Name _________________________________
Measuring Earthquakes
Read pages 184 and 185 about methods for measuring earthquakes. Use these pages to fill in the correct vocabulary word.
_________________________ 1. The number that geologists give to an earthquake based
on the size of the earthquake.
_________________________ 2. A machine that measures and records seismic waves
(earthquake waves).
_________________________ 3. This method for measuring earthquakes works well for
small, close earthquakes but not for large, distant quakes.
_________________________ 4. This method for measuring earthquakes describes the
levels of damage an earthquake can cause. The closer to
the epicenter, the greater damage we would expect to see.
_________________________ 5. Geologists today use this method for measuring
earthquakes more than others. They estimate the total
energy released from an earthquake using the amount of
movement along the fault and seismograph date.
Classify the earthquake damage in these situations using the Mercalli Scale. You will need to look at the picture on page 185 and answer using the Roman numerals shown in the picture.
1. ________ Many buildings are destroyed and there are large cracks in the
ground.
2. ________ Several old brick buildings and a bridge collapse.
3. _________ Canned goods fall off shelves at stores and walls crack. People go
outside to see what’s happening.
