the magnitude, or size, of an earthquake is measured on a seismograph using the
Richter scale
or moment magnitude scale. Describe how a seismograph works. Seismic waves cause a simple seismograms drum to vibrate, which in turn causes the pen to record the drums vibrations.
What is a seismograph used to record?
A seismograph, or seismometer, is an instrument used to
detect and record earthquakes
. Generally, it consists of a mass attached to a fixed base. During an earthquake, the base moves and the mass does not.
How does a seismograph record an earthquake’s vibrations?
In a seismometer, the fixed object consists of a mass suspended on springs within a case. During an earthquake, the mass remains still while the case around it moves with the ground shaking. … Long period seismographs respond to lower frequency
waves
and are used to record distant events.
Why is magnet used in seismograph?
Seismograph is an instrument which makes
the record of seismic waves caused by earthquake
. Magnet is used in most high-tech seismographs used by scientists in order to accurately and precisely measure the smallest ripples in the earth caused by earthquakes.
How does pendulum seismograph works?
It works on the principle of a pendulum: a
heavy, inert mass with a certain resistance to movement
(i.e. inertia) due to its weight is suspended from a frame by a spring that allows movement. The energy from any seismic activity excites this “proof mass” as it is called by geophysicists, making it vibrate.
What is the atomic bomb equivalent to a 8.0 earthquake?
| Magnitude Energy in joules (J) TNT equiv. | 5.0 2.0 x 10 12 500 tons of TNT | 6.0 6.3 x 10 13 15 kilotons of TNT | 7.0 2.0 x 10 15 500 kilotons of TNT | 8.0 6.3 x 10 16 15 million tons of TNT |
|---|
What does the P stand for in P wave?
Compressional waves are also called P-Waves, (P stands for
“primary”
) because they are always the first to arrive.
What is a seismologist?
Research seismologists
study the internal structure of the Earth and try to determine factors that contribute to or foretell an earthquake
. They publish their findings in scientific journals or present them at academic forums—or do both.
When you record the movement of the earth’s surface on paper it’s called a?
The terms seismograph and seismometer are often used interchangeably; however, whereas both devices may detect and measure seismic waves, only a seismograph possesses the capacity to record the phenomena. A record produced by a seismograph on a display screen or paper printout is called
a seismogram
.
What is a seismometer used for?
A seismometer is the internal part of the seismograph, which may be a pendulum or a mass mounted on a spring; however, it is often used synonymously with “seismograph”. Seismographs are
instruments used to record the motion of the ground during an earthquake
.
Is an instrument used for measuring earthquake?
Seismographs
are instruments used to record the motion of the ground during an earthquake.
What is the Richter scale?
The Richter magnitude scale, also known as the local magnitude (M) scale,
assigns a number to quantify the amount of seismic energy released by an earthquake
. It is a base-10 logarithmic scale. Micro earthquakes, not felt. Generally not felt, but recorded.
Which is the most common cause of earthquake?
Earthquakes are usually caused when
underground rock suddenly breaks and there is rapid motion along a fault
. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake.
What are P and S waves?
P waves travel fastest and are the first to arrive from the earthquake. In S or shear waves, rock oscillates perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. … Both P and S waves
travel outward from an earthquake focus inside the earth
.
How does a Richter scale work?
The Richter scale and how it measures earthquake magnitude. The Richter scale
calculates an earthquake’s magnitude (size) from the amplitude of the earthquake’s largest seismic wave recorded by a seismograph
. … Each increase of one unit on the scale represents a 10-fold increase in the magnitude of an earthquake.
What do P and S waves tell us?
Seismic waves tell us that the Earth’s interior consists of a series of concentric shells, with a thin outer crust, a mantle, a liquid outer core, and a solid inner core. P waves, meaning primary waves, travel fastest and thus arrive first at seismic stations. The S, or secondary, waves arrive after the P waves.
