CALA COMPONENT : 3

LEVEL : 'O' LEVEL

LEARNING AREA : GEOGRAPHY

TOPIC : LANDFORM STUDIES

SUB TOPIC : EARTHQUAKES

BACKGROUND
 In the last 12 months three earthquakes of equivalent magnitudes end
several others of smaller magnitudes occurred south of the Kariba dam.
Of note are magnitude M4.3,M4.5 and M4.6 that occurred on 2 August
2022,9 August 2021 and 24 May 2022, with epicenters near Binga and
below the lake respectively.

Required

1. Define the term Earthquake,earthquake magnitude and epicenter. [6]

2. What are the possible causes of earthquakes around the Kariba area.[3]

3. Draw a well labeled diagram to show the structure of an earthquake.[7]

4. Suggest precautions people can take before, during and after an

earthquake strike. [9]

Part 1 : defining an earthquake,

magnitude and epicenter
 These are sudden earth movements or vibrations in the earth's crust
caused by:

a)one tectonic plate sliding over or past another plate along the line of a
fault.

b)volcanic eruptions - the movement of molten rock below ,or on to, the
earth's crust, which in turn is caused by movement of plates.

 Earthquake magnitude this refers to the amount released by an

earthquake which is measured on the Richter Scale which ranges from 0
to 8 .

 The epicenter is the point on the surface immediately above the focus
where the shock wave first hits the surface the shock wave then give rise
to the earthquake.

Part 2 : the possible causes of earthquakes

around Kariba
  The earthquakes around Kariba are referred to as 'reservoir induced
tremors' .

 They are a response of the earth's crust response to the water load or
weight of water given the size of the dam and have been occurring since
1963.

 Ever since the dam started filling over a 1000 tremors of magnitude 4.0
have occurred.

 The earthquakes are characterized as low magnitude, shallow source

and high intensity.

Part 3 : well labeled diagram to show the

structure of an earthquake
Seismic wave radiate from the focus of an earthquake upto the epicenter
and onward.

Part 4 : suggest precautions people can take

before, during and after an earthquake
Before
 Practice drop , cover and hold on with each member of your household.
 Evacuation.
 Make or purchase an earthquake safety kit.

During
 Stay away from outer walls, fireplaces ,windows and hanging
objects.
 If unable to move from a bed or chair protect yourself from
falling objects by covering up with pillows and blankets.
 If outside go to an open area away from trees ,telephone poles,
power lines , and buildings,and stay there.
 Get down under a table, desk or any heavy furniture.

 If indoors you can stand against the wall near the center of the
building.

After
 Do not waste food nor water as supplies may be interrupted.
 Stay calm.
 If indoors don't go outside.
 Do not light matches or turn on light switches until sure there are no gas
leaks or flammable liquids spilled.
 Use a flashlight to check to check utilities and do not shut them off unless
they are damaged.