Earthquake- Induced Ground Subsidence

Earthquake-induced ground subsidence, also known as land subsidence, refers to the settling or
sinking of the ground surface triggered by an earthquake. This phenomenon can have significant
consequences, impacting infrastructure, buildings, and landscapes.

Here's a deeper dive into how earthquakes cause subsidence and the resulting effects:

Mechanisms of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

There are two main mechanisms by which earthquakes can cause subsidence:

• Liquefaction: As discussed earlier, liquefaction occurs when saturated, loose soils lose their
strength due to strong ground shaking. This can lead to the ground settling as the liquefied soil
compacts.
• Fault Movement: During large earthquakes, the movement of tectonic plates along a fault line
can cause the ground on one side to subside vertically. This can create a step-like feature on
the Earth's surface.

Factors Affecting Subsidence Severity

The severity of earthquake-induced subsidence depends on several factors:

• Earthquake Magnitude: Stronger earthquakes are more likely to trigger liquefaction and
cause greater ground movement, leading to more significant subsidence.
• Ground Conditions: Areas with loose, saturated soils are more prone to liquefaction and
subsequent subsidence.
• Underlying Geology: The presence of soft sediments or clays can amplify subsidence caused
by fault movement.
• Water Table Level: A higher water table increases the risk of liquefaction and subsidence.

Impact of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

Earthquake-induced subsidence can have several negative consequences:

• Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, railways, and other infrastructure can be cracked,
uneven, or misaligned due to subsidence. This can disrupt transportation and utility services.
• Building Damage: Buildings can experience foundation problems, uneven settlement, and
structural cracks due to subsidence. In severe cases, buildings may become uninhabitable.
• Landslides: Subsidence can trigger landslides, especially on slopes where the ground loses
stability.
• Coastal Flooding: In coastal areas, subsidence can cause land to sink below sea level,
increasing the risk of flooding.

Examples of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

Several historical earthquakes have caused significant ground subsidence:

• The 1964 Niigata earthquake in Japan caused widespread liquefaction and subsidence,
leading to extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
 • The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California triggered liquefaction and subsidence in some
areas, damaging buildings and roads.
• The 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan caused extensive subsidence along the coast due to
fault movement, displacing many communities.

Mitigating Subsidence Risks

Similar to liquefaction, mitigating earthquake-induced subsidence involves understanding the risks

and taking preventative measures:

• Land-use planning: Avoiding construction of critical structures in areas with high subsidence
risk.
• Ground improvement techniques: In some cases, ground can be treated to improve its
stability and reduce liquefaction susceptibility.
• Building codes and design: Earthquake-resistant building codes and foundation designs can
help minimize damage from subsidence.

Fill in the Blank: Earthquake-Induced Ground Subsidence

Mechanisms of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

1. Earthquake-induced ground subsidence, also known as land subsidence, refers to the

_______ of the ground surface triggered by an earthquake.
2. There are two main mechanisms: Liquefaction and _______
3. Liquefaction: When saturated, loose soils lose strength due to shaking, causing the ground to
_______ as the soil compacts.
4. Fault Movement: During large earthquakes, movement of tectonic plates along a fault line can
cause the ground on one side to _______ vertically, creating a step-like feature.

Factors Affecting Subsidence Severity

5. The severity depends on several factors, including _______. Stronger earthquakes are more
likely to trigger liquefaction and cause more subsidence.
6. _______ also play a role. Areas with loose, saturated soils are more prone.
7. The _______ can further affect subsidence. The presence of soft sediments or clays can
amplify subsidence caused by fault movement.
8. A higher _______ increases the risk of liquefaction and subsidence.

Impact of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

9. Subsidence can damage _______ like roads, bridges, and railways, causing cracks,
unevenness, or misalignment, disrupting transportation and utilities.
10. Buildings can experience foundation problems, uneven _______ and structural cracks due to
subsidence. In severe cases, they may become _______
11. Subsidence can trigger _______ especially on slopes where the ground loses stability.
12. In coastal areas, subsidence can cause land to sink below sea level, increasing the risk of
_______
Examples of Earthquake-Induced Subsidence

13. The 1964 Niigata earthquake in Japan caused widespread _______ and subsidence,
damaging buildings and infrastructure.
14. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California triggered liquefaction and subsidence in some
areas, damaging _______ and roads.
15. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan caused extensive subsidence along the coast due to
fault movement, displacing many _______

Mitigating Subsidence Risks

16. Similar to liquefaction, mitigating subsidence involves understanding the risks and taking
preventative measures, like _______ . This means avoiding critical structures in high-risk
areas.
17. In some cases, ground can be treated with _______ to improve its stability and reduce
liquefaction susceptibility.
18. Earthquake-resistant _______ and foundation designs can help minimize damage from
subsidence.

True or False: Earthquake-Induced Ground Subsidence

Directions: Mark each statement as True or False based on the information in the passage.

1. Earthquake-induced ground subsidence refers to the floating of the ground surface.

2. Liquefaction is one mechanism by which earthquakes can cause subsidence.
3. Fault movement along a fault line can cause subsidence by tilting the ground on one side.
4. Stronger earthquakes are less likely to trigger liquefaction and cause subsidence.
5. Areas with dry, compact soil are more prone to subsidence than areas with loose, saturated
soils
6. The presence of soft sediments or clays can lessen the subsidence caused by fault
movement..
7. A higher water table can decrease the risk of liquefaction and subsidence.
8. Earthquake-induced subsidence can cause cracks and unevenness in roads and bridges.
9. Buildings may suffer foundation damage due to subsidence.
10. In severe cases of subsidence, buildings may become unsafe for habitation.
11. Landslides are more likely to occur on flat surfaces than on slopes after an earthquake
12. Coastal subsidence can lead to increased risk of flooding from the sea.
13. The 1964 Niigata earthquake in Japan is an example of earthquake-induced subsidence.
14. Liquefaction was not a factor in the subsidence caused by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
15. Building codes with no earthquake resistance are helpful in mitigating subsidence risks.
16. Land-use planning to avoid critical structures in high-risk areas is a way to mitigate subsidence
risks.
17. There are currently no methods to improve the stability of ground susceptible to subsidence.
18. Subsidence is a common consequence of volcanic eruptions.
19. Understanding the risks of subsidence is important for communities in earthquake-prone
areas.
20. Earthquake-induced subsidence is a completely unavoidable phenomenon.

FIND SOLUTIONS
A.I would reinforce the building's foundation with
deep pilings or braces to resist vertical settlement
caused by subsidence. Additionally, I would
install flexible connections between structural
elements to accommodate ground movement
during earthquakes.
F. I would advocate for the implementation of coastal
defense measures such as seawalls, levees, and beach
nourishment to elevate coastal areas and reduce the risk of
flooding due to subsidence. Additionally, I would promote
sustainable land-use practices to minimize development in
low-lying areas prone to inundation.

B.I would explore the use of satellite-based
remote sensing techniques, ground-based
sensors, and advanced geophysical imaging
technologies to monitor changes in ground
elevation and detect subsidence patterns in real-
time. Additionally, I would develop
computational models to predict the likelihood
and severity of subsidence events based on
seismic activity and geological factors.
G. I would conduct thorough geological surveys to identify
areas prone to subsidence and avoid building critical
infrastructure in those zones. Additionally, I would
implement ground improvement techniques to stabilize
the soil and ensure the resilience of buildings against
potential subsidence.

C.I would reinforce the foundation of my house
and ensure proper drainage to mitigate the
effects of liquefaction-induced subsidence.
Additionally, I would secure heavy furniture and
fixtures to prevent damage from structural
settlement.
H. I would coordinate emergency response efforts to
assess the extent of damage and prioritize the repair of
critical infrastructure affected by subsidence. Additionally,
I would provide support to displaced residents and
facilitate access to temporary housing.

D.I would research historical seismic activity in
the region, examine geological maps to identify
fault lines and areas prone to liquefaction, and
consult with experts to evaluate the potential risk
of ground subsidence affecting the property.
E. Earthquake-induced ground subsidence could
lead to coastal flooding as the land sinks below
sea level, increasing the risk of inundation for
homes and businesses located near the shoreline.
I. Subsidence caused by liquefaction often manifests as
gradual settling of the ground surface due to soil
compaction, whereas subsidence from fault movement
may result in abrupt changes in elevation, creating step-
like features along fault lines.
J. I would conduct regular inspections of roadways to
detect signs of subsidence, such as uneven pavement or
cracks. Upon identification, I would prioritize repairs and
implement measures to stabilize the ground beneath the
affected roads

1. Situation: You are a civil engineer tasked with designing a new residential area. How would you mitigate the risk
of earthquake-induced ground subsidence in the construction plans? Possible Answer

2. Situation: You live in a coastal region prone to earthquakes. How might earthquake-induced ground subsidence
affect your community? Possible Answer

3. Situation: You are a homeowner in an area susceptible to liquefaction. How might you prepare your property to
minimize the impact of ground subsidence during an earthquake? Possible Answer

4. Situation: A major earthquake has struck your city, causing widespread ground subsidence. As a local
government official, what immediate actions would you take to address the aftermath? Possible Answer:

5. Situation: You are a transportation planner tasked with maintaining roadways in an earthquake-prone region.
How might you identify and address potential subsidence issues in the road network? Possible Answer:.
6. Situation: You are a geologist studying the impact of earthquakes on the local landscape. How would you
differentiate between subsidence caused by liquefaction and subsidence resulting from fault movement?
Possible Answer

7. Situation: You are a homeowner considering purchasing property in an earthquake-prone area. What factors
would you evaluate to assess the risk of ground subsidence before making a decision? Possible Answer

8. Situation: You are a structural engineer tasked with retrofitting an older building to withstand earthquake-
induced ground subsidence. What structural modifications would you recommend? Possible Answer

9. Situation: You are a coastal planner developing strategies to mitigate the impact of subsidence-induced coastal
flooding. What measures would you propose to protect vulnerable coastal communities? Possible Answer

10. Situation: You are a researcher investigating innovative technologies for monitoring ground subsidence in
earthquake-prone regions. What technological solutions would you explore to enhance early detection and
warning systems? Possible Answer: