earthtquake

Alice M.
16 words 2 learners

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  1. Mercalli scale
    a scale formerly used to describe the magnitude of an earthquake; an earthquake detected only by seismographs is a I and an earthquake that destroys all buildings is a XII
    Intensity of shaking is measured on the modified Mercalli scale.
  2. geological fault
    (geology) a crack in the earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one side with respect to the other
    Earthquakes are caused mostly by rupture of geological faults, but also by volcanic activity, landslides, mine blasts, and nuclear tests.
  3. seismic
    subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
    Global earthquake epicenters, 1963–1998
    Global plate tectonic movementAn earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.
  4. epicenter
    a point on the Earth's surface directly above an earthquake
    Global earthquake epicenters, 1963–1998
    Global plate tectonic movementAn earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.
  5. earthquake
    vibration from underground movement along a fault plane
    For other uses, see Earthquake (disambiguation).
  6. tectonic
    pertaining to the structure or movement of the earth's crust
    Global earthquake epicenters, 1963–1998
    Global plate tectonic movementAn earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.
  7. seabed
    the bottom of a sea or ocean
    When a large earthquake epicenter is located offshore, the seabed sometimes suffers sufficient displacement to cause a tsunami.
  8. seismograph
    an instrument for measuring movements of the ground
    Earthquakes are measured with a seismometer; a device which also records is known as a seismograph.
  9. ground level
    the height of the ground on which something stands
    The term epicenter refers to the point at ground level directly above the hypocenter.
  10. landslide
    the descent of a large mass of dirt and rock down a slope
    The shaking in earthquakes can also trigger landslides and occasionally volcanic activity.
  11. tsunami
    a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave
    When a large earthquake epicenter is located offshore, the seabed sometimes suffers sufficient displacement to cause a tsunami.
  12. volcanic
    relating to eruptions of gas and lava from the earth's crust
    The shaking in earthquakes can also trigger landslides and occasionally volcanic activity.
  13. displacement
    the act of moving something from its natural environment
    When a large earthquake epicenter is located offshore, the seabed sometimes suffers sufficient displacement to cause a tsunami.
  14. generic
    relating to or applicable to an entire class or group
    In its most generic sense, the word earthquake is used to describe any seismic event—whether a natural phenomenon or an event caused by humans—that generates seismic waves.
  15. geological
    of or relating to the study of Earth and its structure
    Earthquakes are caused mostly by rupture of geological faults, but also by volcanic activity, landslides, mine blasts, and nuclear tests.
  16. tremor
    an involuntary vibration, as if from illness or fear
    Global earthquake epicenters, 1963–1998
    Global plate tectonic movementAn earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.
Created on Thu Mar 03 16:05:56 EST 2011

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