Why Earthquakes Happen

Question 1

Scientists say an earthquake starts with something deep below the Earth and ends with something we feel on the surface. Which choice correctly matches the cause and its effect?

Accepted Answer

Rocks far underground slip or break suddenly, and the shaking makes the ground above move back and forth.

Answer

A volcano erupts far underground, and the shaking makes the ground above move back and forth.

Answer

Rocks far underground slip or break suddenly, and the ground above cracks open.

Answer

Strong winds blow far underground, and the shaking makes the ground above move back and forth.

Question 2

While playing on the swing set at the park, Noah feels the ground shake and the swing moves on its own. Which sentence best explains why the ground started to shake?

Accepted Answer

Below the ground, the rocks that had been stuck together slipped and released energy that made the earth above vibrate.

Answer

Water from the pond flooded the soil, causing the ground to bounce.

Answer

A large tree fell nearby and its roots moved the earth, making everything shake.

Answer

Strong winds pushed the soil and the swing set, causing them to shake.

Question 3

Lina felt the playground floor tremble while she was drawing. Which sentence correctly explains why the shaking began?

Accepted Answer

Far below the ground, pieces of rock slipped past each other, releasing energy that traveled up and made the surface shake.

Answer

A strong wind blew over the playground, pushing the ground and causing it to shake.

Answer

A big truck drove by the school, and the vibrations from its wheels moved through the pavement.

Answer

Water deep underground turned into steam and exploded, shaking the ground.

Try three questions

Scientists say an earthquake starts with something deep below the Earth and ends with something we feel on the surface. Which choice correctly matches the cause and its effect?

While playing on the swing set at the park, Noah feels the ground shake and the swing moves on its own. Which sentence best explains why the ground started to shake?

Lina felt the playground floor tremble while she was drawing. Which sentence correctly explains why the shaking began?

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