2-3) Recording Earthquakes

2. 1. A seismograph is an instrument that records vibrations
A. in the ground.

3. 2. Scientists who study earthquakes are interested in the amount of
C. energy released by an earthquake.

4. Matching #’s 3-7 3. magnitude a.
the amount of damage caused by an earthquake
4. Richter scale b.
the measure of earthquake strength based on the size of the area of the fault that moves, the average distance that the fault block moves, and the rigidity of the rocks in the fault zone
5. moment magnitude c.
the measure of the strength of an earthquake
6. intensity d.
a measurement system that expresses earthquake intensity in Roman numerals and describes the effects of each intensity
7. Mercalli scale e.
a measurement system that bases earthquake strength on ground motion

5. 8. The Richter scale and the moment magnitude scale provide similar values for what?
Small earthquakes

6. 9. The moment magnitude scale is more accurate for measuring what?
Large earthquakes

7. 10. What is the highest moment magnitude recorded for an earthquake so far?
9.5  1960 Valdivia earthquake - Chile

8. 11. How is Intensity XII described on the modified Mercalli intensity scale?
Total destruction

9. 12. Upon what does the intensity of an earthquake depend?
Magnitude
Distance between the epicenter and the affected area
Local geology
Earthquakes duration

10. Earthquakes and Society

11. 13. What causes most injuries during an earthquake?
The collapse of buildings and other structures of falling objects and flying glass.

12. 14. Name four other dangers that result from earthquakes.
Landslides
Explosions
Fire
Broken gas lines

13. 15. Most buildings are not designed to withstand the
A. swaying motion caused by earthquakes.

14. 16. During an earthquake, buildings with weak walls
B. may collapse completely.

15. 17. What can affect the way that a building responds to seismic waves?
B. the type of ground beneath the building.

16. 18. What would a building likely to be damaged during an earthquake be built upon?
Loose soil and rock

17. 19. Where could a destructive earthquake take place?
B. in any region of the United States

18. 20. In what geographic areas in the United States are destructive earthquakes more likely to occur?
d. California or Alaska

19. 21. Earthquake safety rules may help
C. prevent death, injury, and property damage.

20. 22. Before an earthquake occurs, people should
B. be prepared.

21. 23. Which of the following supplies are NOT necessary when preparing for an earthquake?
A. canned food and bottled water
B. flashlight and batteries
C. portable radio
D. piles of firewood

22. 24. What should you stay away from if you are indoors during an earthquake?
Windows, heavy furniture, and other objects that might topple over.

23. 25. What should you check for after an earthquake?
Fire and other hazards

24. 26. What should you always avoid after an earthquake?
Downed power lines and objects that are touching them

25. 27. Earthquake prediction is mostly unreliable because not all earthquakes have ____________ or other precursors.
foreshocks