EARTH QU A K ES

PRESENTERS:
HE LL E AL L EN AN D KELETHA
ASCOE , T R ISH AW NA GORDON, MIC
B
TORI HINDS, ONICIA
THORPE
 CONTENTS

What Is An Earthquake?
How Are Earthquakes Formed?
Ring of Fire
Steps To Take Before, During and After An Earthquake
Effects Of An Earthquake
Earthquakes’ Measurement Instruments
 WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
• The shaking of the Earth’s surface.
• A sudden release of energy in the earth’s tectonic plates that creates seismic
waves.
HOW IS AN EARTHQUAKE FORMED?
• The earth is made up of slowly moving major and minor tectonic plates. As these
plates encounter (either convergently, divergently or transformational) energy is
released in the form of seismic waves. As these waves travel through the earth,
shaking is produced.
The surface where the tectonic plates meet is called a plate boundary. The location
below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called the focus (hypocenter),
and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicenter.
 Different TYPES OF EARTHQUAKES

• Foreshocks

• Main shocks

• Aftershocks
 RING OF FIRE

The “Ring of Fire", also called the Circum-Pacific belt, is the zone of earthquakes
surrounding the pacific ocean where about 90% of the world's earthquakes occur
there.
The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the ring of fire is caused by the
amount of movement of tectonic plates in the area.
The convergent plate boundary usually occurs in the Ring of Fire.
 STEPS BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

• Know the safe spots in each room.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are
damaged.
• Have a safe house readily available.
• Secure heavy furniture, hanging plants, heavy pictures or mirrors.
• Maintain emergency food, water and other supplies, including a flashlight,
a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, first aid kit and clothing.
 STEPS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
a. If Indoors

• Drop, take cover under a sturdy furniture and hold on.

• Face away from windows and glass doors.
• A doorway without a door is an acceptable location in which to stand.
• Lie, kneel or sit near a structurally sound interior wall or corner.
• Protect your head and body from falling or flying objects.
• Remain where you are until shaking stops. Think out your plan of action
first, then move.
• Know exit routes if in a commercial building.
B. If outside

• Get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.

• Lie down or crouch low to maintain balance.

• Get to the best available shelter if there is no open area available.

STEPS TO TAKE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
C. If driving
• Stop safely as soon as possible. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
• Do not stop your vehicle under overpasses or bridges.
• Stay below window level in your vehicle.
• Turn off the engine and turn on the radio. Follow emergency instructions.
• Stay in the vehicle if downed power lines have fallen across it. Do not touch
metal. Wait for help. You might be able to back away from lines.
• If you must leave your vehicle, move to an open area quickly.
 STEPS AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
• Check for hazards and control them (fire, toxic fumes and possible collapse).
• Check for injuries and render first aid.
• Check utilities, if there is damage, turn the utility off at the source.
• Check the building for cracks and damage.
• Check food and water supplies.
• Turn on the radio and listen for emergency broadcasts, and news reports.
• Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency.
 SOCIO-ECONOMICAL EFFECTS OF
EARTHQUAKES
1. Fires
2. Ground shaking
3. Ground rupture
4. Tsunami
5. Liquefaction
FIRES
GROUND SHAKING
GROUND RUPTURE
TSUNAMI
LIQUEFACTION
EARTHQUAKES’ MEASUREMENT
INSTRUMENTS
An earthquake can be measured in three ways:

• The magnitude by a Moment Magnitude Scale.

• The intensity by the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

• The motion of the ground is recorded by a Seismograph.

 Moment Magnitude Scale
• The Richter Scale was initially used which was first developed by Charles
Richter in the 1930’s.

• It was however discarded.

• It has been replaced by the moment magnitude scale abbreviated Mw.

 THE MODIFIED MERCALLI SCALE
• The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the earthquake's effect on
people, property and ground damage.

• Roman numerals are used to rate the intensity and damage

 INTENSITY OF EATHQUAKES
a) Weak: I-III
b) Light: IV
c) Moderate: V
d) Very strong: VI-VII
e) Severe-Extreme: VII-X
 SEISMOGRAPH

• Measures an earthquake’s seismic waves.

• Determine its magnitude, depth and location.

 APPENDICES

• https://cdn.britannica.com/s:700x500/34/127134-050-49EC55CD/Building-foun
dation-earthquake-Japan-Kobe-January-1995.jpg
• https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.AJrXl4CaR86PmvlCxTKckgHaEt?w=285&h=181
&c=7&o=5&pid=1.7
 
• http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/intensity.html
• https://westlakerevelations.com/2019/07/06/earthquake-magnitudes-explained/
• https://youtu.be/dJpIU1rSOFY
• https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/science-earthq
uakes?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects