GEOL 1001 : Complete Test 3 Notes
Document Summary
Earth shking caused by a rapid release of energy: due to tectonic stresses that cause rocks to break, energy moves outward as an expanding sphere of waves, this waveform energy can be measured around the globe. Earthquakes happen frequently, only the high magnitude quakes are reported. Hypocenter (focus) the spot within the earth where earthquake waves originate. Relative motion between fault blocks causes rock to deform slightly (elastic strain) Continued stress will cause growth of cracks. Eventually, crack grow to the point of failure: when the rock breaks, elastic strain transforms into brittle deformation, releasing earthquake energy. Stress builds until it exceeds rock strength: stress gradually builds -> the fault slips, releasing the stress suddenly and causing an earthquake, the process repeats again and again. In reality stress may build more quickly or less. Body waves pass through the earth"s interior. Compressional, or primary (p waves: push-pull (compress and expand) motion, travel through solids, liquids, and gasses, fastest waves.
