The Earthquakes

XII A3
What is Earthquake ?
An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a
sudden release of energy that cause violent shaking of the ground in the Earths
crust that creates seismic waves. Sometimes causing great destruction, as a
result of movements within the Earth's crust or volcanic action.
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What Causes an Earthquake ?
There are about 20 plates along the surface of the earth that move
continuously and slowly past each other. When the plates squeeze or stretch,
huge rocks form at their edges and the rocks shift with great force, causing an
earthquake.
Think of it this way: Imagine holding a pencil horizontally. If you were to
apply a force to both ends of the pencil by pushing down on them, you would
see the pencil bend. After enough force was applied, the pencil would break in
the middle, releasing the stress you have put on it. The Earth's crust acts in the
same way. As the plates move they put forces on themselves and each other.
When the force is large enough, the crust is forced to break. When the break
occurs, the stress is released as energy which moves through the Earth in the
form of waves, which we feel and call an earthquake.
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What is a fault ?
A fault is an area of stress in the earth where broken rocks slide past
each other, causing a crack in the Earth's surface. There are the major types of
faults: dip-slip normal, dip-slip reverse, strike-slip, and oblique-slip. In Utah,
movement along faults is mostly vertical; mountain blocks (for example, the
Wasatch Range) move up relative to the downward movement of valley blocks
(for example, the Salt Lake Valley).

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What are Plate Tectonics ?
The theory of plate tectonics is a interesting story of continents drifting
from place to place breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other.
The plate tectonic theory is supported by a wide range of evidence that
considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large,
thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. (See plate tectonic
graphic above.) The plates are all moving in different directions and at different
speeds. Sometimes the plates crash together, pull apart or sideswipe each
other. When this happens, it commonly results in earthquakes.
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Continental Drift
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What is a Seismograph ?
A seismograph is an instrument used for recording the intensity and
duration of an earthquake.
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How do Earthquakes Form ?
Let us imagine what goes on in the outer crust with the help of this diagram.
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First
Earthquakes develop in the crust of the earth. The crust involves the
earth's surface, submarine levels, down to the ocean floors. The inner part of the
earth contains massive energy. Some of this energy escapes through cracks and
other volcanic activity, but the bulk of it is stored within the earths inner part,
contained in the crust.
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Second
The earths outer crust is held in place like a completed jigsaw puzzle,
with rough edges and lines. The energy stored here causes the pieces to slide,
glide, knock and move around each piece. These pieces best describe what we
call Tectonic plates
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Third
After a period of time, the built up energy and movement causes huge
tension in the plates, and there is massive pressure on the fault lines. This
intense pressure resulting from energy build up causes the fault lines give way,
and plates move over, against or apart from each other.
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Fourth
There is an earthquake at this point. In the form of seismic waves (like
water ripples) the escaping energy radiates outward from the fault in all
directions. The seismic waves shake the earth as they move through it. When
the waves reach the earths surface, they shake the ground and anything on it,
tearing down houses and structures.
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How to Survive in Earthquake
Secure your space by identifying
hazards and securing moveable items.
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster
plan and deciding how you will
communicate in an emergency.
Organize disaster supplies in convenient
locations.
Minimize financial hardship by
organizing important documents,
strengthening your property, and
considering insurance.
If Earthquake does occur, Drop, Cover,
and Hold On when the earth shakes.
Secure
Plan
Minimize Improve
Hold On
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Earthquake Safety Tips
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE: Have a disaster plan. Emergency
preparedness can save lives. Choose a safe place in every room. Its best to get
under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk where nothing can fall on
you. Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Drop under something sturdy, hold
on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If you live in
an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the wall and install strong
latches to cupboards. Prepare a first aid kit for your home. By taking special
precautions and checking for hazards before a disaster strikes, you will be much
more likely to stay safe.


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Earthquake Safety Tips
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Stay indoors until
the shaking stops. Stay away from windows. If youre in bed, hold on and stay
there, protecting your head with a pillow. If youre outdoors, find a clear spot
away from buildings, trees and power lines. Then, drop to the ground. If youre
in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay in the car until the shaking
stops.


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Earthquake Safety Tips
AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: Check for injuries. Inspect your home for
damage. Eliminate fire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its leaking.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.

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