What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake can be defined as the trembling or shaking of the earth's surface resulting due to the friction caused by the tectonic plates. These plates are found in the Earth's crust and are separated by plate boundaries. Any friction in these edges or boundaries results in the formation of seismic waves causing the earth's surface and the ground to move.
The after-effects of an earthquake are huge resulting in the formation of seismic waves. The movements of these waves shake the surface of the earth and result in earthquakes.
The aftermath of an earthquake is huge. It destroys several buildings, infrastructure and even loss of life on a severe level. The level of damage caused depends on the intensity of the earthquake. Therefore, many scientists do a study on understanding the ground motions of an earthquake and recording it with the help of a seismograph. This awareness of earthquake geology is very important to predict any future earthquakes and mitigate the hazards caused by them.
In this article, we provided information on the causes of an earthquake and also some methods for reducing earthquake hazards. This article can be referred to by the students as a reference to prepare for their examination.
What Causes an Earthquake?
An earthquake occurs due to the friction caused by two blocks of the earth. These blocks are known as the tectonic plates. The edges of these plates are separated by plate boundaries and the movement of these plates causes a planar fracture in the earth’s crust (also known as fault), thus, resulting in an earthquake. This surface of friction is also called the fault plane.
The surface of the earth where the earthquake originated is known as the epicentre. It is a location above the earth’s surface. While the area of origin below the surface of the earth is called the hypocentre of the earthquake.
An earthquake can be followed by aftershocks. These are occurrences of small earthquakes after a regular interval of time. This occurs mostly after a larger earthquake having a high intensity. The aftershocks of an earthquake may continue for several hours to days or even years depending upon the intensity of the main earthquake. The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicenter.
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Methods of Reducing Earthquake Hazards
Over the several years, scientists have been trying their best to record the ground motions and do a study on earthquake geology. These studies help scientists to detect the earthquake-prone areas of the world and makes people aware of the occurrence of an earthquake in the near future. The geology of an earthquake is studied through seismograph. This gives the appropriate information on the epicentre and intensity of the earthquake. The size of an earthquake is provided on the Richter scale and the severity of damages caused by earthquakes totally depends on the magnitude of it. Every year, several lifeforms, infrastructures and natural habitats are destroyed due to the consequences of earthquakes. Henceforth, it is important for us to be aware of the precautionary measures to reduce the hazards.
Given below are Some of the Methods of Reducing Earthquake Hazards:
To understand and evaluate the damages caused by the strong shaking of the ground.
To evaluate and improve the infrastructure and design strategies of the buildings for making them more resistant to earthquakes.
To introduce new methods to predict and study the seismic performance of buildings and structures.
Improving earthquake provisions of building codes, and
Assessing building safety immediately following a damaging quake.
To improve the system and methods of seismic monitoring, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Attaching sensors in the buildings to make people aware and safeguard them from any future earthquake.
Although earthquakes occur in an unpredictable manner, following these methods will somehow reduce the damages caused by earthquakes and will safeguard the people beforehand.
FAQs on Methods of Reducing Earthquake Hazards
1. What are the primary methods for reducing earthquake hazards?
The main methods to reduce hazards from earthquakes focus on preparation and mitigation. These can be grouped into three areas:
- Structural measures: This includes constructing earthquake-resistant buildings and retrofitting older ones to make them stronger.
- Non-structural measures: This involves securing heavy furniture, appliances, and objects that could fall and cause injury during shaking.
- Preparedness and education: This involves creating emergency plans, assembling survival kits, and educating the public on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
2. How can buildings be designed to better withstand earthquakes?
Buildings can be made safer through specific engineering designs. Key techniques include using flexible materials that can sway without breaking, installing base isolation systems that absorb seismic waves, and using shock absorbers (dampers) to reduce the shaking motion. Reinforcing walls and ensuring a strong foundation connected to the building's frame are also critical for structural integrity.
3. What is the difference between personal preparedness and structural mitigation for earthquake safety?
Structural mitigation refers to physical changes made to buildings and infrastructure to make them resistant to earthquake damage. For example, reinforcing bridges or designing new buildings with flexible foundations. In contrast, personal preparedness involves the actions individuals and families take, such as creating an emergency kit, having a family communication plan, and learning safety procedures like 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On'. Both are essential for overall safety.
4. Why is public awareness and education so important for reducing earthquake-related risks?
Public awareness and education are crucial because even the best-built structures cannot eliminate all risks. Educating people on how to react during an earthquake, how to prepare their homes, and what to do after the shaking stops can significantly reduce injuries and save lives. It empowers communities to respond effectively, administer first aid, and avoid further hazards like fires or gas leaks, thereby minimising the overall impact of the disaster.
5. Is it possible to prevent earthquakes, or can we only reduce their impact?
Currently, it is not possible to prevent earthquakes. They are natural geological events caused by the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. Scientific efforts are focused on forecasting and mitigation, not prevention. Therefore, all safety methods are designed to reduce the impact and damage caused by an earthquake, rather than stopping the event itself.
6. What are the most important safety steps to take immediately when an earthquake starts?
The most widely recommended safety action is to 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On.' This means:
- Drop to the ground.
- Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk.
- Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
7. How does creating a 'disaster kit' help in reducing earthquake hazards?
A disaster kit helps reduce hazards by ensuring you have essential supplies to survive safely for at least 72 hours after an earthquake, as emergency services may be unavailable. It helps you deal with immediate post-quake challenges like injuries, power outages, and contaminated water. A basic kit should include water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, and a whistle to signal for help.
