Earthquake and Seismic Waves Ch 11-1 Vocab

The energy waves created when an earthquake occurs.

The point on the earth's surface directly above the origin of the earthquake.

In a typical year, the number of Major or Great earthquakes.

The slowest moving seismic wave

The point of origin of and earthquake.

A large ocean wave usually caused by movement in the sea floor from an earthquake.

A zone of weakness or a fracture in the earth's crust along which earhtquakes occur.

The P in P waves stands for

The scale used by scientists to compare the strength of one earthquake to another.

P waves travel the fastest through which material.

Seismic wave which causes the most destruction to buildings and roads.

The theory and study of the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.

Name of the scientists who focus their study on earthquakes and seismic waves.

Seismic waves that cause buildings to sway side to side

This happens to S waves when they hit the outer core of the Earth.

The S in S waves stands for

The difference in arrival times of the P and S waves on the seismograph.

The instrument used by scientists that is able to detect, measure and record earthquake waves.

The first seismic wave to reach the seismic station.

This seismic wave originates at the earthquakes epicenter

Seismic wave that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

What is the most common cause of earthquakes?

Instrument used to detect and measure seismic waves generated by earthquakes

This happens to P waves when they hit the outer core.

A natural disaster caused by the shaking of the earth's crust and a release of energy.

This type of seismic wave is a surface wave.

The scientific study of earthquakes and the movement of seismic waves.

The most powerful earthquake in US history measured 9.2 on the Richter scale.

The L in L waves stands for

Name the major fault that runs through western California.