CLASSIFICATION OF

EARTHQUAKE
 TECTONIC EARTHQUAKE
▌This is caused by abrupt movement of earth along faults. Most of
the powerful earthquakes that we experience fall in this category.
▌This is also preceded by foreshocks and followed by aftershocks.
▌This is the most dangerous and powerful kind of earthquakes.
 PLUTONIC EARTHQUAKE
▌This classification of earthquake has a deep focus, with depth of
disturbance around 300 km to 800 km.
▌The depths affects the amount of energy that will be released in the
surface.
▌It is less destructive than shallow ones.
▌The earthquake that occur between 0-70 km are considered as
shallow focus, while those that occur between 70-300 km are called
intermediate focus.
 VOLCANIC EARTHQUAKE
▌Earthquake happen because of a volcanic eruption.
▌The intensity and magnitude of the earthquake depends on the power
of the volcanic eruption. The stronger the eruption, the greater
earthquake it may induce. However, this kind of earthquake can still
be considered less sereve than that of tectonic earthquakes.
▌Earthquake are also classified according to its effects in the
environment. Often, it is classified into magnitude and intensity.
 MAGNITUDE
▌This measure the energy released by an earthquake and is assessed
through seismograph. The figure shows a record of seismograph. The
stronger the sahkinng, the larger the waves.
▌Magnitude is measured using the Richer Scale, named after Charles
Richter who developed it in 1935.
MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE EFFECTS
2.5 or less Usyally not felt, but can be recorded by
seismograph
2.5 to 5.4 Often felt, but only causes minor damage.

5.5 to 6.0 Slight damage to building and other

structures.
6.1 to 6.9 May cause a lot of damage in very populated
areas.
7.0 to 7.9 Major earthquake. Serious damage.

8.0 or greater Great earthquake. Can totally destroy

communities near the epicenter.
 INTENSITY
▌This refers to the actual effects and damages made by an earthquake.
This classification uses the 12-point Mercalli scale which is very
important for engineers and city planners. The table below shows the
earthquake intensity scale developed by PHIVOLCS based on the
Rossi-Forel Scale.
Signs of an Impending Earthquake
◦Animal Behavior
◦Change in Atmospheric Condition
◦Electromagnetic Disturbance
◦Boom Sound
 Animal Behavior
◦ Domestic animals like dogs struggle against being restrained.
◦ Birds leave their trees restlessly
◦ Toads can predict subtle signs of an impending earthquake.
 Change in Atmospheric Condition
◦Strange changes in color or glow of sky.
◦White
◦Blue
◦Light orange
 Electromagnetic Disturbance
◦There are speculations that there is a relationship
between magnetic and electrical charges in rock
material and earthquake.
 Boom Sound
◦There are instances that a trembling sound occurs
before and during earthquakes. It could be the
caused of minor earthquakes but are too shallow
to be detected by a seismograph.
 EARTHQUAKE-RELATED HAZARDS
1. Ground shaking 6. Landslides and Rock
2. Liquefaction falls
3. Surface Rupture 7. Subsidence and
4. Tsunamis and Seiches lateral spreading
5. Sinkholes 8. Fire
 EARTHQUAKE READINESS
Preparing for an earthquake is an on-going process that needs to be given clear
attention.
• Medications, first-aid kit, doctor’s name and contact information;
• Sturdy shoes, clothes, and blanket;
• Cash because ATM’s will not work if power lines get affected;
• Flashlight, extra batteries, and light bulbs;
• Bottled water; and
• Snack foods high in water and calories like protein bars. Easy to open canned
goods will also do.
 EARTHQUAKE READINESS
◦ Make an Earthquake preparedness plan.
◦ Discuss earthquake preparedness plan with your family.
◦ Secure hazards.
◦ Learn about earthquake risk in your area.
◦ Practice the drop, cover, and hold-on drill.
◦ Protect your properties.
◦ Secure important documents.
WHAT TO DO DURING AN
EARTHQUAKE
WHAT TO DO DURING AN
EARTHQUAKE
WHAT TO DO DURING AN
EARTHQUAKE
◦ Indoors: The consensus among federal, state, and local emergency management experts is that “Drop, Cover,
and Hold On” is the best response to reduce the chance of injury during an earthquake. This means dropping
to your hands and knees, covering your head with one arm and hand, crawling under a sturdy table or desk,
and holding onto the table leg until the shaking stops. If there is nothing to hide under, hunker down next to an
interior wall and cover your head with both arms.
◦ In bed: Don’t get out of bed. Instead, lie face down to protect your vital organs, protect your head and neck
with a pillow, and cover your head with both hands.
◦ In a wheelchair: Remain seated, lock the wheels, and cover your head with your hands or a nearby object,
such as a book or pillow.
◦ Outdoors: Move to a clear area away from power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Then, drop, cover, and hold on.
◦ While driving: Pull over and engage the parking brake. Avoid stopping under bridges, overpasses, power
lines, signs, or other hazards. Stay inside the car until the shaking stops.
WHAT NOT TO DO DURING AN
EARTHQUAKE
◦ Don’t stand in a doorway: It’s a common misconception that doorframes are the safest
place to stand during an earthquake. However, you’re better protected if you huddle under a
table.
◦ Don’t run outside: Attempting to run when the ground is shifting beneath your feet could
be very dangerous. Even if you make it outside, you could be at risk of being hit by falling
bricks, broken glass, or other building components.
◦ Don’t follow the “triangle of life” advice: This theory states that getting next to a table
rather than under it can save your life because of the way debris lands. However, this advice
makes too many assumptions about how buildings collapse. You’re more likely to survive
the incident if you drop, cover, and hold on.
WHAT TO DO AFTER
AN EARTHQUAKE
◦ Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone
who needs it.
◦ Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged,
shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open
all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the
authorities (use someone else's phone).
◦ Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
◦ Stay out of damaged buildings.
◦ Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy
shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
◦Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
◦Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches
sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
◦Stay away from damaged areas.
◦If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan
or the instructions of the person in charge.
Expect aftershocks.