Question

What is an earthquake? List the precautions that need to be taken during an earthquake if one is staying indoors or outdoors.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we will use the concept of seismic waves and rupture of geological faults to explain the cause of earthquakes. We will also see what precautions we have to take during earthquakes if one is staying indoors or outdoors.

Complete step-by-step answer:
An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or tremblor) 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 can range in size from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, and wreak destruction across entire cities.
In its most general sense, the word earthquake is used to describe any seismic event-whether natural or caused by humans-that generates seismic waves. Earthquakes are caused mostly by rupture of geological faults but also by other events such as volcanic activity, landslides, mine blasts, and nuclear tests .An earthquake point of initial rupture is called its hypocentre or focus. The epicentre is the point at ground level directly above the hypocentre.
PRECAUTIONS NEED TO TAKE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
$\left( i \right)$ Stay calm! If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you are outside, stay outside.
$\left( {ii} \right)$ If you’re indoors, stand against a wall, near the centre of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table).Stay away from windows and outside doors.
$\left( {iii} \right)$ If you’re outdoors stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings.
$\left( {iv} \right)$ Don’t use matches, candles or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don’t mix.
$\left( v \right)$ If you’re in the car, stop the car aside and stay in the car till the earthquake stops.
$\left( {vi} \right)$ Don’t use elevators.


NOTE – Stay calm and composed during the situation of earthquake and think about the resources you can use during an earthquake. Remember the do’s and don’ts of an earthquake, so that you can help yourself and others during this situation, and also recall all the precautions taken during the earthquake which is all stated above.