Question

Earthquakes are a result of the dynamic nature of Earth's interior. Identify the statements associated with earthquakes:

1. Earthquakes occur only at divergent boundaries.
2. They are caused by the collision of tectonic plates.
3. Seismic waves generated during earthquakes can be detected and studied

• A. All
• B. 2, 3
• C. 2 only
• D. 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2, 3

• An Earthquake is a natural event is caused due to sudden release of energy, which generates seismic waves waves that travel in all directions.
• Earthquakes can occur at various types of plate boundaries, including divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.
• They can also occur within tectonic plates away from plate boundaries, known as intraplate earthquakes.

Causes of Earthquakes:

• Most earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.
• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that are constantly in motion.
• When these plates interact, they can collide each other.
• The stress and strain along plate boundaries or within plates themselves can lead to earthquakes.

Seismic waves

• Seismic waves are the energy waves generated by the sudden release of energy during an earthquake.
• These waves travel through the Earth, and they can be detected and studied by seismometers and seismographs.
• The study of seismic waves is essential for understanding earthquake mechanisms and predicting their impact.
• There are three main types of seismic waves:
  • Primary Waves (P-Waves): These are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through both solids and liquids. They cause a back-and-forth motion.
  • Secondary Waves (S-Waves): S-Waves are slower than P-Waves and can only travel through solids. They cause a side-to-side motion.
  • Surface Waves: These waves travel along the Earth's surface and are responsible for the most significant ground shaking during an earthquake.