Understanding Earthquakes:

Causes, Impacts, and Mitigatio

Radwa Khaled
 Overview Of Topics

● Introduction
● Understanding Earthquakes
● Causes of Earthquakes
● Effects and Impacts
● How are earthquakes measured?
● Prediction and Early Warning
● Mitigation and Preparedness
● Case Studies
● Regional Focus
● Technological Advances
● Policy and Governance
● Conclusion
● References
 Introduction

Defined by seismic upheavals and tectonic shifts,

earthquakes remain a testament to the raw power of our
planet. These seismic events, born from the intricate dance
of colossal tectonic plates, echo far beyond their epicenters,
reshaping landscapes and communities in moments.
 What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by

the release of energy in the Earth's crust. This energy is
primarily triggered by the movement of tectonic plates, the
large, constantly moving pieces that make up the Earth's
surface.
 Causes Of Earthquake

● The primal cause of Earthquakes is Tectonic plate movement “Faults”.

● Volcanic Activity

● Human Activity
 What is Fault?

“A fault is a break or fracture b/w two block of rocks

in response to stress”
 Types Of Faults

● Normal Fault: Normal faults occur when one plate pulls away from
another plate. The Basin and Range Province in the western United States
is a famous example of a normal fault.

● Reverse Fault: Reverse faults occur when one plate is thrust over another
plate. The Himalayan Mountains were formed by the movement of a
reverse fault.

● Strike-Slip Fault: Strike-slip faults occur when two plates slide past each
other horizontally, like two puzzle pieces sliding past each other. The San
Andreas Fault in California is a famous example of a strike-slip fault.
 What is Volcanic Activity?

“Volcanic activity is the process of molten rock (magma) rising to

the Earth's surface and erupting as lava, ash, and gas. This process
can cause earthquakes through various mechanisms “
 Volcanic Activity Mechanisms

● Movement of magma: As magma rises through the

Earth's crust, it can crack and fracture the rock, causing
tremors and earthquakes.
● Volcanic eruptions: The sudden release of pressure
during an eruption can cause the ground to shake
violently, generating earthquakes.
● Collapsing volcanic structures: The collapse of
volcanic craters or calderas can trigger tremors and small
earthquakes.
 Human Activity

Human activity can also trigger earthquakes, although less frequently than natural causes. These
activities primarily involve altering the stress and pressure within the Earth's crust. Here are some
examples:

● Mining
● Fracking
● Dam construction
● Water withdrawal

:
 Mining

● Deep underground mining can remove large amounts of rock,

creating cavities that can collapse and trigger earthquakes.

Examples: Coal mining in China and South Africa.

 Fracking

● Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) involves injecting fluids deep

underground to create cracks in rock formations and release
trapped oil and gas. This fluid injection can increase pressure
and stress within the Earth's crust, potentially triggering
earthquakes.

Examples: Oklahoma and Texas in the US.

 Dam Construction

● The weight of a large dam and its reservoir can put significant
pressure on the Earth's crust, leading to earthquakes.

Examples: Koyna Dam earthquake in India and Kariba Dam

earthquake in Africa.
 Water Withdrawal

● Excessive pumping of groundwater can lower the water table

and cause the ground to subside, leading to stress changes and
potentially triggering earthquakes.

Examples: California Central Valley and Las Vegas Valley in the US.
 Effects and Impacts of Earthquakes

● Social Impact: ● Environmental Consequences:

- Displacement - Landslides
- Casualties - Ecosystem disruption
- Psychological trauma

● Economic Impact:
- Infrastructure damage
- Financial losses
 How Are Earthquakes Measured?

Understanding Magnitude & Intensity.

Magnitude:
● Measures the earthquake's size (energy released)
● Determined by seismographs
● Quantified by the Richter scale (exponential scale)

Intensity:
● Measures the earthquake's effects at a specific location
● Based on observed damage and felt sensations
● Quantified by the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale (ordinal scale)
Earthquake Prediction and Early Warning

Understanding the difference between earthquake prediction and early warning

is crucial for effective preparedness.

Earthquake Prediction: Remember!!:

● Objective: Forecast timing, location, and magnitude of an earthquake. ● We cannot reliably predict
earthquakes yet.
● Timeline: Long-term (years to decades). ● Early warning provides crucial
● Accuracy: Currently unreliable. seconds to prepare.
● Research on both prediction and
● Application: Limited practical use.
early warning continues.

Earthquake Early Warning:

● Objective: Detect initial tremors and issue warnings before strong shaking.
● Timeline: Short-term (seconds).
● Accuracy: High potential.
● Application: Saves lives and reduces damage.