Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
04 October 2019
A fault is a long crack in the crust of the Earth. They can be associated with plate boundaries or can
be produced from earthquakes.
A strike-slip boundary occurs where two plates are sliding past each other in opposite directions. It is
like a tear in the crust of the Earth.
A convergent boundary occurs where two plates collide. Sometimes one plate is driven under the
other, other times the two plates force themselves up into high mountains.
A divergent boundary occurs where two plates are separating. The two plates are moving in opposite
directions causing new crust to be formed. These occur at mid-ocean ridges.
3. What is a tsunami?
Tsunami is giant waves caused by earthquakes or undersea volcanic eruptions. It can 100 ft. high.
When an earthquake occurs, the shockwaves of released energy that shake the Earth and
temporarily turn soft deposits, such as clay, into jelly (liquefaction) are called seismic waves. These
waves are usually generated by movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates but may also be caused by
explosions, volcanoes, and landslides.
7. What are the differences between compression, shear, and surface waves?
Compression waves are the fastest waves produced from an earthquake. Because of their speed
they arrive at the surface first and are also called P (Primary) waves. They hit the surface with a
pounding or jackhammer motion.
Shear waves are about half the speed of P waves. They arrive later and thus called S (Secondary)
waves. They hit the surface with a rolling, up and down motion.
Surface waves are the last waves to strike the surface and are confined to the upper layers of the
Earth. They are the slowest waves and cause the most damage. There are two kinds of surface
waves Love and Rayleigh waves.
8. What caused the death of so many people during the second eruption of Vesuvius?
The pyroclastic flow of very hot steam, gas, and ash. The flow was probably over 700 degrees and
moving at a rate of over 70 miles per hour.
A very turbulent mixture of steam, gases, ash, and small pieces of rock that is heavier than air and
moves at a high rates of speed. Some pyroclastic flows are over 900 degrees F. with speeds in
excess of 100 miles per hour.
Volcanoes form at subduction zones, mid-ocean or rift zones, and at hot spots
11. What are the two definitions for the term volcano?
A volcano is an opening in the Earth's surface in which molten rock called magma and gases can
escape; and the mountain that is formed by repeated volcanic eruptions.
12. Write definitions in your own word for the following terms:
a) Active Volcano-A volcano that is currently erupting or has erupted in recorded time.
b) Dormant Volcano-A volcano that is not currently erupting but has erupted in recorded time and is
considered likely to do so again.
c) Extinct Volcano-A volcano that has not erupted in recorded time and is not likely to do so.