Earthquake Hazards and Impacts Quiz
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Questions and Answers

How does ground shaking during an earthquake affect ecosystems?

Ground shaking destroys ecosystems by rupturing oil and chemical factories, polluting land and water, and fracturing trees, causing widespread injury and habitat damage.

What are some structural damages caused by ground shaking in urban areas?

Ground shaking can weaken and collapse buildings, bridges, roads, and railways, making it difficult for rescue operations.

In what ways do ruptured water pipes during an earthquake disrupt human life?

Ruptured water pipes lead to water shortages and impact sanitation, affecting public health and emergency response efforts.

Describe the communication challenges posed by earthquakes as a result of ground shaking.

<p>Ground shaking can break communication cables, disrupting essential services like tsunami warnings and broadcasts, which may hinder crisis management.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the 2010 Haiti earthquake exemplify the destructive impacts of ground shaking?

<p>The Haiti earthquake led to the collapse of over 250,000 houses and polluted surroundings, killing around 220,000 people and causing significant environmental damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of ecological damage can occur due to ground shaking?

<p>Ground shaking can uproot trees and damage wildlife habitats, leading to long-term ecological consequences and a decline in biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some immediate effects on infrastructure following an earthquake?

<p>Immediate effects include collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and disrupted railway services, which complicate rescue and recovery efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how the Christchurch earthquakes impacted natural systems.

<p>The Christchurch earthquakes caused damage to many trees, with more than 300 needing to be removed due to injuries, affecting local ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is soil liquefaction and how does it affect terrestrial species during earthquakes?

<p>Soil liquefaction is the transformation of saturated loose soil into a thick fluid during ground shaking, which causes habitats to sink and can lead to the destruction of ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do earthquakes impact infrastructure and property?

<p>Earthquakes can cause buildings and infrastructure to sink, tip over, or collapse, resulting in severe damage and loss of property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can an earthquake lead to fatalities and injuries?

<p>Fatalities and injuries can occur when individuals become trapped under collapsed buildings and infrastructure during an earthquake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how earthquakes can result in the pollution of waterways.

<p>During earthquakes, liquefied soil can enter rivers, and broken sewage pipes can release untreated waste, leading to the pollution of water sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the location of a city on previous swamp areas play in earthquake impacts?

<p>Cities built on former swamp areas are more susceptible to liquefaction, increasing the risk of property damage and ecosystem disruption during earthquakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do earthquakes disrupt essential services such as electricity and communication?

<p>Earthquakes can damage electricity and communication cables, leading to disruptions in essential services that are vital for emergency response and recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the ecological consequences of tree loss during soil liquefaction events?

<p>The loss of trees due to soil liquefaction can lead to habitat destruction, reducing biodiversity and affecting the species that depend on those ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to supply emergency aid following an earthquake in areas with severe liquefaction?

<p>Severe liquefaction complicates access due to sinking and tipping infrastructure, preventing effective distribution of emergency aid to affected populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake in terms of infrastructure?

<p>It destroyed many buildings and blocked roads and railways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did debris contribute to fatalities during the 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake?

<p>Debris could bury or hit individuals, leading to injuries and deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What natural disaster triggered the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami?

<p>A 9.1 Mw undersea earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological impact did the tsunamis have on coastal regions?

<p>Tsunami waves flooded coastal wetlands and damaged ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What extent of damage did the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami cause in terms of human loss?

<p>More than 230,000 people were killed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did tsunami waves disrupt services in the affected areas?

<p>Fast-moving waters and large debris blocks destroyed properties and infrastructure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a major hazard posed by the large amounts of debris carried by tsunami waves.

<p>It can pollute freshwater and coastal environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did landslides play during the 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake?

<p>More than 15,000 landslides were triggered, complicating rescue efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earthquake Hazards

  • Ground shaking leads to severe disruption of ecosystems, including rupture of oil and chemical facilities, resulting in land and water pollution.
  • Soil liquefaction causes saturated soil to lose structure, transforming it into a fluid state that can sink buildings and damage habitats.
  • Tsunamis, triggered by undersea earthquakes, can flood coastal ecosystems and carry destruction across vast distances.

Impact on Natural Systems

  • Ecosystems are devastated through destruction of wildlife habitats, fracturing trees, and causing widespread tree fatalities.
  • Water bodies are negatively affected by pollution from chemical spills and untreated sewage due to broken pipes during earthquakes.
  • Biodiversity loss occurs as habitats are damaged or submerged, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic species.

Impact on Human Systems

  • Properties, infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and bridges are often weakened or completely destroyed, leading to significant economic loss.
  • Emergency response is hindered due to ruptured water, gas, and communication lines, making rescue efforts more challenging.
  • Injuries and fatalities are common as people may become trapped under collapsed structures or injured by debris.

Examples of Earthquake Events

  • 2010 Haiti Earthquake (Mw 7.0): Resulted in over 250,000 homes being destroyed and approximately 220,000 fatalities. Pollution from debris compromised local water quality, exacerbating shortages.
  • 2010 Christchurch, New Zealand Earthquakes: Severe liquefaction occurred due to the city’s swampy land, with over 60,000 buildings affected and extensive tree damage disrupting local ecosystems.
  • 2008 Great Sichuan, China Earthquake (Mw 7.9): Triggered over 15,000 landslides leading to nearly 20,000 deaths, with widespread destruction of urban infrastructure and habitats.
  • 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (9.1 Mw): Following an earthquake near Sumatra, significant flooding devastated coastlines across 11 countries, resulting in over 230,000 fatalities and profound habitat destruction.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various hazards associated with earthquakes and their effects on natural and human systems. Explore the destruction caused by ground shaking and the examples of major earthquakes, including their ecological and infrastructural impacts.

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