Natural Processes and Earthquakes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What can causing buildings and other structures to sink, tilt, and collapse?

Ground subsidence (correct)

Earthquake-induced landslide

Volcanic eruption

Tsunami

Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor to earthquake-induced landslides?

Weak slopes due to waste piles

Deforestation

Underground water accumulation (correct)

Heavy rains

What is the immediate effect of a tsunami on coastal areas?

Soil erosion

Increased fishing opportunities

Displacement of communities (correct)

Transportation improvements

Which alert level indicates that a confirmed tsunami has been identified and evacuation is recommended?

Alert Level 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of an impending tsunami?

Sudden retreat of the sea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures is effective in coping with landslides?

Construct drainage systems Signup and view all the answers

What impact can ground subsidence have on infrastructure?

Damage to drainage systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended step to prepare for earthquakes?

Secure furniture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could lead to structural damage after an earthquake?

Landslides Signup and view all the answers

What scale is used to measure the power of earthquakes?

Richter scale Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the intense shaking of the ground caused by movements within the Earth’s crust?

Earthquake Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus (hypocenter) of an earthquake?

The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes liquefaction?

The transformation of solid ground into a fluid-like state during shaking Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes the stresses that lead to earthquakes?

The constant movement of tectonic plates Signup and view all the answers

How does ground rupture primarily manifest during an earthquake?

By causing fractures on the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects can result from ground shaking during an earthquake?

Structural damage to buildings and bridges Signup and view all the answers

What are the dangers associated with ground cracking during an earthquake?

Damage to roads and pipelines Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the point on the Earth’s surface that lies directly above the focus of an earthquake?

Epicenter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Processes and Hazards

Extreme natural events pose threats to life, property, and the environment.
Tectonic plate movement causes geological phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are sudden, intense ground shaking from movements within Earth's crust.
Seismic waves radiate outward from the source.
Faults are fractures in Earth's crust where rocks move.
The epicenter is above the focus (hypocenter); the focus is where the earthquake originates.

Earthquake Causes

Earth's tectonic plates constantly move.
Plate movement stresses Earth's crust.
Stresses build up as plates become stuck, creating faults.
Stress release causes the ground to shake.

Earthquake Hazards

Ground Shaking: Movement from seismic activity.
- Effects: Structural damage (cracking, collapse), interior damage (furniture movement, falls), and ground cracking affecting infrastructure.
Ground Rupture: Movement on a fault breaking through the surface.
- Effects: Damage to structures, land displacement (fault lines).
Liquefaction: Shaking causes soil to turn into a fluid-like state.
- Effects: Foundation failure (buildings sinking, tilting, collapsing), damage to underground utilities.
Ground Subsidence: Gradual or sudden sinking of Earth's surface.
- Effects: Structural damage, flooding, altered landscapes, transportation disruptions.
Earthquake-Induced Landslides: Shaking triggers rock, soil, and debris sliding.
- Effects: Buries infrastructure. Blocks roadways, disrupts communities, damages utilities, alters landscapes, and causes economic impacts.

Measuring Earthquakes

Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale (1-10).
Seismometers measure the power of an earthquake.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are large, powerful ocean waves caused by underwater events (like earthquakes).
Effects: Coastal flooding, Loss of ecosystems (beaches, coastal habitats), disruption of local economies (tourism, fishing), and human casualties, displaced communities, transportation disruption.
Signs of an impending tsunami: Strong earthquake, sea receding, unusual waves, roaring sounds, alerts/warnings.

Human Activities and Landslides

Human activities can speed up or trigger landslides(deforestation, mining, building on slopes, poor irrigation, debris disposal, etc.)

Mitigation and Coping Strategies

Earthquakes: Emergency kits, secure furniture, safe spots, family plans, drills.
Volcanic Eruptions: Evacuation, ash protection, medical supplies, stay away from low areas.
Landslides: Recognizing signs, preventative measures (retaining walls), avoiding building on unstable slopes, planting vegetation, and hazard mapping.

PHIVOLCS Tsunami Alert Levels

Alert Level 0: No tsunami threat to the Philippines.
Alert Level 2: Non-destructive tsunami advisory.
Alert Level 3: Destructive tsunami; evacuation recommended.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the dynamics of extreme natural events, particularly earthquakes, and their impact on life and the environment. This quiz covers the causes of earthquakes, the mechanics involved in plate movements, and the hazards associated with seismic activity. Test your understanding of geological phenomena and their implications.