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 WavesAn earthquake wave that travels on or near the surface of the earth. These waves are the most destructive.