· Bolt: After the 1940s, new houses in the United States were bolted to their foundations in order to reduce the risk of damage during an earthquake.
· Epicenter: An earthquake's epicenter is the place directly above the hypocenter-the spot where the rupture of the fault begins.
· Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale: A method that researchers use to measure the shaking caused by an earthquake, assigning ratings that range from I (minor and felt only under certain circumstances) to XII (total destruction).
· Seismograph: A scientific instrument used to study earthquakes that produces a report known as a seismogram.
· Tsunamis: A series of ocean waves that is caused by a rapid disturbance of sea water, typically occurring as the result of a major earthquake beneath the seabed.
Finding an Earthquake Dictionary Online
If you are interested in learning more about the study of earthquakes, there are many excellent online glossaries available. Most of these earthquake dictionaries were prepared by seismologists, college professors, or geology students. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the accuracy of any definition you find in an online earthquake dictionary.
Glossary of Earthquake and Related Terminology
This earthquake dictionary, prepared by researchers from the USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington, provides comprehensive definitions for the terminology commonly used to describe earthquakes. Clicking on the links within the dictionary takes you to a page with more detailed information about each term as well as photo galleries and a listing of relevant external links.
If you're interested in learning about floods, landslides, volcanoes, or other types of natural disasters, you may also want to check out the site's Volcano and Hydrologic Hazards, Features, and Terminology index.
Glossary of Seismological Terms
Prepared by the Canadian Hazard Information Service, this earthquake dictionary is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about earthquakes. There is minimal cross-referencing, but the definitions are clear and easy to understand.
This helpful website also contains earthquake safety tips, a history of major earthquakes in Canada, and ideas for teachers who are planning earthquake-related lessons.
Geological Survey Earthquake ABCs
If you're a parent trying to explain earthquakes to your children, this website is a valuable resource. This earthquake dictionary features children's drawings and definitions of common terms written in language that even preschoolers can understand. There is also a complementary parent's guide that provides more detailed information on earthquakes as well as teaching tips to help demonstrate the concepts. For example, the site suggests conducting a simple experiment using Jello and Legos to show children how reinforced buildings are better able to withstand the waves caused by an earthquake.
In addition to the children's earthquake dictionary, the U.S. Geological Survey website also contains earthquake trivia, a history of major earthquakes in the United States, and photos of the damage caused by some of the most severe earthquakes.
Science Master Earthquake Glossary
This simple dictionary makes it easy for middle school students to understand the scientific terms most commonly used to describe an earthquake. The dictionary is cross-referenced and can be printed out to use as a study guide when preparing for exams.
The Science Master website also has a number of specialty glossaries and learning activities to help students master topics related to space, life, physical, and Earth sciences.
High school students looking for a simple glossary of common earthquake terminology will find this website to be a helpful reference. There's no search engine or cross-referencing available, but it's easy to print out the document to use as a handy study guide.
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