Taiwan Earthquake

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Questions and Answers

Considering the geological context of Taiwan, what is the most likely underlying cause for the prevalence of strong earthquakes in the region?

  • The presence of deep underground volcanic activity, triggering induced seismicity.
  • Taiwan's location within a stable continental plate, resulting in accumulated stress release.
  • The absence of active fault lines near Taiwan, leading to unpredictable seismic events.
  • Taiwan's position at the convergence of multiple tectonic plates, causing frequent seismic activity. (correct)

Given the earthquake's magnitude and proximity to Hualien, what factors contributed most significantly to the collapse of at least 26 buildings?

  • The lack of adherence to international building codes, the element of surprise due to it occurring in the morning, and the excessive height of the buildings.
  • The absence of early warning systems, construction during the rainy season, and the liquefaction of the soil.
  • The remote location of Hualien, the concentration of population, and the unpredictable nature of earthquakes.
  • Inferior building materials, the unexpected transition from vertical to horizontal shaking, and the amplification of seismic waves due to local soil conditions. (correct)

Why would an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 in Taiwan trigger tsunami waves that impacted Japan, despite causing no damage there?

  • The rapid displacement of water due to the earthquake's epicenter being offshore, propagating waves across the ocean. (correct)
  • The shift in tectonic plates forced a sudden adjustment in sea level, pulling water from the coast of Japan.
  • The earthquake created a resonance effect within the narrow strait separating Taiwan and Japan, amplifying the tsunami waves.
  • The earthquake-induced landslides along the coast of Japan, generating localized tsunamis

Considering the reported experience of people in Taipei holding onto doorways, what principle of earthquake safety does this action reflect, and what are its limitations?

<p>Standing in a doorway for structural support, but only in older buildings designed with reinforced doorframes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the reports of landslides in mountainous regions, how might these events subsequently impact communities and infrastructure downstream?

<p>By decreasing water quality, damaging infrastructure, and increasing the risk of future flooding. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the initial vertical shaking of the earthquake suggest about the nature of the seismic waves, and how does this compare to the subsequent side-to-side motion?

<p>The initial vertical shaking was caused by P-waves, while the side-to-side motion was caused by S-waves. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If violent shaking was felt in Taipei, approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles) from the epicenter, and given the local geological conditions, what phenomenon most likely amplified the earthquake's effects in the city?

<p>Resonance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering Hualien's status as a popular tourist destination and its proximity to the epicenter, what immediate and long-term economic impacts might the region face following the earthquake?

<p>A decrease in tourism, infrastructure damage, and potential business closures, leading to economic hardship. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that the earthquake was felt along China's coast, what factors would determine the intensity and potential damage experienced in different coastal regions of China?

<p>Distance from the epicenter, local geological conditions, and building construction standards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of earthquake preparedness and response, what limitations exist in relying solely on early warning systems, and what additional measures are crucial for mitigating earthquake risks?

<p>Early warning systems can provide limited warning time, making public education, robust building codes, and emergency response plans essential. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Earthquake

A sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the release of energy in the Earth's crust.

Epicenter

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter of an earthquake.

Tsunami

A series of waves caused by large-scale disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Magnitude

A measure of the energy released by an earthquake.

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Landslide

The sliding down of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff.

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Hualien

Taiwan's east coast tourist destination near the epicenter of the earthquake.

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Vertical Shaking

The initial motion of an earthquake can be

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Study Notes

  • A deadly earthquake struck Taiwan during the morning rush, halting train services.
  • The earthquake's initial shaking was vertical, transitioning to a strong side-to-side motion.
  • The quake was a magnitude 7.4, the strongest to strike Taiwan in 25 years.
  • Violent shaking was felt in Taipei, which is 6 hours from the epicenter.
  • People in offices held onto doorways as items fell.
  • In Hualien, a building is leaning at a 45-degree angle.
  • At least 26 buildings collapsed in Hualien.
  • Hualien is a popular tourist destination on Taiwan's east coast, about 11 miles from the epicenter.
  • Landslides occurred in mountainous regions, causing traffic to halt due to debris.
  • The earthquake triggered small tsunami waves, about 1 foot high, which hit the coast of Japan.
  • The tsunami waves did not cause any damage in Japan.
  • The earthquake was also felt along China's coast.

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