Earthquake G4 PDF

EARTHQUAKE G4 MEMBERS: JAMES, DAVE,LEIF,CHRISTOPH ER, DYLAN,RUPERT, WHAT IS EARTHQUA KE?? EARTHQUAKE - SHAKING AND TREMBLING OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE. An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy from the Earth's crust. This energy...

EARTHQUAKE G4 MEMBERS: JAMES, DAVE,LEIF,CHRISTOPH ER, DYLAN,RUPERT, WHAT IS EARTHQUA KE?? EARTHQUAKE - SHAKING AND TREMBLING OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE. An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy from the Earth's crust. This energy travels in  Epicenter: The point on the Earth's surface directly above where the earthquake originates. Fault Line: A fracture in the Earth's crust where tectonic plates or blocks of the Earth's crust move. Seismic Waves: Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, caused by the release of strain during an earthquake. The focus (also called the hypocenter) of an earthquake is the exact point inside the Earth where the earthquake originates. It is the location where the strain energy stored in rocks is first released, generating seismic waves that then travel outward in all directions. TYPES OF FAULTS: Strike-slip fault: Horizontal motion of rocks past each other (example: San Andreas Fault). Normal fault: The crust is stretched, and one block moves downward. Reverse fault: The crust is compressed, and one block moves upward over the other. Magnitude measures the total energy released at the source of an earthquake. It is a single number that quantifies the earthquake's size or strength using scales like the Richter scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). Magnitude is logarithmic, meaning even a small increase represents a large jump in energy release. For example, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 releases significantly more energy than one with a magnitude of 5. The magnitude remains the same regardless of where it is measured, making it a consistent and global value. Intensity, on the other hand, measures the effects or severity of the earthquake’s shaking at a specific location. It depends on factors such as distance from the epicenter, local geological conditions, and the nature of structures in the area. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, ranging from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction), is typically used to describe intensity. Intensity can vary MEASURING EARTHQUAKES: Seismograph: An instrument that records the intensity, duration, and type of seismic waves during an earthquake. Richter Scale: Measures the magnitude of an earthquake on a logarithmic scale (each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in amplitude). Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw): A modern scale used for measuring the size of large earthquakes, based on seismic Effects of Earthquakes Primary Effects: Ground Shaking: The most immediate and destructive effect of an earthquake, capable of causing buildings, bridges, and other structures to collapse. Surface Rupture: The breaking of the Earth's surface along the fault line, which can damage roads, railways, pipelines, and more. Secondary Effects: Landslides: Earthquakes can destabilize slopes, leading to landslides. Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes can displace large volumes of water, causing giant waves. Earthquake Preparedness Before an Earthquake: Assemble an emergency kit with water, food, and medical supplies. Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls to prevent them from tipping. Participate in earthquake drills to be familiar with safety procedures. During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay indoors if you're inside; stay in open areas away from buildings if you're outside. After an Earthquake: Check for injuries and provide first aid. Case Studies 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake (Tsunami): Magnitude 9.1–9.3; triggered a massive tsunami that affected 14 countries and caused over 230,000 deaths. 2011 Japan Earthquake (Fukushima): Magnitude 9.0; triggered a tsunami and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Earthquakes are powerful natural forces caused by the movement of tectonic plates, fault slippage, or human activities. While they are inevitable, understanding their causes and effects can help mitigate damage and save lives.