Earthquakes: Causes and Effects



What causes earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy along faults due to tectonic plate movements.

What is a fault line in the context of earthquakes?

A fault line is a fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other.

What measures the magnitude of an earthquake?

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale (Mw).

What are aftershocks?

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock of a larger earthquake.

How do seismic waves relate to earthquakes?

Seismic waves are energy waves generated by an earthquake that travel through the Earth.

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus, where the earthquake originates.

What are the immediate effects of an earthquake?

Immediate effects include ground shaking, landslides, building collapse, and infrastructure damage.

How can earthquakes trigger other natural hazards?

Earthquakes can cause landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

What is liquefaction in relation to earthquakes?

Liquefaction occurs when shaking causes water-saturated soils to behave like a liquid, potentially causing foundations to fail.

How can buildings be made earthquake-resistant?

Buildings can be reinforced with flexible structures, base isolators, and dampers to absorb seismic energy.

What are the long-term effects of an earthquake on a community?

Long-term effects include displacement of populations, economic loss, and changes in land use.

How does an early warning system for earthquakes work?

Early warning systems detect initial seismic waves and send alerts to allow people time to react before the more damaging waves arrive.

What is the difference between a foreshock and an aftershock?

A foreshock is a smaller earthquake that occurs before the main shock, whereas an aftershock occurs after.

Explain the Ring of Fire in context of earthquakes.

The Ring of Fire is an area in the Pacific Ocean with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Why is public education important in earthquake-prone areas?

Education helps people prepare and respond effectively, reducing injuries and saving lives during earthquakes.