Earthquakes

An earthquake is the vibrations of the earth’s surface that follow a release of

energy in the earth’s crust.

An earthquake occurs when the stresses/pressure caused by plate movements are

released.

Most earthquakes occur at the circum-pacific plate boundary.

The point at which 2 plates meet is called a focus. When they meet they release
energy that comes in the form of vibrations known as seismic waves. The point
directly above the focus is called the epicenter.

The Richter scale is how earthquakes are measured. It is a scale of 0-10 with 10 being the
highest, causing absolute destruction with 0 chances of survival.

Dealing with earthquakes:

● Better forecasting and monitoring of crustal movements
● Earthquake proof building designs
● Emergency procedures

Impact of earthquakes depends on:

 ● Strength of earthquake
● Number of aftershocks
● Population density
● Type of building (eg hut vs. skyscraper)
● Time of day (night has less people, day has more)
● Types of rock + sediments
● Distance from epicenter
● Secondary hazards (landslides, tsunamis)

Earthquake-proof building designs (single storey house):

● Hollow, concrete brick (prevents damage)
● Roof built with concrete cement
● House is slightly elevated (foundations are slightly above the ground to prevent
contact with vibrating surface)
● Foundation is made from stone
● Foundations are multiple (vibrations are divided amongst the foundations, absorb
shock waves and less vibrations reach the house)
● Steel reinforcements in foundations (allows flexibility so that the steel vibrates
with the ground and no cracks appear)

Earthquake-proof building designs (tall building):

● Cross-bracing (reinforce walls using two steel beams)
● Shock absorbers/base isolators (absorb tremors and vibrations of earthquakes)
● Shear walls (concrete walls with steel bars in them to reduce rocking movements)
● Hollow bricks (if the walls fall the hollow bricks will not cause as much damage)