Question

earth science reading comprehension packet
passage 1: earthquakes
an earthquake happens when energy is suddenly released in the earths crust. this energy causes the ground to shake. most earthquakes occur along fault lines, where tectonic plates meet. the place inside the earth where the earthquake begins is called the focus, and the point on the surface directly above it is the epicenter. seismographs are tools that scientists use to measure earthquake waves.
questions:

• what causes the ground to shake during an earthquake?
• what is the difference between the focus and the epicenter?
• what tool do scientists use to measure earthquakes?

passage 2: volcanoes
a volcano forms when molten rock, called magma, pushes up from beneath the earths crust. when it erupts, magma reaches the surface as lava, along with gases and ash. volcanoes can be explosive or gentle. they often form near tectonic plate boundaries. while eruptions can be dangerous, volcanic soil is very fertile, helping plants grow.
questions:

• what is magma called once it reaches the earths surface?
• why are volcanic soils considered valuable?
• where do volcanoes usually form?

passage 3: tsunamis
a tsunami is a giant ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. unlike regular waves formed by wind, tsunamis can travel across entire oceans at high speeds. as they reach shallow water near the coast, they grow much taller and can flood large areas of land.
questions:

• what natural events can cause a tsunami?
• how are tsunamis different from regular ocean waves?
• why do tsunamis grow taller near the shore?

Explanation:

• For the earthquake passage:
• The ground shakes during an earthquake because energy is suddenly released in the Earth's crust.
• The focus is where the earthquake begins inside the Earth, and the epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the focus.
• Scientists use seismographs to measure earthquake waves.
• For the volcano passage:
• Magma is called lava once it reaches the Earth's surface.
• Volcanic soils are considered valuable because they are very fertile and help plants grow.
• Volcanoes usually form near tectonic plate boundaries.
• For the tsunami passage:
• Natural events that can cause a tsunami include underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
• Tsunamis are different from regular ocean waves (formed by wind) as they can travel across entire oceans at high speeds.
• Tsunamis grow taller near the shore as they reach shallow water.

Answer:

• Earthquake questions:
• The ground shakes due to sudden energy release in Earth's crust.
• Focus is earthquake - start inside Earth; epicenter is surface point above focus.
• Seismographs are used to measure earthquakes.
• Volcano questions:
• Magma is called lava on Earth's surface.
• Volcanic soils are valuable as they are fertile (help plant growth).
• Volcanoes usually form near tectonic plate boundaries.
• Tsunami questions:
• Underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions can cause tsunamis.
• Tsunamis (caused by underwater events) can cross oceans at high speeds; regular waves are wind - formed.
• Tsunamis grow taller near shore as they reach shallow water.