The WHs of Earthquakes

a seismic event that generates seismic waves causing the ground to vibrate. ` is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust.
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Plate Tectonics Volcanic Eruptions Nuclear Explosions

` Earthquakes

usually happen when plates and rocks within the Earth suddenly break or shift under stress sending shock waves rippling.

Most earthquake occurs along fractures in the Earths crust called FAULTS. Faults are breaks in the Earth along which movement occurs.

the prediction techniques are not found reliable and reproducible. seismicity patterns, electromagnetic fields, irregular clouds, animal demeanor, water level in wells and hydrogen gas content of ground water. An earthquake prediction has to include the area, magnitude, time window, physical basis and estimate of probability.

Seismograph used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake. Ritcher Scale-used to calculate the amplitude of largest and strongest seismic waves.

Indoors
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Do not try to run out of the building. Most of the deaths are caused when people try to move outside the building. When you start experiencing the vibration, get under a sturdy bed or table. It would also be a good idea to cover your head and face with the help of pillow, newspapers, blanket, big boxes to protect yourself from falling debris. Stay away from china cabinets, tall shelves, mirrors, huge set of furniture, glass windows, sliding doors, during an earthquake.

Outdoors
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Stay at a place till the earthquake subsides or stops. However, make sure that you do not stay anywhere near walls, buildings, lampposts, garages, power poles, etc. Make sure that you do not stamp or drive you car through fallen lines. You should remember that fallen power lines are not dead, rather they have the potential of causing a severe shock. Stop the vehicle at a safe place. Make sure that you stay inside the car till the earthquake stops because as the car is a good shock absorber, it will keep you safe.

Magnitude- numerical expression of the amount of energy released by an earthquake. Intensity- a number describing the severity of an earthquake in terms of its effects on the earth's surface and on humans and their structures. Seismic Waves- vibration disturbance in the Earth that travels at speeds of several kilometers per second.

Tremor- continuous rhythmic earthquakes in the Earth's upper lithosphere that can be detected by seismographs. Aftershocks-earthquakes that follow the largest shock of an earthquake sequence. Epicenter-the point on the earth's surface vertically above the point in the crust where a seismic rupture begins. Hypocenter-The point within the earth where an earthquake rupture starts. Also commonly termed the focus. Fault- a break in the Earth along which movement occurs. Sudden movement along a fault produces earthquakes.