earthquakes meaning essay

Earthquake Essay for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Earthquake

Simply speaking, Earthquake means the shaking of the Earth’s surface. It is a sudden trembling of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes certainly are a terrible natural disaster. Furthermore, Earthquakes can cause huge damage to life and property. Some Earthquakes are weak in nature and probably go unnoticed. In contrast, some Earthquakes are major and violent. The major Earthquakes are almost always devastating in nature. Most noteworthy, the occurrence of an Earthquake is quite unpredictable. This is what makes them so dangerous.

Types of Earthquake

Tectonic Earthquake: The Earth’s crust comprises of the slab of rocks of uneven shapes. These slab of rocks are tectonic plates. Furthermore, there is energy stored here. This energy causes tectonic plates to push away from each other or towards each other. As time passes, the energy and movement build up pressure between two plates.

Therefore, this enormous pressure causes the fault line to form. Also, the center point of this disturbance is the focus of the Earthquake. Consequently, waves of energy travel from focus to the surface. This results in shaking of the surface.

Volcanic Earthquake: This Earthquake is related to volcanic activity. Above all, the magnitude of such Earthquakes is weak. These Earthquakes are of two types. The first type is Volcano-tectonic earthquake. Here tremors occur due to injection or withdrawal of Magma. In contrast, the second type is Long-period earthquake. Here Earthquake occurs due to the pressure changes among the Earth’s layers.

Collapse Earthquake: These Earthquakes occur in the caverns and mines. Furthermore, these Earthquakes are of weak magnitude. Undergrounds blasts are probably the cause of collapsing of mines. Above all, this collapsing of mines causes seismic waves. Consequently, these seismic waves cause an Earthquake.

Explosive Earthquake: These Earthquakes almost always occur due to the testing of nuclear weapons. When a nuclear weapon detonates, a big blast occurs. This results in the release of a huge amount of energy. This probably results in Earthquakes.

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Effects of Earthquakes

First of all, the shaking of the ground is the most notable effect of the Earthquake. Furthermore, ground rupture also occurs along with shaking. This results in severe damage to infrastructure facilities. The severity of the Earthquake depends upon the magnitude and distance from the epicenter. Also, the local geographical conditions play a role in determining the severity. Ground rupture refers to the visible breaking of the Earth’s surface.

Another significant effect of Earthquake is landslides. Landslides occur due to slope instability. This slope instability happens because of Earthquake.

Earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction. This happens when water-saturated granular material loses its strength. Therefore, it transforms from solid to a liquid. Consequently, rigid structures sink into the liquefied deposits.

Earthquakes can result in fires. This happens because Earthquake damages the electric power and gas lines. Above all, it becomes extremely difficult to stop a fire once it begins.

Earthquakes can also create the infamous Tsunamis. Tsunamis are long-wavelength sea waves. These sea waves are caused by the sudden or abrupt movement of large volumes of water. This is because of an Earthquake in the ocean. Above all, Tsunamis can travel at a speed of 600-800 kilometers per hour. These tsunamis can cause massive destruction when they hit the sea coast.

In conclusion, an Earthquake is a great and terrifying phenomenon of Earth. It shows the frailty of humans against nature. It is a tremendous occurrence that certainly shocks everyone. Above all, Earthquake lasts only for a few seconds but can cause unimaginable damage.

FAQs on Earthquake

Q1 Why does an explosive Earthquake occurs?

A1 An explosive Earthquake occurs due to the testing of nuclear weapons.

Q2 Why do landslides occur because of Earthquake?

A2 Landslides happen due to slope instability. Most noteworthy, this slope instability is caused by an Earthquake.

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How to Write an Essay About Earthquakes

Diana v. faustmann.

Earthquakes cover as much ground in essay writing as they do in the real world. You can relate a personal earthquake experience, describe the steps to become a seismologist, narrate the earthquake history of a certain location or compare earthquakes to other natural disasters. Then you can choose to describe your topic, narrate a specific incident, analyze earthquake effects or argue for a better earthquake coping mechanism. These rich options challenge you to narrow your focus and define your purpose upfront. Then use sound research and a simple essay format to convey your informed message about earthquakes clearly and concisely.

Narrow your focus. Choose an area about earthquakes that fascinates or intrigues you and then restrict your focus further within it. For example, go from earthquakes in general to the Haiti earthquake of 2010, and from its effect on the Haitian people to orphans specifically.

Decide on your angle. Perform cursory research on your selected topic and then decide whether you want to narrate, explain, analyze, argue or persuade your readers to take action.

Establish your thesis and identify several sub-topics that exemplify or otherwise support your thesis. Develop a thesis statement that contains both elements. For example, “Seismology is a sound career to consider. You work outdoors most of the time, study the causes and effects of earthquakes in depth, and help to discover ways to limit their damage.”

Outline your introduction, body and conclusion. Focus your research on the data that you need to amplify your sub-topics. For instance, for the sub-topic, “The Richter scale is an inadequate earthquake measurement tool,” in your outline, add three bullets corresponding to case studies that illustrate that claim.

Write your introductory paragraph to compel further reading. First, provide a lead-in that gives earthquakes an interesting or original slant. Then narrow your focus and end with a statement of your thesis. For example, “My family barely escaped calamity in last summer's earthquake. Many of our neighbors were not so lucky; they lost homes and lives. Clearly, our homes still don’t adequately protect us from shifts in the seismic plates beneath us. We need to better earthquake-proof our area with a building code that is stronger in three major areas: (a), (b) and (c).”

Assign one or two paragraphs to address each sub-topic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence followed by supporting facts or examples. For example, state that “Governments should discourage new developments over known earthquake faults.” Follow this topic sentence with a description of three communities that earthquakes virtually demolished.

End your essay clearly and confidently. Begin your conclusion with “in summary” or “in brief,” then restate your thesis and sub-topics. Engage your readers with one final, memorable or compelling statement or anecdote. For example, “Compassion can be as earth-shaking as an earthquake, but with the opposite effect. Investigate how you can help to rebuild the lives of Haitian earthquake orphans today.”

• Sometimes your research leads you to a different conclusion than your thesis originally set out to prove. Adjust your thesis statement accordingly.
• Keep your sentences short and coherent. As much as possible, use active verbs throughout.
• Use transitional expressions between sentences and paragraphs; words such as “moreover,” “consequently” and “finally,” help your readers follow your train of thought and move smoothly from one thought to the next.
• Review your essay for spelling and grammar errors and any weaknesses in its flow. If possible, recruit a friend to help you proofread your essay before you submit it.
• 1 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Essay Writing

About the Author

Since 1988, Diana Faustmann has been writing on technology, business and culture. Her articles have appeared in various print publications, corporate websites and authoritative online sites. Faustmann holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of the Philippines.

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The surface of the Earth is made up of tectonic plates that lie beneath both the land and oceans of our planet. The movements of these plates can build mountains or cause volcanoes to erupt. The clash of these plates can also cause violent earthquakes, where Earth’s surface shakes. Earthquakes are more common in some parts of the world than others, because some places, like California, sit on top of the meeting point, or fault, of two plates. When those plates scrape against each other and cause an earthquake, the results can be deadly and devastating.

Learn more about earthquakes with this curated collection of classroom resources.

Geology, Geography, Physical Geography

What causes earthquakes?

Thousands of temblors occur every day. Here’s what you need to know about where they usually take place and how they're measured.

Earthquakes, also called temblors, can be so tremendously destructive that it’s hard to imagine they occur by the thousands every day around the world, usually in the form of small tremors. Most are so small that humans can't feel them.

But every so often, a big quake will strike—most recently a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, which scientists tell Reuters is likely to be one of the deadliest of this decade . Here's what you need to know about where earthquakes typically occur, how earthquakes are measured, and the damage that the strongest earthquakes can cause.

( Learn how to stay safe during these disastrous events .)

Where do most earthquakes occur?

Some 80 percent of all the planet's earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, called the "ring of fire" because of the preponderance of volcanic activity there, as well. Most earthquakes occur at fault zones, where tectonic plates —giant rock slabs that make up Earth's upper layer—collide or slide against each other.

These impacts are usually gradual and unnoticeable on the surface; however, immense stress can build up between plates. When this stress is released quickly, it sends massive vibrations, called seismic waves, often hundreds of miles through the rock and up to the surface. Other quakes can occur far from fault zones when plates are stretched or squeezed.  

Fault types

There are several different types of faults, including a normal dip slip fault, reverse fault, and strike-slip fault. Here's what they mean. Strike-Slip When portions of the Earth's crust moves sideways, the result is a horizontal motion along a "strike-slip" fault. The most famous example is California's San Andreas Fault, which stretches some 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) from southern California to north of San Francisco. The sideways motion of the fault's branches is caused by the Pacific Ocean's crustal plate moving to the northwest under North America's continental crust. Dip-Slip Up-and-down motions in earthquakes occur over so-called "dip-slip" faults, where the ground above the fault zone either drops (a normal fault) or is pushed up (a reverse fault). A normal fault occurs where the deeper part of the crust is pulling away from an overlying part. A reverse is, well, just the reverse. An example of a normal fault is the 240-mile (150-kilometer) long Wasatch Fault underlying parts of Utah and Idaho, again caused by the Pacific plate driving under western North America. One magnitude 7.0 quake along the fault perhaps 550 years ago dropped the ground on one side of the fault by three feet (a meter). The U.S. Geological Survey sees the fault as posing a risk of more magnitude 7.0 earthquakes. Oblique Faults that combine sideways with up-and-down motions are called oblique by seismologists. The Santa Clara Valley south of San Francisco holds a fault prone to oblique motions, for example, seen in a 1999 quake.

Earthquake magnitude ratings

Scientists assign a magnitude rating to earthquakes based on the strength and duration of their seismic waves. A quake measuring 3 to 4.9 is considered minor or light; 5 to 6.9 is moderate to strong; 7 to 7.9 is major; and 8 or more is great.

Earthquakes are always followed by aftershocks, which are smaller quakes that strike after the main quake and can continue for weeks—or even up to years in some cases. According to the USGS , some earthquakes also have foreshocks, or smaller quakes that precede a larger earthquake.  

The strongest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 quake that struck southern Chile in 1960. The Valdivia earthquake —named for the city that suffered the most damage—killed about 1,655 people and left another two million homeless. It also triggered a tsunami that spread across the Pacific and flooded coastlines in Japan, Hawaii, and New Zealand.

Earthquake damage

On average, a magnitude 8 quake strikes somewhere every year, and some 10,000 people die in earthquakes annually. Collapsing buildings claim by far the majority of lives, but the destruction is often compounded by mud slides, fires, floods , or tsunamis . Smaller temblors that usually occur in the days following a large earthquake can complicate rescue efforts and cause further death and destruction.

Loss of life can be avoided through emergency planning, education , and the construction of buildings that sway rather than break under the stress of an earthquake.

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Earthquake Essay

Essay on Earthquake - An earthquake is a natural disaster that occurs when two tectonic plates collide. The force of the collision creates seismic waves that travel through the earth's crust, causing the ground to shake and buildings to collapse. Here are some sample essays on earthquakes.

• 100 Words Essay on Earthquake

Earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world, and although their occurrence is not predictable, there are some things you can do to make yourself more prepared in case one does strike. This includes having an earthquake kit ready to go, knowing how to drop, cover and hold on, and staying informed about any potential risks in your area. Make sure you have an emergency kit stocked with food, water, and other supplies, and know what to do when an earthquake hits. If you're not sure what to do, it's best to stay away from windows and other objects that could fall on you, and head to a safe place.

200 Words Essay on Earthquake

500 words essay on earthquake.

Earthquakes are a natural disaster that come with a lot of dangers. The shaking and movement of the earth can cause buildings to fall down, trapping people inside. The shaking caused by such a sudden change is usually very minor, but large earthquakes sometimes cause very large shaking of the land. The shaking waves spread from the spot at which rock begins breaking for the first time; this spot is called the center, or hypocenter, of an earthquake.

If you're inside when an earthquake starts, drop to the ground and cover your head. The earthquake's magnitude is related to the amount of earthquake energy released in a seismic event.

Different Types of Earthquakes

There are three types of earthquakes:

Shallow | A shallow earthquake is when the earthquake's focus is close to the surface of the Earth. These earthquakes are usually less powerful than the other two types, but can still cause a lot of damage.

Intermediate | Intermediate earthquakes have a focus that's located between the surface and the Earth's mantle, and are usually more powerful than shallow earthquakes.

Deep | Deep earthquakes have a focus that's located in the mantle, which is the layer of the Earth below the crust. They're the most powerful type of earthquake, and can even cause damage on the surface.

An earthquake can cause damage to buildings and bridges; interrupt gas, electrical, and telephone services; and occasionally trigger landslides, avalanches, flash flooding, wildfires, and massive, destructive waves of water over oceans (tsunamis).

The Dangers Associated With Earthquakes

The shaking of the ground can cause objects to fall off shelves and injure people. If you're outside when an earthquake starts, move away from tall buildings, streetlights and power lines.

An earthquake can also cause a tsunami, or a large wave, to form and crash onto the shore. Tsunamis can be very dangerous and can reach heights of over 100 feet.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

When an earthquake is imminent, your first step should be to find a safe spot. The most ideal spots are under sturdy furniture or inside door frames. It is best to stay away from windows and anything that can fall over.

Once you've found the safest place, it's time to prepare for the shaking. Grab some blankets, pillows and helmets if possible – all of which can provide extra cushioning against falling objects.

Additionally, you should always keep an eye out for debris that could cause injuries, such as broken glass and sharp objects.

Finally, stay calm until the shaking stops, and monitor local news reports for additional information on how best to handle the situation.

What to do During an Earthquake

The moment an earthquake hits, it is important to stay as calm and collected as possible. Safety is the first priority so you must stay away from windows and furniture that can fall on you, and protect your head with your arms if needed.

If an earthquake occurs while you are indoors, stay away from anything that could fall or break such as windows, mirrors, or furniture. Do not run outdoors as shaking can cause glass and other materials to fall from the building structure. Instead, seek shelter under sturdy tables or desks. If there is no furniture available, move to a corner of the room and crouch down protectively with your arms over your head and neck.

It's also important to take note of any gas lines that could be affected during an earthquake and shut them off if necessary in order to prevent fires from breaking out due to exposed pipes.

After the Earthquake: Recovery and Assistance

When the shaking stops, there will be a period of recovery.

Don't enter any building if it has visible damage due to the earthquake - it's better to be safe than sorry.

You should contact local aid organisations like the Red Cross for additional help with sheltering, water, food and other essentials.

Stay in touch with local officials about any services provided for those affected by the earthquake.

Make sure you also have a plan for what to do if you're stuck in an earthquake, and know how to get in touch with loved ones in case of an emergency.

By being prepared and knowing what to do, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones are safe in the event of an earthquake.

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Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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• Earthquake Essay

Download the Earthquake Essay Available on Vedantu’s Website.

Earthquakes are some of the most devastating natural disasters. Millions of dollars worth of property are damaged and a hundred die every time a big magnitude of eater quake strikes.  It is in this regard that everyone must read and know about earthquakes and be prepared to mitigate the damage. Furthermore, the topic of earthquakes is quite often asked in exams. Preparing for this topic will enable them to have an edge and score more marks in the English paper.

To serve the above-mentioned purpose, Vedantu has come up with the Earthquake essay. This essay is prepared by the experts who know what exactly is required to know and weeding out points that are not important. The essay is very precise and would surely allow students to successfully claim marks in the essay question and even stay prepared when an earthquake actually strikes.

What is an Earthquake?

When the earth’s surface shakes, the phenomenon is referred to as an earthquake. Precisely, the sudden trembling of the earth’s surface is the cause of an earthquake. Earthquakes are regarded as one of the deadliest natural disasters. Huge damage and loss of property are caused by earthquakes. There are various types of earthquakes. Some of them are severe in nature. The most dangerous thing about an earthquake is that it is quite unpredictable. It can cause several damages without any previous indication. The intensity of an earthquake is measured by the Richter’s scale. Generally, earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates under the earth’s surface.

Types of Earthquake

There are four kinds of earthquakes namely 

Tectonic Earthquake,

Volcanic Earthquake, 

Collapse Earthquake and 

Explosive Earthquake.

Tectonic Earthquake 

It is caused due to the movement of the slab of rocks of uneven shapes that lie underneath the earth’s crust. Apart from that, energy is stored in the earth’s crust. Tectonic plates are pushed away from each other or towards each other due to the energy. A pressure is formed because of the energy and movement as time passes. A fault line is formed due to severe pressure. The center point of this dispersion is the epicenter of the earthquake. Subsequently, traveling of the waves of energy from focus to the surface causes the tremor.

Volcanic Earthquake

The earthquake caused by volcanic activity is called a volcanic earthquake. These kinds of earthquakes are of weaker magnitudes. Volcanic earthquakes are categorized into two types. In the first type, which is called volcano-tectonic, shaking happens due to input or withdrawal of Magma. In the second type, which is termed as Long-period earthquake, tremors occur due to changing of pressure among the earth’s layers.

Collapse Earthquake

Collapse Earthquake is the third type of earthquake that occurs in the caverns and mines. This is another example of a weak magnitude earthquake. Mines collapsed due to underground blasts. Consequently, seismic waves are formed due to this collapsing. Earthquakes occur because of these seismic waves.

Explosive Earthquake

The fourth type of earthquake is called an explosive earthquake. This is caused due to the testing of nuclear weapons.

Effects of Earthquake

The effects of earthquakes are very severe and deadly. 

It can cause irreparable damage to property and loss of human lives. The lethality of an earthquake depends on its distance from the epicentre. 

Damage to establishments is the direct impact of an earthquake. In the hilly areas, several landslides are caused due to earthquakes.  

Another major impact of an earthquake is soil liquefaction. Losing the strength of water-saturated granular material is the cause behind this. The rigidity of soil is totally lost due to this.

Since the earthquake affects the electric power and gas lines, it can cause a fire to break out. 

Deadly Tsunamis are caused due to earthquakes. Gigantic sea waves are caused by the sudden or abnormal movement of huge volumes of water. This is called an earthquake in the ocean. When tsunamis hit the sea coasts, they cause a massive loss of lives and properties. 

Earthquake is termed as one of the most huge and lethal natural disasters in the world. It proves the fact that human beings are just nothing in front of nature. The sudden occurrence of earthquakes shocks everyone. Scientists are working rigorously to prevent the damage of earthquakes, but nothing fruitful has been achieved yet.

Examples of Devastating Earthquake

The city of Kobe in Japan witnessed a devastating earthquake on January  17, 1995, killing more than 6,000 and making more than 45,000 people homeless.  The magnitude of the quake was 6.9 at the moment which caused damage of around 100 million dollars.  The governor of Kobe spent years on reconstruction and made efforts to bring back fifty thousand people who had left home.  Japan geologically is a highly active country. It lies upon four major tectonic plates namely, Eurasian, Philippine, Pacific, and North American which frequently meet and interact.

The second incident is in Nepal where an earthquake struck on April 25, 2015. About 9000 people were killed and almost 600,000 structures were destroyed.  The magnitude of the quake was 7.9 and the repels were felt by neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, China and India.  The disaster caused severe damage of millions of dollars. All the countries across the world including India garnered to help Nepal by sending monetary aid, medical supplies, transport helicopters and others.

FAQs on Earthquake Essay

1. How to download the Earthquake Essay?

The Earthquake essay is available on Vedantu's website in PDF format. The PDF could be downloaded on any device, be it android, apple or windows.    One just has to log on to www.vedantu.com and download the document. The document is totally free of cost and a student does not need to pay any prior registration fee.  

2. How to protect oneself during an earthquake?

Earthquakes could be very disastrous and can cause a lot of collateral damage.  During an earthquake you can look for the corners to hide. Another safe place to hide is under the table or under the bed. If one is sitting in a multistory building, avoid taking a lift and only use the stairs. In this kind of situation, one should never panic and stay calm.  Let the earthquake pass until then keep hiding in the safe spot. Once over, come out to evaluate the situation and take appropriate actions.

3. How to mitigate the effects of an earthquake?

Prevention is better than cure. It is always a better idea to take necessary actions before an earthquake has struck. In the first place, send a copy of all your documents to someone reliable. In case of an earthquake that destroys your important documents, there would always remain a facility to retrieve them.  Research and know if your city is in a seismic zone.  One should also take note of earthquakes during the construction of a house and lay emphasis on a seismic-proof house.

4. How can one teach people about the effects of an earthquake?

There are many ways one can raise awareness about the effects of earthquakes.  There is Youtube and Instagram which could be used to disseminate all the knowledge about the earthquake and its impact on humans. You can also go to schools and colleges to conduct a seminar whereby the students could be told about the mitigation and steps to take when an earthquake strikes.  However before that, one must thoroughly research the topic. For this, visit www.vedntu.com and download the earthquake essay for free.

5. Who has written the Earthquake essay?

The earthquake essay provided by Vedantu is prepared by expert teachers who invest a good amount of time and effort to come up with an essay that is highly useful for the students in their personal lives as well as for their academic performance. The students can use this essay to maximize their abilities to cope with the questions on earthquakes and the earthquake itself. The essay is totally reliable and one mustn’t doubt its credibility at all.

143 Earthquake Essay Topics & Examples

Need a catchy title for an earthquake essay? Earthquakes can take place almost everywhere. That is why this problem is so exciting to focus on.

🏆 Best Earthquake Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

🎓 good essay topics on earthquake, 📌 catchy titles for earthquake essay, 👍 research titles about earthquake, ❓ essay questions about earthquake.

In your earthquake essay, you might want to compare and contrast various types of this natural disaster. Another option is to talk about your personal experience or discuss the causes and effects of earthquakes. In a more serious assignment like a thesis or a term paper, you can concentrate on earthquake engineering or disaster management issues. In this article, we’ve gathered best research titles about earthquake and added top earthquake essay examples for more inspiration!

• Crisis Management: Nissan Company and the 2011 Earthquake Expand on the points made in the case to identify the potential costs and benefits of these actions. The sharing of information was quite beneficial to Nissan in its response to the disaster.
• Natural Disasters: Tornadoes, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes Hence the loss may depend on the population of the area affected and also the capacity of the population to support or resist the disaster.
• Disaster Preparedness and Nursing: A Scenario of an Earthquake In a scenario of an earthquake, nursing staff must be aware of the stages of disaster management and disaster preparedness in particular.
• Analysis of Damage to Apartment Buildings in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake In turn, it is a prerequisite for the cataclysms in nature, such as earthquakes and the effect of liquefaction which was particular to the Marina district in the disaster of 1989.
• Public Awareness of Earthquake This will mean that the basement that is involved in thickening and shortening is mechanically required to produce the shape of zagros belt.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis In addition, the paper will outline some of the similarities and differences between tsunamis and floods. Similarities between tsunamis and floods: Both tsunamis and floods are natural disasters that cause destruction of properties and human […]
• Mitigation of Earthquake Hazards The geologists should also inform the architects on the areas where earthquakes are likely to occur and how strong they will be able.
• The Parkfield Earthquake Prediction Experiment The seismic activity and the relatively regular sequence of the earthquakes in the area of San Paul Fault generated the interest of the geologists in exploring the processes in the rupture.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Floods and Volcanic Eruption This is due to the relationship between an eruption and the geology of the area. It was observed that the mountain swelled and increased in size due to the upward force of magma.
• Earthquake in Haiti 2010: Nursing Interventions During natural disasters, such as the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010, nursing interventions aim to reduce the level of injury and provide the conditions for the fast recovery of its victims.
• Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti Moreover, the quake in Haiti raptured at the epicenter of the city with a high population density compared to Chile. Therefore despite a lower magnitude earthquake than Chile, Haiti suffered more damage due to the […]
• School Preparedness Plan for Tornado, Earthquakes, Fire Emergency In case of an earthquake emergency, the school should be prepared to keep the students safe. In case of a tornado emergency the school should be prepared to keep the students safe.
• Earthquakes and Their Devastating Consequences The break in the ground surface is the most common cause of horrific consequences, and people often cannot get out of the epicenter of the incident.
• Natural vs. Moral Evil: Earthquakes vs. Murder This problem demonstrates that such justifications for the problem of evil, such as the fact that suffering exists to improve the moral qualities of a person and thus serve the greater good, are unconvincing.
• Earthquake in South Africa: Reconstruction Process Therefore, it is vital for the government of South Africa to address the issues caused by the earthquake and reconstruct the region, focusing on several public interventions to stimulate the region’s growth in the shortest […]
• Review of Earthquake Emergency Response The second resource is the supply of food and water that can help survivors wait for the rescue team for three days.
• California Earthquakes of the 20th Century Ultimately, the current essay examines the most devastating earthquakes in California in the 20th century and proposes a hypothesis of when the next large earthquake might strike.
• Human Activity and Growing Number of Earthquakes The pieces that support the opposing view claim that the data about their number may be distorted due to the lack of difference in the development mechanism of natural and artificial earthquakes.
• Researching the Earthquake Due to human activity, artificial earthquakes occur, and their number increases every year following the strengthening of destructive human impact on the planet.
• Earthquake Disaster Preparedness in Healthcare Therefore, an earthquake disaster infers abrupt and immense shaking of the ground for a duration and magnitude that can infringe the day-to-day activities. The last role of healthcare personnel in triage and intervention is to […]
• Haiti Earthquake of 2010 Overview The purpose of this paper is to review the location and physical cause of the event, its human impact from it, and some of the interesting facts related to the disaster.
• Wenchuan Earthquake: Impact on China’s Economy The earthquake made a moderate impact on the country’s economy, yet affected several industries located in the devastated areas.
• Earthquake Prevention From Healthcare Perspective In terms of primary prevention of such a disaster, it is necessary to establish a public body or organization responsible for the creation of an extensive network of food, water, and first-aid kits to last […]
• The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 Documentary The documentary reflects the events leading to the natural disasters and their aftermath, including an investigation into the reasons for the failure of the precautionary measures in place during the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
• Earthquakes in California The earthquake that is the largest by magnitude is in California. It is possible to minimize the damage by an earthquake.
• Earthquakes and Barriers to Risk Mitigation The victims of the earthquake in Haiti were hundreds of people, while the number of wounded and homeless was in the thousands. As for the latter, the worst scenario of the earthquake is created and […]
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Earthquakes

Learn the science behind how earthquakes happen—and how you can stay safe if one hits.

You feel the ground suddenly shake, and nearby objects are trembling. An earthquake is happening.

Also called a temblor, an earthquake is caused by the movement of parts of the Earth’s crust, its outermost layer. They happen millions of times a year, but most are so small people don’t even feel them.

But powerful earthquakes can cause landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and other dangerous events. Most damage and deaths happen in places where a lot of people live, because the shaking causes windows to break, structures to collapse, fire to break out, and other dangers.

Learn more about these unpredictable Earth tremors—and what to do if one rattles near you.

How earthquakes develop

The action all starts thousands of miles below your feet.

Picture Earth as a hard-boiled egg: Earth’s core is the yolk, and the mantle is the white part. The outer crust is the eggshell.

People live on the surface of the crust. Below the surface—but still within the crust—are tectonic plates. Like gigantic puzzle pieces, these huge slabs of rock encircle the Earth. The seven major plates are named for the regions they rest under: the African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific, and South American tectonic plates

Tectonic plates aren't connected but are close together. Where they meet along their edges is called a fault. When heat from the Earth’s core creates currents in the crust, the tectonic plates can scrape, bump, or drag along each other. This is what causes an earthquake—and why the surface sometimes cracks like an eggshell.

How to measure earthquakes

About a half-million quakes rock the Earth every day. Usually the quake is too small, too far below the surface, or too deep in the seafloor to be felt. Some, however, are so powerful they can be felt thousands of miles away.

The spot on the surface just above where an earthquake starts is called the epicenter. Ripples called seismic waves travel out from the epicenter. This causes vibrations that people can feel, sometimes very far from the epicenter.

How far away people can feel an earthquake’s vibrations depends on its size, or magnitude. Scientists base the magnitude on the strength and duration of the quake’s seismic waves. The higher the number, the more powerful the earthquake: A magnitude 3 to 4.9 earthquake is considered minor; 5 to 6.9 is moderate to strong; 7 to 7.9 is major; and 8 or more is an extremely powerful temblor.

As the crust settles after an earthquake, another temblor called an aftershock can happen. Usually, aftershocks are not as powerful as the first quake but can still be very strong.

Geologists can’t predict earthquakes. But they’re working to change that with new research and technology.

Where earthquakes happen

Earthquakes occur along faults, the areas where tectonic plates meet. About 80 percent of earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean. Called the Ring of Fire because of the large number of volcanoes there, the area is a meeting point for many tectonic plates.

Earthquakes are also common in California because the region sits on top of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Temblors happen when these two plates grind against each other. About two-thirds of this movement happens along the San Andreas Fault.

Another major earthquake area in the United States is the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which affects Missouri , Arkansas , Tennessee , Kentucky , and Illinois .

How to survive an earthquake

Earthquakes can happen anytime or anywhere—even if you don’t live near a fault. So it’s a good idea to prepare.

• Talk with your family about the safest places in your home in case an earthquake hits. This could be under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall (one that is not connected to the outside).

• Look for heavy items that could fall or break during a quake, and move them to safer spots.

• Ask your parents to make sure you have an emergency kit containing things like first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, and a battery-operated radio. Your family should also have enough food and water for at least 72 hours

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: Most earthquakes last only 10 to 30 seconds, so it’s important to get to a safe place fast. Remember three things during an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on.

Drop:  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to your shelter.

Cover:  Underneath a sturdy table, desk, or bed, cover your head and neck with your arms. If furniture isn’t nearby, crouch down on your knees with your arms over your head and neck next to an interior wall. (Don’t stand under a doorway—they can easily collapse.)

Hold on:  If you’re under a piece of furniture, hold on with one hand and move with the furniture if it starts sliding. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: Once the earthquake ends, check for injuries. Listen to a radio for any warnings and instructions from official organizations like the United States Geological Survey. Be prepared for any aftershocks.

Text and images adapted from Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Earthshaking photos, facts, and fun!

( Learn more about earthquakes at National Geographic .)

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• EARTHQUAKE >>

An earthquake is a weak to violent shaking of the ground produced by the sudden movement of rock materials below the earth’s surface.

The earthquakes originate in tectonic plate boundary. The focus is point inside the earth where the earthquake started, sometimes called the hypocenter , and the point on the surface of the earth directly above the focus is called the epicenter .

There are two ways by which we can measure the strength of an earthquake: magnitude and intensity. Magnitude is proportional to the energy released by an earthquake at the focus. It is calculated from earthquakes recorded by an instrument called seismograph . It is represented by Arabic Numbers (e.g. 4.8, 9.0). Intensity on the other hand, is the strength of an earthquake as perceived and felt by people in a certain locality. It is a numerical rating based on the relative effects to people, objects, environment, and structures in the surrounding. The intensity is generally higher near the epicenter. It is represented by Roman Numerals (e.g. II, IV, IX). In the Philippines, the intensity of an earthquake is determined using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS).

There are two types of earthquakes: tectonic and volcanic earthquakes. Tectonic earthquakes are produced by sudden movement along faults and plate boundaries. Earthquakes induced by rising lava or magma beneath active volcanoes is called volcanic earthquakes .

At present, PHIVOLCS operates 108 (as of December 2020) seismic monitoring stations all over the Philippines. These stations are equipped with seismometers that detect and record earthquakes. Data is sent to the PHIVOLCS Data Receiving Center (DRC) to determine earthquake parameters such as magnitude, depth of focus and epicenter. Together with reported felt intensities in the area (if any), earthquake information is released once these data are determined.

Image source: U.S. Geological Survey

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What are the Effects of Earthquakes?

The effects from earthquakes include ground shaking, surface faulting, ground failure, and less commonly, tsunamis.

Ground Shaking

Ground shaking is a term used to describe the vibration of the ground during an earthquake. Ground shaking is caused by body waves and surface waves. As a generalization, the severity of ground shaking increases as magnitude increases and decreases as distance from the causative fault increases. Although the physics of seismic waves is complex, ground shaking can be explained in terms of body waves, compressional, or P, and shear, or S, and surface waves, Rayleigh and Love.

P waves propagate through the Earth with a speed of about 15,000 miles per hour and are the first waves to cause vibration of a building. S waves arrive next and cause a structure to vibrate from side to side. They are the most damaging waves, because buildings are more easily damaged from horizontal motion than from vertical motion. The P and S waves mainly cause high-frequency vibrations; whereas, Rayleigh waves and Love waves, which arrive last, mainly cause low-frequency vibrations. Body and surface waves cause the ground, and consequently a building, to vibrate in a complex manner. The objective of earthquake resistant design is to construct a building so that it can withstand the ground shaking caused by body and surface waves.

In land-use zoning and earthquake resistant design, knowledge of the amplitude, frequency composition, and the time duration of ground shaking is needed. These quantities can be determined from empirical (observed) data correlating them with the magnitude and the distribution of Modified Mercalli intensity of the earthquake, distance of the building from the causative fault, and the physical properties of the soil and rock underlying the building. The subjective numerical value of the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale indicates the effects of ground shaking on man, buildings, and the surface of the Earth.

When a fault ruptures, seismic waves are propagated in all directions, causing the ground to vibrate at frequencies ranging from about 0.1 to 30 Hertz. Buildings vibrate as a consequence of the ground shaking; damage takes place if the building cannot withstand these vibrations. Compressional waves and shear waves mainly cause high-frequency (greater than 1 Hertz) vibrations which are more efficient than low-frequency waves in causing low buildings to vibrate. Rayleigh and Love waves mainly cause low-frequency vibrations which are more efficient than high-frequency waves in causing tall buildings to vibrate. Because amplitudes of low-frequency vibrations decay less rapidly than high-frequency vibrations as distance from the fault increases, tall buildings located at relatively great distances (60 miles) from a fault are sometimes damaged.

Taken from: Hays, W.W., ed., 1981, Facing Geologic and Hydrologic Hazards -- Earth Science Considerations: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1240B, 108 p. 

Surface Faulting

Surface faulting is the differential movement of the two sides of a fracture at the Earth's surface and can be strike-slip, normal, and reverse (or thrust). Combinations of the strike-slip type and the other two types of faulting can be found. Although displacements of these kinds can result from landslides and other shallow processes, surface faulting, as the term is used here, applies to differential movements caused by deep-seated forces in the Earth, the slow movement of sedimentary deposits toward the Gulf of Mexico, and faulting associated with salt domes.

Death and injuries from surface faulting are very unlikely, but casualties can occur indirectly through fault damage to structures. Surface faulting, in the case of a strike-slip fault, generally affects a long narrow zone whose total area is small compared with the total area affected by ground shaking. Nevertheless, the damage to structures located in the fault zone can be very high, especially where the land use is intensive. A variety of structures have been damaged by surface faulting, including houses, apartments, commercial buildings, nursing homes, railroads, highways, tunnels, bridges, canals, storm drains, water wells, and water, gas, and sewer lines. Damage to these types of structures has ranged from minor to very severe. An example of severe damage occurred in 1952 when three railroad tunnels were so badly damaged by faulting that traffic on a major rail linking northern and southern California was stopped for 25 days despite an around-the-clock repair schedule.

The displacements, lengths, and widths of surface fault ruptures show a wide range. Fault displacements in the United States have ranged from a fraction of an inch to more than 20 feet of differential movement. As expected, the severity of potential damage increases as the size of the displacement increases. The lengths of the surface fault ruptures on land have ranged from less than 1 mile to more than 200 miles. Most fault displacement is confined to a narrow zone ranging from 6 to 1,000 feet in width, but separate subsidiary fault ruptures may occur 2 to 3 miles from the main fault. The area subject to disruption by surface faulting varies with the length and width of the rupture zone.

Taken from: Hays, W.W., ed., 1981, Facing Geologic and Hydrologic Hazards --Earth Science Considerations: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1240B, 108 p.

Ground Failure

Liquefaction Induced

Liquefaction is not a type of ground failure; it is a physical process that takes place during some earthquakes that may lead to ground failure. As a consequence of liquefaction, clay-free soil deposits, primarily sands and silts, temporarily lose strength and behave as viscous fluids rather than as solids. Liquefaction takes place when seismic shear waves pass through a saturated granular soil layer, distort its granular structure, and cause some of the void spaces to collapse. Disruptions to the soil generated by these collapses cause transfer of the ground-shaking load from grain-to-grain contacts in the soil layer to the pore water. This transfer of load increases pressure in the pore water, either causing drainage to occur or, if drainage is restricted, a sudden buildup of pore-water pressure. When the pore-water pressure rises to about the pressure caused by the weight of the column of soil, the granular soil layer behaves like a fluid rather than like a solid for a short period. In this condition, deformations can occur easily.

Liquefaction is restricted to certain geologic and hydrologic environments, mainly areas where sands and silts were deposited in the last 10,000 years and where ground water is within 30 feet of the surface. Generally, the younger and looser the sediment and the higher the water table, the more susceptible a soil is to liquefaction.

Liquefaction causes three types of ground failure: lateral spreads, flow failures, and loss of bearing strength. In addition, liquefaction enhances ground settlement and sometimes generates sand boils (fountains of water and sediment emanating from the pressurized liquefied zone). Sand boils can cause local flooding and the deposition or accumulation of silt.

Lateral Spreads - Lateral spreads involve the lateral movement of large blocks of soil as a result of liquefaction in a subsurface layer. Movement takes place in response to the ground shaking generated by an earthquake. Lateral spreads generally develop on gentle slopes, most commonly on those between 0.3 and 3 degrees. Horizontal movements on lateral spreads commonly are as much as 10 to 15 feet, but, where slopes are particularly favorable and the duration of ground shaking is long, lateral movement may be as much as 100 to 150 feet. Lateral spreads usually break up internally, forming numerous fissures and scarps.

Damage caused by lateral spreads is seldom catastrophic, but it is usually disruptive. For example, during the 1964 Prince William Sound, Alaska, earthquake, more than 200 bridges were damaged or destroyed by lateral spreading of flood-plain deposits toward river channels. These spreading deposits compressed bridges over the channels, buckled decks, thrust sedimentary beds over abutments, and shifted and tilted abutments and piers.

Lateral spreads are destructive particularly to pipelines. In 1906, a number of major pipeline breaks occurred in the city of San Francisco during the earthquake because of lateral spreading. Breaks of water mains hampered efforts to fight the fire that ignited during the earthquake. Thus, rather inconspicuous ground-failure displacements of less than 7 feet were largely responsible for the devastation to San Francisco in 1906.

Flow Failures

Flow failures, consisting of liquefied soil or blocks of intact material riding on a layer of liquefied soil, are the most catastrophic type of ground failure caused by liquefaction. These failures commonly move several tens of feet and, if geometric conditions permit, several tens of miles. Flows travel at velocities as great as many tens of miles per hour. Flow failures usually form in loose saturated sands or silts on slopes greater than 3 degrees.

Flow failures can originate either underwater or on land. Many of the largest and most damaging flow failures have taken place underwater in coastal areas. For example, submarine flow failures carried away large sections of port facilities at Seward, Whittier, and Valdez, Alaska, during the 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake. These flow failures, in turn, generated large sea waves that overran parts of the coastal area, causing additional damage and casualties. Flow failures on land have been catastrophic, especially in other countries. For example, the 1920 Kansu, China, earthquake induced several flow failures as much as 1 mile in length and breadth, killing an estimated 200,000 people.

Loss of Bearing Strength - When the soil supporting a building or some other structure liquefies and loses strength, large deformations can occur within the soil, allowing the structure to settle and tip. The most spectacular example of bearing-strength failures took place during the 1964 Niigata, Japan, earthquake. During that event, several four-story buildings of the Kwangishicho apartment complex tipped as much as 60 degrees. Most of the buildings were later jacked back into an upright position, underpinned with piles, and reused.

Soils that liquefied at Niigata typify the general subsurface geometry required for liquefaction-caused bearing failures: a layer of saturated, cohesionless soil (sand or silt) extending from near the ground surface to a depth of about the width of the building.

Taken from: Hays, W.W., ed., 1981, Facing Geologic and Hydrologic Hazards -- Earth Science Considerations: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1240B, 108 p.

Past experience has shown that several types of landslides take place in conjunction with earthquakes. The most abundant types of earthquake induced landslides are rock falls and slides of rock fragments that form on steep slopes. Shallow debris slides forming on steep slopes and soil and rock slumps and block slides forming on moderate to steep slopes also take place, but they are less abundant. Reactivation of dormant slumps or block slides by earthquakes is rare.

Large earthquake-induced rock avalanches, soil avalanches, and underwater landslides can be very destructive. Rock avalanches originate on over-steepened slopes in weak rocks. One of the most spectacular examples occurred during the 1970 Peruvian earthquake when a single rock avalanche killed more than 18,000 people; a similar, but less spectacular, failure in the 1959 Hebgen Lake, Montana, earthquake resulted in 26 deaths. Soil avalanches occur in some weakly cemented fine-grained materials, such as loess, that form steep stable slopes under non-seismic conditions. Many loess slopes failed during the New Madrid, Missouri, earthquakes of 1811-12. Underwater landslides commonly involve the margins of deltas where many port facilities are located. The failures at Seward, Alaska, during the 1964 earthquake are an example.

The size of the area affected by earthquake-induced landslides depends on the magnitude of the earthquake, its focal depth, the topography and geologic conditions near the causative fault, and the amplitude, frequency composition, and duration of ground shaking. In past earthquakes, landslides have been abundant in some areas having intensities of ground shaking as low as VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

Tsunamis are water waves that are caused by sudden vertical movement of a large area of the sea floor during an undersea earthquake. Tsunamis are often called tidal waves, but this term is a misnomer. Unlike regular ocean tides, tsunamis are not caused by the tidal action of the Moon and Sun. The height of a tsunami in the deep ocean is typically about 1 foot, but the distance between wave crests can be very long, more than 60 miles. The speed at which the tsunami travels decreases as water depth decreases. In the mid-Pacific, where the water depths reach 3 miles, tsunami speeds can be more than 430 miles per hour. As tsunamis reach shallow water around islands or on a continental shelf; the height of the waves increases many times, sometimes reaching as much as 80 feet. The great distance between wave crests prevents tsunamis from dissipating energy as a breaking surf; instead, tsunamis cause water levels to rise rapidly along coast lines.

Tsunamis and earthquake ground shaking differ in their destructive characteristics. Ground shaking causes destruction mainly in the vicinity of the causative fault, but tsunamis cause destruction both locally and at very distant locations from the area of tsunami generation.

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11.2: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics

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• Steven Earle
• Vancover Island University via BCCampus

The distribution of earthquakes across the globe is shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\). It is relatively easy to see the relationships between earthquakes and the plate boundaries. Along divergent boundaries like the mid-Atlantic ridge and the East Pacific Rise, earthquakes are common, but restricted to a narrow zone close to the ridge, and consistently at less than a 30 kilometre depth. Shallow earthquakes are also common along transform faults, such as the San Andreas Fault. Along subduction zones, as we saw in Chapter 10, earthquakes are very abundant, and they are increasingly deep on the landward side of the subduction zone.

Earthquakes are also relatively common at a few intraplate locations. Some are related to the buildup of stress due to continental rifting or the transfer of stress from other regions, and some are not well understood. Examples of intraplate earthquake regions include the Great Rift Valley area of Africa, the Tibet region of China, and the Lake Baikal area of Russia.

Earthquakes at Divergent and Transform Boundaries

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) provides a closer look at magnitude (M) 4 and larger earthquakes in an area of divergent boundaries in the mid-Atlantic region near the equator. Here, as we saw in Chapter 10, the segments of the mid-Atlantic ridge are offset by some long transform faults. Most of the earthquakes are located along the transform faults, rather than along the spreading segments, although there are clusters of earthquakes at some of the ridge-transform boundaries. Some earthquakes do occur on spreading ridges, but they tend to be small and infrequent because of the relatively high rock temperatures in the areas where spreading is taking place.

Earthquakes at Convergent Boundaries

The distribution and depths of earthquakes in the Caribbean and Central America area are shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\). In this region, the Cocos Plate is subducting beneath the North America and Caribbean Plates (ocean-continent convergence), and the South and North America Plates are subducting beneath the Caribbean Plate (ocean-ocean convergence). In both cases, the earthquakes get deeper with distance from the trench. In Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\), the South America Plate is shown as being subducted beneath the Caribbean Plate in the area north of Colombia, but since there is almost no earthquake activity along this zone, it is questionable whether subduction is actually taking place.

There are also various divergent and transform boundaries in the area shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\), and as we’ve seen in the mid-Atlantic area, most of these earthquakes occur along the transform faults.

The distribution of earthquakes with depth in the Kuril Islands of Russia in the northwest Pacific is shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\). This is an ocean-ocean convergent boundary. The small red and yellow dots show background seismicity over a number of years, while the larger white dots are individual shocks associated with a M6.9 earthquake in April 2009. The relatively large earthquake took place on the upper part of the plate boundary between 60 kilometers and 140 kilometers inland from the trench. As we saw for the Cascadia subduction zone, this is where large subduction earthquakes are expected to occur.

In fact, all of the very large earthquakes — M9 or higher — take place at subduction boundaries because there is the potential for a greater width of rupture zone on a gently dipping boundary than on a steep transform boundary. The largest earthquakes on transform boundaries are in the order of M8.

The background seismicity at this convergent boundary, and on other similar ones, is predominantly near the upper side of the subducting plate. The frequency of earthquakes is greatest near the surface and especially around the area where large subduction quakes happen, but it extends to at least a 400 kilometre depth. There is also significant seismic activity in the overriding North America Plate, again most commonly near the region of large quakes, but also extending for a few hundred kilometers away from the plate boundary.

The distribution of earthquakes in the area of the India-Eurasia plate boundary is shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\). This is a continent-continent convergent boundary, and it is generally assumed that although the India Plate continues to move north toward the Asia Plate, there is no actual subduction taking place. There are transform faults on either side of the India Plate in this area.

The entire northern India and southern Asia region is very seismically active. Earthquakes are common in northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and adjacent parts of China, and throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan. Many of the earthquakes are related to the transform faults on either side of the India Plate, and most of the others are related to the significant tectonic squeezing caused by the continued convergence of the India and Asia Plates. That squeezing has caused the Asia Plate to be thrust over top of the India Plate, building the Himalayas and the Tibet Plateau to enormous heights. Most of the earthquakes of Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\) are related to the thrust faults shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\) (and to hundreds of other similar ones that cannot be shown at this scale). The southernmost thrust fault in Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\) is equivalent to the Main Boundary Fault in Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\).

There is a very significant concentration of both shallow and deep (greater than 70 kilometers) earthquakes in the northwestern part of Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\). This is northern Afghanistan, and at depths of more than 70 kilometers, many of these earthquakes are within the mantle as opposed to the crust. It is interpreted that these deep earthquakes are caused by northwestward subduction of part of the India Plate beneath the Asia Plate in this area.

This map shows the incidence and magnitude of earthquakes in British Columbia over a one-month period in March and April 2015.

• What is the likely origin of the earthquakes between the Juan de Fuca (JDF) and Explorer Plates?
• The string of small earthquakes adjacent to Haida Gwaii (H.G.) coincides closely with the rupture surface of the 2012 M7.8 earthquake in that area. How might these earthquakes be related to that one?
• Most of the earthquakes around Vancouver Island (V.I.) are relatively shallow. What is their likely origin?
• Some of the earthquakes in B.C. are interpreted as being caused by natural gas extraction (including fracking). Which of the earthquakes here could fall into this category?

See Appendix 3 for Exercise 11.1 answers .

Image descriptions

Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\) image description: The incidence and magnitude of earthquakes in British Columbia over a one-month period in March and April 2015: There were a few dozen smaller earthquakes spread out around Vancouver Island and the sunshine coast with a magnitude of 2. Farther west along the Explorer Plate, which is between the North American plate, the Juan de Fuca Plate, and the Pacific Plate, there were quite a few earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 and at least one earthquake with a magnitude of 4. Between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate off the south-west coast of Haida Gwaii, there was a large cluster of earthquakes with magnitudes of 2. Along the Alaskan panhandle, there was a collection of 2- and 3-magnitude earthquakes. In addition, there were two 3-magnitude earthquakes west of Fort St. John in northern British Columbia and one or two 2-magnitude earthquakes. In total, this map shows one hundred and forty-nine earthquakes with a magnitude less than 2, ninety-seven earthquakes with a magnitude of 2, thirty-nine earthquakes with a magnitude of 3, and two earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 [Return to Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\)]

Media Attributions

• Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Global Earthquakes © Dale Sawyer, Rice University. Used with permission.
• Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Earthquakes Around the Mid-Atlantic Ridge © Steven Earle after Dale Sawyer, Rice University.
• Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Earthquakes Around the Central-American Region © Steven Earle after Dale Sawyer, Rice University.
• Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Earthquakes Around the Kuril Islands. © Steven Earle after Gavin Hayes, from data from the USGS [PDF] .
• Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Earthquakes Around the India Plate © Steven Earle after Dale Sawyer, Rice University.
• Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): India-Asia Convergent Boundary © Steven Earle based on D. Vouichard, from a United Nations University document .

Narrative Essay on Earthquake

In the heart of a serene morning, the earth beneath us trembled, unleashing a formidable force that reshaped not only the landscape but the lives entwined with it. This narrative essay delves into the profound impact of an earthquake, exploring the emotional, physical, and psychological dimensions of this natural disaster. Through the lens of those who experienced it firsthand, we embark on a journey to understand the might of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Prelude

It was a day like any other in the bustling city of Ridgefield. People went about their daily routines, unaware of the dramatic turn their lives were about to take. I was in the school library, engrossed in a book, when the first tremor struck. A subtle vibration, barely noticeable, but it was the silence that followed which was eerily foreboding. Within moments, the tranquility was shattered by a roaring sound beneath us, as if the earth had opened its mouth to speak.

The initial mild shaking quickly escalated into violent jolts. Books tumbled from shelves, windows shattered, and screams filled the air. Panic ensued as everyone scrambled for safety, the ground beneath us betraying our trust with every passing second. The school building, which once seemed indestructible, groaned under the strain, cracks spiderwebbing across its façade.

Outside, the scene was chaotic. Roads cracked open as if the earth was gasping for breath, buildings leaned precariously, and power lines sparked in a deadly dance. The air was thick with dust, obscuring the sun and casting a pall over the city. It was a scene from a nightmare, yet it was all too real.

The Aftermath

As the shaking subsided, the full extent of the devastation became apparent. The city lay in ruins, a stark testament to the earthquake’s fury. Buildings that had stood for decades were reduced to rubble, streets were impassable, and the once vibrant community was enveloped in a somber silence.

In the days that followed, the resilience of the human spirit shone brightly. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became friends, and the community united in the face of adversity. Relief efforts were organized, shelters provided solace to those who had lost everything, and the sounds of construction filled the air as the city began the slow process of rebuilding.

The Emotional Toll

Beyond the physical destruction, the earthquake left deep emotional scars. The loss of homes, possessions, and, most tragically, loved ones, weighed heavily on the hearts of the survivors. Fear lingered in the aftershocks, a constant reminder of our vulnerability in the face of nature’s might.

Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was also hope. Stories of heroism and bravery emerged, of people risking their lives to save others, of communities coming together to heal and rebuild. These stories served as a beacon of light in the darkest of times, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, humanity’s capacity for compassion and resilience endures.

Lessons Learned

The earthquake taught us valuable lessons about preparedness, community, and the importance of building structures that can withstand the forces of nature. It highlighted the need for emergency plans, for education on how to respond in the face of disaster, and for a commitment to supporting one another.

It also reminded us of the importance of cherishing every moment, of not taking for granted the people and places we hold dear. In the aftermath of destruction, we were reminded of what truly matters – the connections we share with those around us.

The earthquake was a defining moment, a test of our strength and our ability to come together in the face of adversity. It reshaped our city, but more importantly, it reshaped us. We emerged stronger, more united, with a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of life.

As we rebuild, we carry with us the memories of that fateful day, a reminder of nature’s power and our own resilience. The earthquake may have shaken the foundations of our city, but it also laid the groundwork for a new beginning, built on the lessons learned and the unbreakable spirit of our community. In the face of nature’s might, we stand united, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

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Protection Against Earthquake

Earthquakes are highly destructive natural disasters, leading to significant loss of life and extensive damage to property on a global scale each year. In response, the disaster management committee has implemented various safety measures to minimize the devastating effects of these catastrophic events. Developing effective strategies and promoting disaster management awareness is paramount in mitigating the impact of earthquakes and ensuring our safety. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of earthquakes, including their causes and effects, along with detailed instructions on how to respond during and after an earthquake.

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake refers to the shaking of the earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy within the earth’s crust. This release of energy generates seismic waves, commonly known as S waves. The intensity and characteristics of an earthquake are determined by the seismic activities occurring in a specific region.

During an earthquake, the stored energy accumulated within the earth’s crust is suddenly released, leading to the rapid movement and displacement of rock masses along fault lines. This movement produces vibrations that propagate through the earth in the form of seismic waves. The two primary types of seismic waves are S (secondary) and P (primary) waves .

S waves, also called shear waves, travel through the earth by causing particles to move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. These waves are responsible for the side-to-side shaking motion experienced during an earthquake. On the other hand, P waves, or compression waves, cause particles to move in the same direction as the wave propagation. P waves are the first detected during an earthquake and are responsible for the initial abrupt jolts.

Understanding the nature of earthquakes and the behaviour of seismic waves is crucial for assessing the potential risks associated with these natural disasters. It enables scientists and experts to study seismic patterns, develop early warning systems, establish building codes for earthquake-resistant structures and educate communities on preparedness and response measures.

What Causes an Earthquake?

Earthquakes occur due to sudden tectonic movements within the Earth’s crust. The Earth’s crust is divided into large sections called tectonic plates , which float on the semi-fluid layer known as the asthenosphere. These plates are constantly in motion, albeit very slowly.

When two tectonic plates interact, various types of boundaries can form, such as convergent and divergent and transform boundaries. The most powerful and destructive earthquakes typically occur at convergent boundaries, where two plates collide or slide past each other.

At a convergent boundary, one tectonic plate may be forced beneath another in a process called subduction. As the plates collide or slide past each other, immense pressure and friction build-up. Eventually, the stress becomes too great, causing the rocks along the plate boundaries to break and slip. This sudden release of stored energy generates seismic waves, resulting in an earthquake.

In addition to tectonic movements, other geological activities can also trigger earthquakes. Volcanic activity, for instance, can cause earthquakes when magma rises through the Earth’s crust, creating pressure and fracturing the rocks around the volcano. The disturbances caused by these movements and ruptures within the Earth’s crust generate vibrations that propagate in all directions, shaking the ground. These vibrations are the seismic waves that travel through the Earth and are detected by seismographs.

It’s important to note that the build-up of stress and the subsequent release of energy in the form of shock waves are the fundamental mechanisms behind earthquakes. The magnitude or strength of an earthquake is determined by the amount of energy released during this process.

Delve Deeper into the Causes of Earthquakes

We present to you an insightful video that explores the fascinating mechanisms behind seismic activity. By watching this video, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how earthquakes are caused and the factors that contribute to their occurrence.

What to do During an Earthquake?

When it comes to earthquakes, being prepared can make all the difference. Here are some essential steps to take before the disaster strikes:

Before the Earthquake

• Make Connections Flexible

Ensure that gas lines and appliances are properly installed with flexible connections. This helps prevent gas leaks and reduces the risk of fire hazards during an earthquake.

• Create an Earthquake Readiness Plan

Develop a well-thought-out plan that includes identifying a shelter area in your home. Stock up on essential supplies such as canned food, a well-stocked first aid kit, ample water, dust masks, goggles, firefighting equipment, a flashlight and a working battery-operated radio. These provisions will prove invaluable in the event of an earthquake.

• Consult Architects and Structural Engineers

Building sturdy structures is vital for minimizing earthquake damage and ensuring the safety of occupants. If you reside in an earthquake-prone area, it’s crucial to consult with architects and structural engineers before constructing buildings. They can guide you in implementing the necessary measures and adhering to regulations set by the disaster management committee.

• Spread Awareness

Share the knowledge and importance of earthquake preparedness with your friends and family. By educating those around you, you contribute to creating a safer community.

During the Earthquake

When an earthquake strikes, quick thinking and appropriate actions can save lives. Here are some important guidelines to follow:

• Stay Indoors

Remain indoors until the shaking stops and it is officially announced that it is safe to exit. Taking cover beneath a sturdy table or bed can provide vital protection against falling objects.

• Avoid Hazardous Areas

Steer clear of bookcases, heavy furniture and appliances that may topple over during the earthquake. Your safety should always be the top priority.

• Find a Safe Spot

Seek shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or bed. Hold on to a post or any other fixture to maintain stability and minimize the risk of injury.

• If Outdoors, Move to an Open Area

If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. These objects pose a significant danger during seismic activity.

After the Earthquake

Once the earthquake subsides, it’s important to proceed with caution and take the following measures:

• Administer First Aid

Attend to individuals with minor injuries using first aid kits. For those with more severe injuries, it’s essential to wait for professional medical help and avoid moving them until it is safe.

• CPR and Rescue Breathing

If someone is not breathing, administer rescue breathing. If the person has no pulse, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical assistance arrives.

• Be Mindful of Hazards

Attend any tumbling shelves or falling items and be cautious around damaged walls made of bricks or other unstable materials. Your safety should be a priority.

• Check Gas and Power Connections

Inspect gas valves for leaks and turn off the main power switch if damage is possible. Unplug broken appliances until they can be properly repaired.

• Stay Clear of Power Lines

Keep a safe distance from downed power lines and any objects or appliances in contact with them. Electricity poses a significant risk, so exercise caution.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your safety and the well-being of those around you during and after an earthquake. Remember, preparedness and knowledge are key to effectively managing these natural disasters. Stay informed and stay safe!

Enhancing Preparedness with Disaster Management

In times of uncertainty, being equipped with the knowledge and strategies to navigate through natural disasters is crucial. In this section, we present an insightful video that sheds light on the broader concept of disaster management and its significance during both predicted and unpredictable calamities.

What are the Effects of an Earthquake?

Earthquakes can have a wide range of effects, varying in severity depending on factors such as the quake’s magnitude, the depth of its epicentre and the local geology. Here are some of the primary effects caused by earthquakes:

• Ground Shaking: When an earthquake occurs, the release of energy creates seismic waves that cause the ground to shake. The intensity of the shaking can vary depending on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, the distance from the epicentre and the local geology. Areas closer to the epicentre usually experience more intense shaking, which can significantly damage structures and infrastructure.
• Damage to Man-Made Structures: One of the most noticeable effects of an earthquake is the damage it can cause to buildings, bridges, roads and other man-made structures. The shaking can lead to structural failure, collapse and extensive damage, especially if the buildings are not designed or constructed to withstand seismic activity. The severity of the damage depends on factors such as the quality of construction, adherence to building codes and proximity to the epicentre.
• Fires and Hazardous Chemical Spills: Earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards, such as fires and hazardous material spills. The violent shaking can rupture gas pipelines, damage electrical systems and disrupt infrastructure, leading to the ignition of fires. Additionally, earthquakes can cause the release of hazardous chemicals stored in industrial facilities, posing risks to human health and the environment. These secondary effects can further exacerbate the impact of an earthquake and complicate rescue and recovery efforts.
• Landslides and Avalanches: In areas with steep slopes or unstable terrain, earthquakes can trigger landslides and avalanches. The shaking can destabilize slopes, causing rocks, soil and debris to slide downhill. Landslides can damage structures, block roads and even bury entire communities, leading to additional casualties and hindering rescue and relief operations access.
• Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes can generate tsunamis, particularly those occurring along tectonic plate boundaries. These massive ocean waves can travel long distances, reaching coastal areas and causing devastating flooding. Tsunamis pose a significant threat to coastal communities and can result in widespread destruction and loss of life.

Understanding the potential effects of earthquakes is crucial for implementing appropriate mitigation measures and developing effective disaster response plans. It is important to note that these are just some of the effects that earthquakes can have. The severity and extent of these effects depend on various factors, including the earthquake’s characteristics, the impacted area’s location and the affected communities’ preparedness and resilience.

Understanding Seismograph and the Richter scale

A seismograph and the Richter scale are essential tools used in seismology to understand and characterise earthquakes. While they are related to each other, they serve different purposes. Here’s an elaboration on the difference between a seismograph and the richter scale.

Seismograph

• A seismograph is a device used to measure and record the vibrations or ground motions caused by earthquakes. 
• It consists of a ground motion sensor, typically a mass attached to a fixed base and a recording system that captures the movements detected by the sensor. 
• Seismographs are essential in monitoring seismic activity, as they provide valuable data about the intensity, duration and frequency of ground shaking. 
• By analyzing the recorded seismograms, scientists can determine various characteristics of an earthquake, such as its magnitude, location and focal depth.
• Seismographs also detect other seismic events, such as volcanic eruptions and underground explosions.

Richter scale

• The Richter scale, developed by Charles F. Richter in the 1930s, is a numerical scale used to quantify the magnitude or strength of an earthquake.
•  It measures the energy released during an earthquake by analyzing the amplitude of seismic waves recorded on seismographs. 
• The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase on the scale corresponds to a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves and approximately 31.6 times more energy released. For example, a magnitude six earthquake releases about 31.6 times more energy than a magnitude five earthquake. 
• The Richter scale provides a standardized measurement for consistent comparison of worldwide earthquake magnitudes.

Difference Between Seismograph and Richter scale

In summary, a seismograph is a device used to measure and record the ground motions caused by earthquakes. The Seismograph provides the data necessary to calculate the magnitude of an earthquake, which is then represented on the Richter scale. At the same time, the Richter scale is a numerical scale used to quantify the energy released during an earthquake. Together, these tools help seismologists and scientists better understand and characterise seismic events, enabling them to assess the impact and potential hazards associated with earthquakes.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is an earthquake.

An earthquake is shaking the Earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy within the Earth’s crust. It generates seismic waves, commonly known as S waves, and its intensity and characteristics are determined by the seismic activities occurring in a specific region.

What causes an earthquake?

Earthquakes occur due to sudden tectonic movements within the Earth’s crust. These movements result from interactions between tectonic plates, large sections of the Earth’s crust that float on the semi-fluid layer known as the asthenosphere. When stress along plate boundaries becomes too great, rocks along the boundaries break and slip, releasing stored energy and generating seismic waves.

What should I do during an earthquake?

It is important to take appropriate actions during an earthquake to ensure safety. Some key steps to follow include staying indoors, taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, avoiding hazardous areas, and, if outdoors, moving to an open area away from buildings, trees and power lines.

What should I do before an earthquake?

What are the effects of an earthquake.

Earthquakes can have various effects, including ground shaking, damage to man-made structures, fires and hazardous chemical spills, landslides and avalanches and the generation of tsunamis in coastal areas. The severity of these effects depends on factors such as the earthquake’s magnitude, depth and local geology.

What is the difference between a seismograph and the Richter scale?

A seismograph is a device used to measure and record the vibrations or ground motions caused by earthquakes. It provides the data necessary to calculate the magnitude of an earthquake. On the other hand, the Richter scale is a numerical scale used to quantify the energy released during an earthquake. It provides a standardized measurement for comparing earthquake magnitudes worldwide.

Related Topics and Educational Videos

In addition to understanding earthquakes and their impact, exploring related topics that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of natural disasters and their effects is valuable. The following collection of educational videos offers insights into various topics, including volcanic eruptions, drought and famine, types of disasters, landslides and cyclones. By watching these videos, you can broaden your knowledge and understand the interconnectedness of Earth’s natural processes.

Types of Disasters Video

Natural and Man-made Disasters

How do Volcanoes Erupt?

What causes Drought and Famine?

What causes Landslides?

What causes cyclones?

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Study Today

Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

Essay on Earthquakes (1185 Words)

February 20, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

The word seismology has been derived from two Greek words- seismos (meaning: earthquakes), and logia (meaning: study of). Therefore, in other words, it refers to the scientific study of earthquakes.

Earthquakes can be defined as tremors which are produced by the passage of vibratory waves through the rocks of the earth.

Such waves spread out in all possible directions from the central point from where the earthquake is caused. These waves resemble the waves caused when one throws a small stone or pebble into a water body.

There is a special instrument which is used to measure the intensity of earthquakes, known as the seismograph.

Such seismographic records are maintained by the scientists, and such records tell us that on an average, 8000 to 10,000 earthquakes take place every year in all throughout the world.

Oceanic earthquakes are also very frequent, and this phenomenon is different from the earthquakes mentioned previously.

Oceanic earthquakes cannot be recorded with great ease or precision. All earthquakes recorded usually originate below the surface of the earth at a depth of 50 to 150 kilometers.

While learning about earthquakes, some other terms should be known as well.

The focus or hypocentre is described as the point or place of origin of the earthquake. On the other hand, the epicentre is the point on the land surface vertically above the focus.

Thus, the effect of any earthquake is the strongest near its epicentre.

Table of Contents

Causes of Earthquakes

The major causes behind the frequent earthquakes most often experienced are as follow: –

Volcanic eruption- volcanoes and earthquakes are often supplementary to each other. As in, one causes the other and vice versa. Most of the earthquakes caused are in center of high volcanic activities.

Volcanoes disrupt the makeup of the earth’s surface and therefore contribute to the earthquake-causing tremors.

Such contractions create disorder in the rocks, resulting in earthquakes.

Folding and faulting- folding and faulting of the earth are related to compression and tension in the rocks and cause earthquakes.

Many of the most destructive earthquakes to have taken place in India were examples of these types of occurrences.

Isostatic equilibrium- it is often believed that the upper layer (made of silica and aluminium) of the earth’s crust is lighter and is floating on the lower, denser layer (made up of silica and magnesium).

This way, an equilibrium or balance is tried to be maintained. An earthquake is caused whenever this balance is disrupted. For example, the earthquake of Lahore in 1949.

Plate tectonics- the earth’s structure comprises of several plates (there was only one single plate in the beginning), which move and shift from place to place over the centuries and have caused the continents and oceans to form.

When one oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the heavier oceanic plate is thrust into the mantle. The zones where these occur eventually become the sites of violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Other miscellaneous reasons- earthquakes can also be caused due to human activities, like bomb explosions, the running of trains, and the functioning of heavy machinery.

Such activities cannot bring about full-fledged earthquakes. However, they can cause minor tremors, leading to the same. Landslides, etc. can also result in earthquakes.

Effects of Earthquakes- advantages and disadvantage

It is often said that everything has both its advantages and disadvantages, like every coin has both sides to itself.

However, while speaking of the effects caused by earthquakes, we only see the dangers caused by it, as it is almost universally accepted that the destruction they cause is monumental, and the constructive effects are extremely insignificant.

Some major effects are obviously the damage caused to life and property. Earthquakes cause heavy damage to buildings and other installations as well.

At times, they disturb the existing composition of the rock strata and block the flow of water in rivers.

The river water, in turn, submerges the surrounding low-lying areas and flooding these regions. For example, the Brahmaputra River is prone to such flooding.

Earthquakes occurring at the sea result in high waves in the sea water and cause heavy damage to ships as well as aquatic creatures.

This also leads to the inception of tsunamis, which are highly destructive on their own. Folding and faulting are often associated with earthquakes, and these damage country roads and other structures.

These are also responsible for landslides in highlands. At times, water, mud, and gases are ejected from beneath the fissures caused by earthquakes.

The gases such emitted may ignite the air and water, and the mud might flood the surrounding area. Even larger areas are capable of subsiding or sinking during some severe earthquakes.

However, certain advantages of earthquakes can also be enumerated. The study of earthquakes teaches us a great deal about the interiors of the earth and their composition and structure.

Sometimes, the faults created by earthquakes become sources of water which are then used for various domestic and industrial purposes.

More than often, the fissures or cracks which are the definite results of earthquakes contain various valuable minerals which can be hereby easily obtained.

Another important thing to be kept in mind is that the folding and faulting on large scale can often give rise to new land forms altogether.

Most of the highest mountains standing in the present day (for example, the Himalayas, the Alps, etc.) are results of extensive folding and faulting. In this way, they contribute to shaping the earth’s structure as it is seen by us.

Distribution of Earthquakes

Certain parts of the earth are more prone to earthquakes than the others. This happens due to the variations in the underlying rock structures as it differs from place to place across the world.

It shall be noted that most earthquakes occur at places where the earth’s crust is weak.

The largest number of earthquakes happens in a region commonly known as the ring of fire. Geologists have identified this zone as the circum-pacific belt, covering countries such as New Zealand , Japan , Philippines , and some more.

Such areas also experience high volcanic activities. Other than these, there are also certain mid-water mountain belts, and minor belts which are prone to frequent earthquakes.

However, In India , earthquakes are mostly limited to mountainous areas and the Himalayan foothills.

However, there were instances where major earthquakes had happened in areas other than these as well, for instance, the earthquake in Gujarat.

Earthquakes, as natural occurrences, have lasted since the inception of this planet, and will continue to do so until its demise.

It is true that it brings about major destruction but we also need to understand that we cannot possibly erase them from the face of our planet.

Hence, we should try to reap the benefits of such occurrences by gaining knowledge about how and where it occurs, so as to be warned about the future occurrences, and to be well equipped to combat it well ahead of it striking the land surface.

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Why the New Jersey earthquake was felt several hundred miles away

Wendy Bohon, an earthquake geologist, was reading a budget report Friday morning at her home in Chesapeake Beach, Md., when she felt the unmistakable light shaking of an earthquake . The cat didn’t wake up. The dog looked around. A plant swayed.

The tremors traveled about 160 miles to Bohon’s home from a 4.8-magnitude earthquake near Whitehouse Station, N.J. It was a moderate earthquake from a geological point of view, with similar-sized quakes happening frequently all over the globe. But it marked a relatively infrequent event on the East Coast — one that jostled people across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast from their daily routines.

More than 150,000 people reported feeling the New Jersey earthquake, some from several hundred miles away, according to the United States Geological Survey , which collects reports of shaking. While the number of reports reflects the population density of the area, it also highlights a fundamental geological difference between the tectonically active West Coast and the East Coast, which is covered by old faults that occasionally get reactivated.

The underlying rock in the East Coast is old, cold and dense, and the faults have had time to heal, meaning that seismic waves travel farther than on the West Coast, where the crust is broken up by faults.

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake “is not generally big enough to cause damage, but big enough to be widely felt,” said Susan Hough, a seismologist with USGS. “Once an earthquake happens, the waves travel more efficiently in the east than in the west — the crust is older, colder and less broken up — that’s something we’ve seen over and over. You put a [4.8] in California, and it won’t be felt nearly as far as this one.”

East Coast earthquakes

Several geologists said that while an earthquake greater than 4 magnitude was not a frequent event on the East Coast, such events aren’t unexpected. In 2017, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Dover, Del. A 2011 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Mineral, Va., was believed to be felt by more people than any earthquake in U.S. history and resulted in significant damage, including to the Washington Monument and Washington National Cathedral in D.C. A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Reading, Pa., in 1994.

The New Jersey earthquake, which struck at 10:23 a.m. Friday, was relatively shallow, just three miles below the surface. The investigation into the quake will continue, but Christopher Carchedi, a seismologist at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, said a common cause of such earthquakes on the East Coast is the shifting of Earth’s surface after being weighed down by ice sheets from the last Ice Age.

“It’s otherwise an inactive fault, readjusting to the loss of the ice, most likely,” Carchedi said.

Hough said the region is generally considered a “passive margin” between North America and the Atlantic Ocean, meaning there’s no active fault or plate boundary. But she notes that one of her colleagues calls it a “passive-aggressive margin — because it will occasionally bite you.”

“Moderate earthquakes in the East are always uncommon enough to be interesting,” Hough said, noting that Friday’s will be intensely studied.

Shaking travels far

As soon as she felt the tremors, Bohon began counting down. Earthquakes unleash multiple kinds of seismic waves that travel through the Earth at different speeds. Measuring the time between the first shaking and the next set of waves can give a rough estimate of how close it was — similar to measuring the time between a flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder.

Bohon got to eight seconds, so she knew that the epicenter of the quake wasn’t very close. Then, she began looking up local seismic reports to make sure she hadn’t imagined it.

I swear I just felt in earthquake in Maryland, — Wendy Bohon, PhD 🌏 (@DrWendyRocks) April 5, 2024

It has long been known that earthquake shaking travels farther on the East Coast than on the West Coast. The USGS says earthquakes can be felt over an area 10 times larger on the East Coast.

On the West Coast, “the rocks are warmer, so they are more active, they’ve experienced activity more recently — so they’re warmer and will attenuate or absorb some of the seismic energy as they pass through that rock,” Carchedi said.

By contrast, the rocks are cold and brittle on the East Coast, and they transfer seismic energy much better than the West Coast.

Friday’s temblor is a reminder, Bohon said, that while people think of earthquakes as a West Coast phenomenon, they can happen anywhere.

Magnitude 4.8 earthquake hits New York City region

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A lawyer for Ecuador's detained former Vice President Jorge Glas demanded in a letter to prison officials that she and others be allowed access to the politician, saying on Monday his legal team has been unable to contact him.

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Earthquake centered near New York City rattles much of the Northeast

NEW YORK (AP) — An earthquake shook the densely populated New York City metropolitan area Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said, with residents across the Northeast reporting rumbling in a region where people are unaccustomed to feeling the ground move.

The agency reported a quake at 10:23 a.m. with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, or about 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia. U.S.G.S. figures indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people.

New York City’s emergency notification system said in a social media post more than 30 minutes after the quake that it had no reports of damage or injuries in the city. Mayor Eric Adams had been briefed on the quake, his spokesperson Fabien Levy said, adding, “While we do not have any reports of major impacts at this time, we’re still assessing the impact.”

In midtown Manhattan, the usual cacophony of traffic grew louder as motorists blared their horns on momentarily shuddering streets. Some Brooklyn residents heard a booming sound and their building shaking. In an apartment house in Manhattan’s East Village, a resident from more earthquake-prone California calmed nervous neighbors.

People in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

In New York City’s Astoria neighborhood, Cassondra Kurtz was giving her 14-year-old Chihuahua, Chiki, a cocoa-butter rubdown for her dry skin. Kurtz was recording the moment on video, as an everyday memory of the dog’s older years, when her apartment started shaking hard enough that a 9-foot (2.7-meter-tall) mirror banged audibly against a wall.

Kurtz assumed at first it was a big truck going by.

“I’m from Jersey, so I’m not used to earthquakes,” she explained later.

The video captured her looking around, perplexed. Chiki, however, “was completely unbothered.”

At a coffee shop in lower Manhattan, customers buzzed over the unexpected earthquake, which rattled dishware and shook the concrete counter. “I noticed the door trembling on its frame,” said India Hays, a barista. “I thought surely there couldn’t be an earthquake here.”

Solomon Byron was sitting on a park bench in Manhattan’s East Village when he felt an unfamiliar rumble. “I felt this vibration, and I was just like, where is that vibration coming from,” Byron said. “There’s no trains nowhere close by here or anything like that.” Byron said he didn’t realize there had been an earthquake until he got the alert on his cellphone.

The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the earthquake and was “in touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X that the quake was felt throughout the state. “My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” Hochul said.

Philadelphia police asked people not to call 911 about seismic activity unless they were reporting an emergency. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said state officials were monitoring the situation. A spokesperson for Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont was unaware of any reports of damage in that state.

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Associated Press journalists around the country contributed to this report, including Jake Offenhartz and Karen Matthews in New York City, Seth Borenstein in Washington, Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Why Taiwan Was So Prepared for a Powerful Earthquake

Decades of learning from disasters, tightening building codes and increasing public awareness may have helped its people better weather strong quakes.

Search-and-rescue teams recover a body from a leaning building in Hualien, Taiwan. Thanks to improvements in building codes after past earthquakes, many structures withstood Wednesday’s quake. Credit...

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By Chris Buckley ,  Meaghan Tobin and Siyi Zhao

Photographs by Lam Yik Fei

Chris Buckley reported from the city of Hualien, Meaghan Tobin from Taipei, in Taiwan.

• April 4, 2024

When the largest earthquake in Taiwan in half a century struck off its east coast, the buildings in the closest city, Hualien, swayed and rocked. As more than 300 aftershocks rocked the island over the next 24 hours to Thursday morning, the buildings shook again and again.

But for the most part, they stood.

Even the two buildings that suffered the most damage remained largely intact, allowing residents to climb to safety out the windows of upper stories. One of them, the rounded, red brick Uranus Building, which leaned precariously after its first floors collapsed, was mostly drawing curious onlookers.

The building is a reminder of how much Taiwan has prepared for disasters like the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that jolted the island on Wednesday. Perhaps because of improvements in building codes, greater public awareness and highly trained search-and-rescue operations — and, likely, a dose of good luck — the casualty figures were relatively low. By Thursday, 10 people had died and more than 1,000 others were injured. Several dozen were missing.

“Similar level earthquakes in other societies have killed far more people,” said Daniel Aldrich , a director of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University. Of Taiwan, he added: “And most of these deaths, it seems, have come from rock slides and boulders, rather than building collapses.”

Across the island, rail traffic had resumed by Thursday, including trains to Hualien. Workers who had been stuck in a rock quarry were lifted out by helicopter. Roads were slowly being repaired. Hundreds of people were stranded at a hotel near a national park because of a blocked road, but they were visited by rescuers and medics.

On Thursday in Hualien city, the area around the Uranus Building was sealed off, while construction workers tried to prevent the leaning structure from toppling completely. First they placed three-legged concrete blocks that resembled giant Lego pieces in front of the building, and then they piled dirt and rocks on top of those blocks with excavators.

“We came to see for ourselves how serious it was, why it has tilted,” said Chang Mei-chu, 66, a retiree who rode a scooter with her husband Lai Yung-chi, 72, to the building on Thursday. Mr. Lai said he was a retired builder who used to install power and water pipes in buildings, and so he knew about building standards. The couple’s apartment, near Hualien’s train station, had not been badly damaged, he said.

“I wasn’t worried about our building, because I know they paid attention to earthquake resistance when building it. I watched them pour the cement to make sure,” Mr. Lai said. “There have been improvements. After each earthquake, they raise the standards some more.”

It was possible to walk for city blocks without seeing clear signs of the powerful earthquake. Many buildings remained intact, some of them old and weather-worn; others modern, multistory concrete-and-glass structures. Shops were open, selling coffee, ice cream and betel nuts. Next to the Uranus Building, a popular night market with food stalls offering fried seafood, dumplings and sweets was up and running by Thursday evening.

Earthquakes are unavoidable in Taiwan, which sits on multiple active faults. Decades of work learning from other disasters, implementing strict building codes and increasing public awareness have gone into helping its people weather frequent strong quakes.

Not far from the Uranus Building, for example, officials had inspected a building with cracked pillars and concluded that it was dangerous to stay in. Residents were given 15 minutes to dash inside and retrieve as many belongings as they could. Some ran out with computers, while others threw bags of clothes out of windows onto the street, which was also still littered with broken glass and cement fragments from the quake.

One of its residents, Chen Ching-ming, a preacher at a church next door, said he thought the building might be torn down. He was able to salvage a TV and some bedding, which now sat on the sidewalk, and was preparing to go back in for more. “I’ll lose a lot of valuable things — a fridge, a microwave, a washing machine,” he said. “All gone.”

Requirements for earthquake resistance have been built into Taiwan’s building codes since 1974. In the decades since, the writers of Taiwan’s building code also applied lessons learned from other major earthquakes around the world, including in Mexico and Los Angeles, to strengthen Taiwan’s code.

After more than 2,400 people were killed and at least 10,000 others injured during the Chi-Chi quake of 1999, thousands of buildings built before the quake were reviewed and reinforced. After another strong quake in 2018 in Hualien, the government ordered a new round of building inspections. Since then, multiple updates to the building code have been released.

“We have retrofitted more than 10,000 school buildings in the last 20 years,” said Chung-Che Chou, the director general of the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in Taipei.

The government had also helped reinforce private apartment buildings over the past six years by adding new steel braces and increasing column and beam sizes, Dr. Chou said. Not far from the buildings that partially collapsed in Hualien, some of the older buildings that had been retrofitted in this way survived Wednesday’s quake, he said.

The result of all this is that even Taiwan’s tallest skyscrapers can withstand regular seismic jolts. The capital city’s most iconic building, Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, was engineered to stand through typhoon winds and frequent quakes. Still, some experts say that more needs to be done to either strengthen or demolish structures that don’t meet standards, and such calls have grown louder in the wake of the latest earthquake.

Taiwan has another major reason to protect its infrastructure: It is home to the majority of production for the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest maker of advanced computer chips. The supply chain for electronics from smartphones to cars to fighter jets rests on the output of TSMC’s factories, which make these chips in facilities that cost billions of dollars to build.

The 1999 quake also prompted TSMC to take extra steps to insulate its factories from earthquake damage. The company made major structural adjustments and adopted new technologies like early warning systems. When another large quake struck the southern city of Kaohsiung in February 2016, TSMC’s two nearby factories survived without structural damage.

Taiwan has made strides in its response to disasters, experts say. In the first 24 hours after the quake, rescuers freed hundreds of people who were trapped in cars in between rockfalls on the highway and stranded on mountain ledges in rock quarries.

“After years of hard work on capacity building, the overall performance of the island has improved significantly,” said Bruce Wong, an emergency management consultant in Hong Kong. Taiwan’s rescue teams have come to specialize in complex efforts, he said, and it has also been able to tap the skills of trained volunteers.

Taiwan’s resilience also stems from a strong civil society that is involved in public preparedness for disasters.

Ou Chi-hu, a member of a group of Taiwanese military veterans, was helping distribute water and other supplies at a school that was serving as a shelter for displaced residents in Hualien. He said that people had learned from the 1999 earthquake how to be more prepared.

“They know to shelter in a corner of the room or somewhere else safer,” he said. Many residents also keep a bag of essentials next to their beds, and own fire extinguishers, he added.

Around him, a dozen or so other charities and groups were offering residents food, money, counseling and childcare. The Tzu Chi Foundation, a large Taiwanese Buddhist charity, provided tents for families to use inside the school hall so they could have more privacy. Huang Yu-chi, a disaster relief manager with the foundation, said nonprofits had learned from earlier disasters.

“Now we’re more systematic and have a better idea of disaster prevention,” Mr. Huang said.

Mike Ives contributed reporting from Seoul.

Chris Buckley , the chief China correspondent for The Times, reports on China and Taiwan from Taipei, focused on politics, social change and security and military issues. More about Chris Buckley

Meaghan Tobin is a technology correspondent for The Times based in Taipei, covering business and tech stories in Asia with a focus on China. More about Meaghan Tobin

Siyi Zhao is a reporter and researcher who covers news in mainland China for The Times in Seoul. More about Siyi Zhao

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