Protection Against Earthquake - Definition, Causes, Types, FAQs

​An earthquake is a sudden shaking or trembling of the Earth's surface, in which water pushes the surface of the Earth out of its normal position. By moving these waves through a structure like a building, roads, and other structures these movements can help damage buildings, roads, and other structures. Landslides, tsunamis, and other natural disasters can result from earthquakes. It is important to know their causes, their type, and how to protect people from this disaster.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is an Earthquake?
2. Types of Earthquakes
3. Effects of the Earthquake
4. Causes of Earthquake
5. How to Measure Earthquakes?
6. How do Earthquakes Affect Humans?
7. Protection Against Earthquakes

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is a sudden trembling or shaking of the earth that lasts a very short period. Seismic activity can cause enormous damage to dams, buildings, etc. They may also cause tsunamis, landslides, floods, and loss of life. It is caused by a disorder deep within the earth's crust.

All-natural earthquakes take place in the lithosphere. Seismic wave analyses provide a complete image of the layered interior. An earthquake is the tremor of the earth’s crust. It is caused because of the release of energy, that produces the waves that travel in all directions. The affluence of energy takes place along a fault. A fault is a clear break in the crystal rocks. Generally, rocks along with a fault move in opposing directions.

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Types of Earthquakes

Majorly earthquakes are divided into four types. These types are discussed below:

• Explosion Earthquakes: The emergence of this kind of earthquake is artificial. High-density explosions, like nuclear explosions, are the main cause.
• Volcanic Earthquake: The less common compared to the tectonic variety, these earthquakes take place after or before the volcanic eruption. It is triggered when magma leaves the volcano, which is filled by rocks being pushed to the surface.
• Collapse Earthquake: This earthquake takes place in underground mines. The major cause is the pressure produced within the rocks.
• Tectonic Earthquakes: The most frequent type of earthquake, is triggered by the movement of loose fragmented pieces of land on the earth’s crust is termed as tectonic plates.

Effects of the Earthquake

Below is the impact of the earthquake:

1. Surface waves that are close to the epicentre are responsible for the earthquake. The intensity of ground shaking will depend on the local geology, duration, and distance.

2. Poorly constructed buildings can collapse which can lead to loss and injury.

3. An outbreak of fire and leaking of dangerous chemicals.

4. Underwater earthquakes can lead to destruction in the coastal areas.

5. It can lead to the destruction of infrastructure, and many people are left without shelter.

6. Earthquake survivors may experience long-term mental health issues like PTSD or anxiety.

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Causes of Earthquake

Earthquakes and natural disasters are caused because of tectonic changes in the earth. The energy release creates waves that move in all directions. The point at which the energy is being released is known as the hypocentre or focus. Generally, it lies at a depth of 60 km. This causes a release of energy, and the energy waves move in every direction. The point on the earth's surface which is in the vertical direction above the focus is known as the epicentre. It is the first place to encounter the waves.

How to Measure Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are being measured by the amount of energy or force they produce. Richter scale is used to measure it.

The Richter scale was originally made to measure the extent of seismic tremors of moderate size ie. 3 to 7. By providing a number that would allow the size of one quake to be contrasted and another. Currently, seismographs might be customized to register Richter sizes, and current policies to estimate tremor size were created to deliver results that continue as before with those intentionally using the Richter scale.

On the primary Richter scale, the slightest tremors can be quantified at that the worth was close to zero on the seismograph of the time frame. Since today's seismographs can be used to identify seismic waves much more humble than those primarily picked for zero sizes, it is not impossible to quantify quakes having negative extents on the Richter scale. Each extension of one unit on scale focuses on a 10-overlap increase in the greatness of the quake. As such, numbers on the Richter scale are comparable to the normal logarithms of most risky wave amplitudes. Each expansion of one unit furthermore will deal with the arrival of around several times more energy than that handled by the past entire number on the scale.

How do Earthquakes Affect Humans?

Earthquakes can strike unexpectedly and without notice. An earthquake is a fierce and sudden shaking of the ground, triggered by movement among tectonic plates along a fault line in the earth’s crust. Earthquakes can lead to soil liquefaction, ground shaking, fissures, landslides, fires, avalanches, and tsunamis.

The extent of disaster and damage caused by an earthquake depends on:

• intensity and duration

• magnitude

• the time of day that it happens

• the local geology

• the risk-management measures put in place

• building and industrial plant design and substances.

Protection Against Earthquakes

Earthquakes are unpredictable. So, the buildings in fault zones should be created so that they can resist significant tremors.

The following steps are to be followed as precautions for earthquakes.

• We can use the formula of Drop and the cover and hold

• If we are inside when we feel the ground shake so we are required to drop down to the ground.

• Then we can take cover that is under a sturdy piece of furniture or seek cover against it. That is we can say an inner wall and protect our neck and head with our arms. Then we can avoid the hazardous spots that are close to the windows which are hanging objects and then the mirrors or tall furniture. We can say that we can hold the position until the ground stops trembling and it is safe to move.

• If we are somewhere outdoors to get into the open then away from the power lines and trees as well away from buildings. We should be alert for falling rocks and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

If you are at home

1. Drop down and take cover under the table or desk and hold on.

2. Stay at home until the tremors stop and make sure it is safe to exit.

3. Stay away from furniture or bookcases that can fall on you.

4. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the sprinklers and fire alarms to erupt during an earthquake.

If you are outside

5. Find a clear spot away from trees, buildings, and power lines. Fall to the ground.

If you are in the vehicle

6. If you are in a car, a bus, or any other enclosed vehicle, don't come out till the shaking stops. Ask the driver to drive gradually to a safe location.