Geological Processes Activity 9: Modeling Earthquakes Notes

Fault definition: (click this link)

1. What is a fault?
“When landmasses collide, rock layers can break. Geologists call these breaks "faults." Rock layers are
offset in this image in western China, making the faults remarkably clear. The different colors indicate rocks
that formed at different times and in different environments.”

Video #1: (only watch the first 30 seconds of the video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhSzpCpI38U
1. When rocks break, what does this create? cracks are created called
faults
2. What are the pieces of rock on either side of the fault called? fault
blocks
3. What can occur when fault blocks move? earthquakes

Video #2 Modeling Earthquakes and Fault Lines (4 min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmU2cYWB1rQ

1. What are little earthquakes called that happen after a larger one?
aftershock

Video #3 Pasta Quake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Wzr2nFkUU

1. What is released by earthquakes when they happen?

2. release of energy