Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ___________

Earthquake Homework
1. Describe the relationship between the locations of tectonic plates and the locations of major
earthquakes.

Epicentre vs. Focus

1. Draw a diagram showing the difference between an epicentre and focus.

2. Earthquakes occur along the faultline, why is the epicentre not on this faultline?

Measurement of Earth
1. What is a seismometer?

2. Why do you think seismographs are buried and placed far from highly populated areas?

3. Compare and contrast the Richter Scale and the Mercalli Scale. Which one is more commonly
used?
 Order of
Types of material Speed it
Seismic Wave Abbreviation Diagram of the Wave Description of Movement it travels through travels at
(eg. solid, liquid) (Rank from 1
Seismic Waves

to 3;
1 =fastest)