Baskadia

DEFINITION: Earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt, to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, damage critical infrastructure, and wreak destruction across entire cities. The seismic activity of an area is the frequency, type, and size of earthquakes experienced over a particular time.

   World deadliest earthquake that ever occurred was in  SHANNXI  a province of China. On January 23, 1556, a powerful quake rocked the province of Shaanxi and the neighboring province of Shanxi, killing an estimated 830,000 people. Historical records often refer to the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake as the Jiajing Great Earthquake because it occurred during Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming dynasty. 

       TYPES OF EARTHQUAKE

1.Tectonic Earthquake:

Tectonic earthquakes are caused by the movement of the Earth’s plates. The energy released during these earthquakes is incredibly powerful and can cause extensive damage.

Causes:

Tectonic earthquakes occur when the Earth’s plates move. This can happen when two plates collide, when one plate slides underneath another, or when a plate is forced to move by the movement of the mantle.

Effects:

Tectonic earthquakes are incredibly powerful and can cause extensive damage. They can also trigger other natural disasters, such as tsunamis and landslides.

2.Volcanic Earthquakes:

Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. These earthquakes are often smaller than tectonic earthquakes, but they can still cause significant damage.

Causes:

Volcanic earthquakes occur when magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface. This can happen when the magma is forced up by the movement of the Earth’s plates, or when it is released from a volcano.

Effects:

Volcanic earthquakes can cause significant damage, even though they are typically smaller than tectonic earthquakes. They can also trigger other natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions and landslides.

3.Collapse Earthquakes:

Collapse earthquakes occur when buildings or other structures collapse. These earthquakes are typically very small but can be deadly if they occur in a populated area.

Causes:

Collapse earthquakes occur when buildings or other structures collapse. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including poor construction, severe weather, or an earthquake.

Effects:

Collapse earthquakes are typically very small but can be deadly if they occur in a populated area. They can also cause secondary disasters, such as fires and gas leaks.

4.Explosion Earthquakes:

Explosion earthquakes are caused by the detonation of explosives. These earthquakes are usually very small but can cause damage if they occur near populated areas.

Causes:

Explosion earthquakes are caused by the detonation of explosives. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including mining, construction, or warfare.

Effects:

Explosion earthquakes are typically very small but can cause damage if they occur near populated areas. They can also cause secondary disasters, such as fires and gas leakages.

There can be other forms of earthquakes as well which include: aftershocks, foreshocks, and induced earthquakes. An aftershock is indeed a lesser earthquake that happens near the mainshock’s location after a larger one. A quake that occurs before such a stronger earthquake in the very same area is known as a foreshock. Human influence, such as mining, irrigation projects, and waste disposal, causes induced earthquakes.

      CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKE

*Volcanic eruption

*Tectonic movement

*Geological fault

*Seismic waves

*Compression in the Earth's crust

*Ground water extraction

*Geothermal power plant salton sea geothermal field and the greysers geothermal field

*Big skycrapper

*Tectonic movement of the earth

      EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE

1.Ground shaking and structural failure

2.Surface rupture and ground displacement.

3.Landslides.

4.Liquefaction.

5.Tsunami.

6.Fire.

  EXPLANATION

1.Ground Shaking & Structural Failure:

 Ground shaking is the vibration of the ground during an earthquake. The shaking triggers other hazards such as liquefaction and landslides. Most earthquake damage results from the seismic waves passing beneath buildings, roads, and other structures.

2.Surface Rupture & Ground Displacement:

 The primary earthquake hazard is surface rupture. It can be caused by vertical or horizontal movement on either side of a ruptured fault. Ground displacement, which can affect large land areas, can produce severe damage to structures, roads, railways and pipelines.

3.Landslides:

 Earthquakes can trigger landslides and mudslides, especially in areas with water-soaked soils. Landslides may result in falling rocks and debris that collide with people, trees, animals, buildings and vehicles. They also can block roads and disrupt utility lines.

4.Liquefaction:

The shaking from an earthquake can turn loose soil into a liquid during an earthquake.

Liquefaction can undermine the foundations and supports of buildings, bridges, pipelines, and roads, causing them to sink into the ground, collapse or dissolve.

5.Tsunamis

An earthquake generated within the Pacific Ocean floor will generate a tsunami, which is actually a series of very long waves. Large tsunamis which travel to the ocean floor to the surface are dangerous to human health, property, and infrastructure. Long lasting effects of tsunami destruction can be felt beyond the coastline.

6.Fires:

Earthquake damage facts show fires caused by earthquakes are the second most common hazard. Earthquake fires start when electrical and gas lines are dislodged due to the earth’s shaking. Gas is set free as gas lines are broken and a spark will start a firestorm.

 HOW TO PREVENT EARTHQUAKE

 1.Know your risk.  Find out if you live near an active fault line and whether or not the ground around you is more susceptible to the effects of an earthquake.

2.Make sure your water heater, gas appliances, and other fixtures are fastened securely using safety cables or straps and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.

3.Check that bookcases, filing cabinets and furniture are secure and fastened to walls.

4.Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.

5.Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.