EARTHQUAKES

Name – ANUSHKA AGARWAL

Class – 8th A

Roll no. – 11
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking of the
surface of the Earth resulting from a
sudden release of energy in the Earth's
lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

Earthquakes may range from mild

tremors that can barely be felt to
massive once resulting in widespread
destruction.
Diagrammatic Representation of an
Earthquake
What is Seismology ?
Seismology is the scientific study of
earthquakes and the propagation of
elastic waves through the Earth or
through other planet-like bodies.

Seismology is the study of

earthquakes and the structure of the
earth, by both naturally and
artificially generated seismic waves.
 Did you

Know?

John Milne
He is known as a Father of
modern seismology.
John Milne (30 December
1850 – 31 July 1913) was a
British geologist and
mining engineer who
worked on a horizontal
seismograph.
 How an Earthquake occurs ?
Earthquakes generally occur at plate boundaries also called seismic
zones or fault zones.
Sometimes, the jagged edges of two plates get logged into each other and prevent
them from moving. As a result, pressure builds up against these rough edges.

Vibrations caused by an earthquake travel in the form of waves within the Earth or
along the surface of the Earth. These waves are called seismic waves.

As the pressure built-up continues, the edges give way. The resulting sudden
movement of the plates causes an earthquake. The point where the edges give way
is called the focus. The point vertically above the focus on the surface of the Earth
is called the epicentre.
Measurement of Seismic Waves
The instrument used to measure
seismic waves is called a
seismograph. A typical
seismological output, called a
Seismogram looks like a series
of waves. Scientists who study
the behaviour of earthquakes are
called Seismologists.
Working of a Seismograph
A seismograph, or seismometer,
is an instrument that record
seismic waves i.e. earthquakes.
It contain a weight and a pen
attached to a spring (below). The
seismograph is bolted to the
ground so during an earthquake
it moves with the ground, whilst
the weight and pen remain still.
The pen moves across a rotating
paper roll recording the seismic
waves.
Earthquake Hazards
An Earthquake Hazard may be defined as any event or process associated with
an earthquake that may adversely affect people or property. Earthquake hazards
include:-

1. Ground failure due to liquefaction i.e. water-saturated sand or soil

temporarily losing strength and acting as a fluid.
2. Damage to buildings, roads, dams, bridges, etc…
3. Deformation of the ground surface.
4. Fires resulting from the breaking of electrical power or gas lines.
5. Occurrence of tsunamis due to large earthquakes under oceans.
6. Occurrence of landslides in hilly areas.
Safety precautions during earthquake
1. Take shelter under a table and stay
there till the shaking stops.
2. Stay away from tall and heavy
objects that may fall on you
3. Do not get up, if you are in bed.
Protect your head with pillows.
4. If you’re caught outside then, find
a clear spot away from buildings,
trees, bridges and overhead power
lines. Drop to the ground.
5. Do not come out, if you are in a
moving vehicle.
🙂
🙏