Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, which can violently shake the ground and destroy cities. The frequency, size, and type of earthquakes that occur in a certain location over time is known as its seismic activity. Earthquakes are measured on scales such as the moment magnitude scale and Mercalli intensity scale, with larger quakes over magnitude 7 capable of widespread serious damage depending on their depth. Before an earthquake, it is important to secure heavy objects and learn emergency plans; during shaking, move to a structurally secure area indoors or stay away from buildings outside; after, check for injuries, gas leaks, and building damage while avoiding hazardous areas.
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, which can violently shake the ground and destroy cities. The frequency, size, and type of earthquakes that occur in a certain location over time is known as its seismic activity. Earthquakes are measured on scales such as the moment magnitude scale and Mercalli intensity scale, with larger quakes over magnitude 7 capable of widespread serious damage depending on their depth. Before an earthquake, it is important to secure heavy objects and learn emergency plans; during shaking, move to a structurally secure area indoors or stay away from buildings outside; after, check for injuries, gas leaks, and building damage while avoiding hazardous areas.
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, which can violently shake the ground and destroy cities. The frequency, size, and type of earthquakes that occur in a certain location over time is known as its seismic activity. Earthquakes are measured on scales such as the moment magnitude scale and Mercalli intensity scale, with larger quakes over magnitude 7 capable of widespread serious damage depending on their depth. Before an earthquake, it is important to secure heavy objects and learn emergency plans; during shaking, move to a structurally secure area indoors or stay away from buildings outside; after, check for injuries, gas leaks, and building damage while avoiding hazardous areas.
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, which can violently shake the ground and destroy cities. The frequency, size, and type of earthquakes that occur in a certain location over time is known as its seismic activity. Earthquakes are measured on scales such as the moment magnitude scale and Mercalli intensity scale, with larger quakes over magnitude 7 capable of widespread serious damage depending on their depth. Before an earthquake, it is important to secure heavy objects and learn emergency plans; during shaking, move to a structurally secure area indoors or stay away from buildings outside; after, check for injuries, gas leaks, and building damage while avoiding hazardous areas.
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An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the perceptible shaking of the surface of
the Earth, resulting from the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can be violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities. The seismicity or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time.
Earthquakes are measured using observations from seismometers. The moment magnitude is the most common scale on which earthquakes larger than approximately 5 are reported for the entire globe. The more numerous earthquakes smaller than magnitude 5 reported by national seismological observatories are measured mostly on the local magnitude scale, also referred to as the Richter magnitude scale. These two scales are numerically similar over their range of validity. Magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes are mostly imperceptible or weak and magnitude 7 and over potentially cause serious damage over larger areas, depending on their depth. The largest earthquakes in historic times have been of magnitude slightly over 9, although there is no limit to the possible magnitude. Intensity of shaking is measured on the modified Mercalli scale. The shallower an earthquake, the more damage to structures it causes, all else being equal.[1]
SEISMOMETER
EARTHQUAKES EFFECTS
Shaking and ground rupture
Landslides and avalanches
Tsunami What Should I Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake?
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
Learn first aid.
Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).
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
