Match the descriptions with the words.

a large piece of the earth’s crust

the area where the plate edges rub together

a chart used to measure the strength of an earthquake

the largest earthquake when earthquakes happen close together

a shaking or vibration at the earth’s surface

2) Choose the best answer.

Earthquakes are sometimes caused by _____ moving into each other.

plates

canyons

volcanoes

faults
3) Choose the best answer.

If an earthquake is not felt by humans, where might it measure on the Richter scale?

between 3 and 6

between 6 and 9

lower than 3

higher than 9
4) Choose the best answer.

If an earthquake causes extreme destruction, where might it measure on the Richter scale?

higher than 9

between 3 and 6

lower than 3

between 6 and 9
5) Choose all that apply.

Which TWO things can earthquakes do to change land?

cause big water waves

shake lava

cause landslides

cause islands to form
6) Choose the best answer.

Which problem with earthquakes did engineers solve?

stopping earthquakes before they start

designing buildings that don’t fall down in earthquakes

making water waves smaller

1 answer

Matching Descriptions with Words:

  1. a large piece of the earth’s crust - plate
  2. the area where the plate edges rub together - fault line
  3. a chart used to measure the strength of an earthquake - Richter scale
  4. the largest earthquake when earthquakes happen close together - mainshock
  5. a shaking or vibration at the earth’s surface - earthquake

Multiple Choice Answers:

  1. Earthquakes are sometimes caused by _____ moving into each other.
  • plates
  1. If an earthquake is not felt by humans, where might it measure on the Richter scale?
  • lower than 3
  1. If an earthquake causes extreme destruction, where might it measure on the Richter scale?
  • higher than 9
  1. Which TWO things can earthquakes do to change land?
  • cause big water waves
  • cause landslides
  1. Which problem with earthquakes did engineers solve?
  • designing buildings that don’t fall down in earthquakes