GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

EARTHQUAKES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What are seismic waves?
A
Energy released by an earthquake in waves or vibrations
B
The point beneath Earth’s surface at which rock under stress breaks and triggers an earthquake
C
The point on the surface directly above the point at which an earthquake occurs
D
The strength of an earthquake
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -As discussed in Lesson 5, earthquakes occur when elastic energy is accumulated slowly within the Earth’s crust as a result of plate motions and then released suddenly at fractures in the crust called faults. The released energy travels in the form of waves called seismic waves.

Detailed explanation-2: -Types of Seismic Waves The two main types of waves are body waves and surface waves. Body waves can travel through the Earth’s inner layers, but surface waves can only move along the surface of the planet like ripples on water. Earthquakes send out seismic energy as both body and surface waves.

Detailed explanation-3: -These vibrations are called seismic waves. The point within the earth where the fault rupture starts is called the focus or hypocenter. This is the exact location within the earth were seismic waves are generated by sudden release of stored elastic energy.

Detailed explanation-4: -Seismic waves are vibrations in the ground. These can be generated by a number of phenomena, including earthquakes, underground explosions, landslides or collapsing tunnels inside a mine. There are four major types of seismic waves, and each typically travels at different rates of speed.

Detailed explanation-5: -Seismic waves are the waves of energy caused by the sudden breaking of rock within the earth or an explosion. Therefore, seismic waves are caused by earthquakes. It is the energy that travels through the earth and is recorded on seismographs.

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