Earthquake seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the seismic waves that propagate through the Earth. Seismologists use instruments called seismometers to detect and record the vibrations caused by an earthquake. The analysis of these waves helps scientists to determine the epicentre, depth, and magnitude of the earthquake. Study of earthquakes is very important for understanding the Earth’s internal structure, as seismic waves change speed and direction when they encounter different materials. Earthquake seismology also plays a vital role in assessing seismic hazards and developing early warning systems which help mitigate the impact of future earthquakes, ultimately saving lives and reducing damage.
1. What is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake called?
(A) Epicentre
(B) Hypocentre
(C) Fault line
(D) Seismic zone
2. Which type of seismic wave travels fastest through the Earth?
(A) S-waves
(B) P-waves
(C) Surface waves
(D) Rayleigh waves
3. What scale is commonly used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake?
(A) Mercalli scale
(B) Richter scale
(C) Mohs scale
(D) Beaufort scale
4. Which type of fault is associated with horizontal movement of tectonic plates?
(A) Normal fault
(B) Reverse fault
(C) Strike-slip fault
(D) Thrust fault
5. What is the main cause of tsunamis?
(A) Volcanic eruptions
(B) Underwater earthquakes
(C) Meteorite impacts
(D) Landslides
6. Which instrument is used to detect and record seismic waves?
(A) Barometer
(B) Anemometer
(C) Seismometer
(D) Hygrometer
7. What is the term for the measure of the amount of ground shaking at a specific location caused by an earthquake?
(A) Magnitude
(B) Intensity
(C) Frequency
(D) Amplitude
8. Which seismic waves cause the most damage during an earthquake?
(A) P-waves
(B) S-waves
(C) Surface waves
(D) Body waves
9. What is a foreshock in earthquake seismology?
(A) A smaller earthquake that follows the main shock
(B) A smaller earthquake that precedes the main shock
(C) A seismic event caused by volcanic activity
(D) A secondary wave generated by the main shock
10. How can earthquake magnitude and intensity be differentiated?
(A) Magnitude measures the size of an earthquake; intensity measures the damage caused
(B) Magnitude is a subjective measure; intensity is objective
(C) Magnitude varies with location; intensity is constant
(D) Magnitude is measured on the Mercalli scale; intensity is measured on the Richter scale
11. What is the term for the initial rupture point within the Earth where an earthquake originates?
(A) Epicentre
(B) Hypocentre
(C) Fault plane
(D) Seismic focus
12. What type of fault is created by tensional forces and results in the hanging wall moving downward relative to the footwall?
(A) Reverse fault
(B) Strike-slip fault
(C) Normal fault
(D) Transform fault
13. Which layer of the Earth do S-waves not travel through?
(A) Crust
(B) Mantle
(C) Outer core
(D) All of the above
14. How do seismologists locate the epicentre of an earthquake?
(A) By analysing the intensity of ground shaking
(B) By triangulating data from three or more seismograph stations
(C) By measuring the amplitude of surface waves
(D) By calculating the duration of the earthquake
15. What is the name of the scale that measures the total energy released by an earthquake?
(A) Mercalli scale
(B) Richter scale
(C) Moment magnitude scale
(D) Fujita scale
