Earthquakes simple worksheet | KS3-4 geography | Teachit - Free Printable

Let’s go through each task step by step.

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Task 1: Match the words with their meanings

We need to connect each term on the left with its correct definition on the right.

Let’s think about what each word means:

- Richter Scale → This is a scale (like a ruler) used to measure how strong an earthquake is. So it matches: *“The scale on which the strength of the earthquake is measured”*

- Magnitude → This tells us *how strong* the earthquake is — like saying “it was a magnitude 6”. So it matches: *“How strong an earthquake is”*

- Focus → This is where the earthquake actually starts underground — where rocks break or move. So: *“The place in the earth where rocks are moving”*

- Epicentre → This is the point on the surface directly above the focus. So: *“The point at the surface above the focus”*

- After-shock → These are smaller quakes that happen after the big one. So: *“Smaller earthquakes after the main, large one”*

- Seismometer → This is the machine/instrument that measures the shaking. So: *“An instrument to measure the strength of the earthquake”*

✔ All matched correctly.

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Task 2: Rearrange the statements into order 1 to 5

We’re explaining how earthquakes happen. Let’s put them in logical order:

Start with the general idea:
→ B. Earthquakes occur at plate margins. (This sets the scene — where they happen)

Then explain why movement isn’t smooth:
→ E. As the plates move past each other at the margins the movement is not smooth.

Then what happens when they get stuck:
→ C. The plates sometimes lock, causing pressure to build up.

Then what happens when pressure is released:
→ A. This pressure is suddenly released in a jerky movement.

Finally, name that release:
→ D. This release of pressure is called an earthquake.

So the correct order is:
1. B
2. E
3. C
4. A
5. D

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Task 3: Study the diagram and answer questions

Question A: Where would the earthquake be felt most strongly — the forest or the town? Explain your answer.

Looking at the diagram:
- The epicentre is under the forest.
- The town is farther away from the epicentre.

Earthquake waves are strongest closest to the epicentre. So the forest will feel it more strongly.

Also, towns often have buildings that can shake and amplify feelings, but the question is about where it’s *felt most strongly*, and physically, the ground shakes more near the epicentre.

✔ Answer: The forest, because it’s closer to the epicentre — that’s where the shaking is strongest.

Question B: How would effects differ if the focus were deeper?

If the focus is deeper, the energy has to travel further through rock to reach the surface. That usually makes the shaking weaker at the surface.

Also, deep earthquakes affect a wider area but with less intensity. Shallow ones are more destructive locally.

✔ Answer: If the focus were deeper, the earthquake would probably feel weaker at the surface because the energy spreads out over a larger distance before reaching us.

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Final Answer:

Task 1 Matches:
- Richter Scale → The scale on which the strength of the earthquake is measured
- Magnitude → How strong an earthquake is
- Focus → The place in the earth where rocks are moving
- Epicentre → The point at the surface above the focus
- After-shock → Smaller earthquakes after the main, large one
- Seismometer → An instrument to measure the strength of the earthquake

Task 2 Order:
1. B
2. E
3. C
4. A
5. D

Task 3 Answers:
A. The earthquake would be felt most strongly in the forest because it is located directly above the epicentre, where the shaking is strongest.
B. If the focus were deeper in the crust, the earthquake’s effects at the surface would likely be weaker because the seismic waves lose energy as they travel upward through more rock.