Module 4: Earthquake Hazards-50

Earthquakes are the perceptible shakings of the

surface of the Earth, resulting from the sudden release
of energy in the Earth’s crust that creates seismic
waves. Earthquakes can be violent enough to toss
people around and destroy whole cities.
 Earthquake Hazards

1. Ground shaking. The first main earthquake

hazard is the effect of ground shaking:
Collapsing buildings, walls, bridges,
falling furniture or objects, shattering
glass windows and mirrors.

Debris from collapsing structures is one of

the principal dangers during an earthquake
since the impact of large, heavy objects can
be fatal to human beings.
2. Ground rupture. Ground rupture is a visible
breaking and displacement of the Earth's
surface along the trace of the fault, which may
be of the order of several meters in the case of
major earthquakes.
3. Liquefaction. Liquefaction happens when
sediments with a high water content are
subjected to prolonged shaking, the pressure
of the water held in pores in the sediment
gradually increases eventually, the sediments
lose all cohesive strength and begin to behave
as if they were liquids.
4. Earthquake-induced ground subsidence.
Land subsidence can occur in various ways
during an earthquake. Movement that occurs
along faults can be horizontal or vertical or have
a component of both. As a result, a large area of
land can subside drastically during an
earthquake.
5. Tsunami. A tsunami, also known as a seismic
sea wave, is a series of waves in a water body
caused by the displacement of a large volume
of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake.
An earthquake is a natural tsunami warning. A
tsunami is sometimes preceded by a noticeable
fall or rise in the water level..
Tsunami signs along the
shoreline
 strong ground shaking
from an earthquake
 unusual sea-level
fluctuations: a Tsunami hazard sign in California, United
noticeable rapid rise or States
fall in coastal waters
 abnormally huge wave
 loud ocean roar

Tsunami Siren, Ophir State Park,

Oregon, United States
6. Earthquake-induced landslides

Strong ground motion can also trigger

landslides -- known as earthquake-induced
landslides -- in areas with steep slopes. The
greatest losses of human life are due to rock
avalanches, rapid soil flows and rock falls.
 Other Geological Hazards
1.Rainfall-induced landslide. Landslides are
often triggered by rainfall, particularly in the
tropical climate of SE Asia which is
characterized by very intense long duration
rainy seasons.
2. Sinkhole
A sinkhole is a localized depression in the
surface topography, usually caused by the
collapse of a subterranean structure such as a
cave.
Although rare, large sinkholes that develop
suddenly in populated areas can lead to the
collapse of buildings and other structures.
KEY POINTS:

 Locations of buildings should be based on

local geology and the subsoil properties which
modify the earthquake ground motion .

 Earthquake resistant measures as specified

in building codes must be strictly adopted.

 Earthquake drills are important measures for

preparedness.