University of Puerto Rico at Ponce

English Department
INGL 4021 – M03

Date: September 22, 2020

To: Professor Lecompte
From: Yaidelis Rodriguez
Subject: Tsunamis and earthquakes. Who to believe?

Last Tuesday I attended to the conference about tsunamis and earthquakes as it is

important to know what has been happening in Puerto Rico. Jose Rivera presented the
lectures. In addition, he belongs to the seismic network team which is located in UPR
Mayagüez in the geology department. The professor offered the lecture via Google Meet
on September 22, 2020. It started at 12:30 pm and ended at 1:30 pm.

Conference with Jose Rivera

In the conference he talked about the tectonic plates that surround our island. We learn
about the instrument used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes and also the history
of earthquakes that have caused damage in Puerto Rico. This conference was very helpful
personal and professional as I learned how to prepare for any event. What should I do
before, during and after the event and how long can it take for a tsunami to reach Puerto
Rico. I think these learning talks are very necessary to be prepared for any event.

How is the intensity of earthquakes classified?

- 0 – 3 micro
- 3 – 3.9 smaller
- 4 – 4.9 mild
- 5 – 5.9 modest

Myths about earthquakes

Some people thought that the earthquakes in southern Puerto Rico in January were due
to oil exploitation, which its confirmed to be false. Fracking refers to the practice of using
water, chemicals, and injected sand under pressure to bill rocks that contain liquid
petroleum or some natural gas. What happens is that when an earthquake approaches, a
slingshot that goes from 5 – 8 km/s first propagates (the movement goes faster) and this is
felt by the dog. They comes the 3 – 5 km/s sling, which is the movement of the plates that
we feel.

Conclusion
This conference was very helpful. I learn about the myths about earthquakes and some
important information of what I need to do in this situation. I believe that these
conferences should be offered in elementary schools in order to prepare children for their
safety. Well, this will be helpful for the future.