Download Earthquake Terms

Earthquake Terms
1. Seismology- The study of earthquakes
2. Seismologist- A scientist who studies earthquakes
3. Seismograph- An instrument that detects, records, and
measures the vibrations produced by an earthquake.
4. Seismogram- The record made by a seismograph, the paper
on which the earthquake waves are recorded.
5. Epicenter- The point on the surface of the earth directly above
the focus of an earthquake.
6. Focus- The location where the rupture of an earthquake begins
and energy is released.
7. Seismic Waves- A wave generated by earthquake vibrations
8. Primary Waves- P-wave- an earthquake wave that travels
through the body of the earth. They will travel through solids,
liquids, and gasses. It is the first wave to reach the
seismograph station during an earthquake.
9. Secondary Waves- S-wave- an earthquake wave that travels
through the body of the earth in a pattern of crests and troughs.
It is slower than the P-waves and is the second wave to reach
the seismograph station during an earthquake. This type of
wave can only travel through solids.
10.Surface Waves- An earthquake wave that travels on or near
the surface of the earth. These waves are the most destructive.