Earthquake Summery Notes

What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is shaking the Earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy
within the Earth’s crust. It generates seismic waves, commonly known as S waves.
What causes an earthquake?
Earthquakes occur due to sudden tectonic movements within the Earth’s crust.
When stress along plate boundaries becomes too great, rocks along the
boundaries break and slip, releasing stored energy and generating seismic waves

What should I do during an earthquake?

It is important to take appropriate actions during an earthquake to ensure safety.
Some key steps to follow include staying indoors, taking cover under a sturdy
piece of furniture, avoiding hazardous areas, and, if outdoors, moving to an open
area away from buildings, trees and power lines

What should I do before an earthquake?

Being prepared before an earthquake strike is crucial. Some important steps to
take include ensuring flexible connections for gas lines and appliances to prevent
gas leaks, creating an earthquake readiness plan that includes identifying a
sheltered area in your home and stocking up on essential supplies, consulting
architects and structural engineers to ensure sturdy construction and spreading
awareness about earthquake preparedness.
What are the effects of an earthquake?
Earthquakes can have various effects, including ground shaking, damage to man-
made structures, fires and hazardous chemical spills, landslides and avalanches
and the generation of tsunamis in coastal areas. The severity of these effects
depends on factors such as the earthquake’s magnitude, depth and local geology.
What is the difference between a seismograph and the Richter scale?
A seismograph is a device used to measure and record the vibrations or ground
motions caused by earthquakes. It provides the data necessary to calculate the
magnitude of an earthquake. On the other hand, the Richter scale is a numerical
scale used to quantify the energy released during an earthquake. It provides a
standardized measurement for comparing earthquake magnitudes worldwide.
An earthquake is a sudden shaking movement of the surface of the earth. It is
known as a quake or tremor.

The Main Causes of Earthquakes are

1. Movement of Tectonic Plates,

2. Volcanic Eruptions,
3. Underground Explosions,
4. Induced Quaking (Human Activities), etc.

Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust.

The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges
due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an
earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust
and cause the shaking that we feel.

The point in the interior of the earth where the earthquake energy is released is
called Focus.

The point on the earth surface directly above the focus is called Epicenter.

The seismic wave move outward from the focus to the epicenter and travel through
the earth causing the most destruction.

Seismograph detects the vibration caused by the earthquake

The strength of the earthquake is measured on Richter’s scale.

Quakes measuring around 7 or 8 on the Richter scale can be devastating.

Effects of Earthquake

The effects of an earthquake are terrible and devastating. Many buildings, hospitals,
schools, etc are destroyed due to it. A lot of people get killed and injured. Many
people lose their money and property. It affects the mental health and emotional
health of people.

The environmental effects are surface faulting, tsunamis, soil liquefaction, ground
resonance, landslides and ground failure

Why earthquake is so important?

They also tell you what is happening in the structure of the earth, for example,
magma chambers and allow scientists to monitor volcanoes and the threat of
eruption. Earthquakes can also tell us about the internal structure of the Earth.
Prevention:

We cannot prevent natural earthquakes from occurring but we can significantly

mitigate their effects by identifying hazards, building safer structures, and
providing education on earthquake safety.
Q: What causes earthquakes? Or How do earthquakes happen? Or Why do
earthquakes happen?

Earthquake is caused by the sudden movement of the tectonic plates in the earth
crust.

The tectonic plates are always moving slowly, but they get stuck at their edges
due to friction.

When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, the earthquake takes place
and releases the energy wave which travel through the earth crust and cause the
shaking of the ground.

Q: What is an earthquake?

Sudden shaking movement of the earth surface.

Q: What to do in an earthquake?

. “DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you
down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if
necessary. COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible)
underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an
interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your
head and neck with your arms and hands. HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your
head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if
the shaking shifts it around.”

Q: Where do earthquakes occur?

A: Quakes can occur just about anywhere. Because it is a natural disaster.

Q: How are earthquakes measured?

A: The Richter Scale

The highest magnitude earthquake ever recorded ranked at 9.5 on the Richter
Scale.

Q: How long do earthquakes last?

A: Most small earthquakes only last for a few seconds, but more intense
earthquakes can last for several minutes.

Q: How to prepare for an earthquake?

A: It’s not easy to prepare for a quake because such events are not easy to
predict.

Q: Where are earthquakes common?

A: In the United States, the most commonplace for quakes to occur is in

California, Japan etc

Q: What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

A: The point on the earth surface directly above the focus is called Epicenter.

Q: What is the focus of an earthquake?

The point in the interior of the earth where the earthquake energy is released is
called focus.

Q: Can earthquakes be predicted?

A: One of the most common natural disasters to occur on Earth, earthquakes can
happen almost anywhere, at any time. They are highly unpredictable, as there is
no “season” for quakes like there is for many other natural disasters. Quake
tremors can occur at any time of the year and at any time of the day or night.
They can occur under any weather conditions. They cannot be predicted, at least
not more so than a few minutes out from the first tremor. Given how common
earthquakes are and their potential for being particularly devastating to
established urban areas, it’s important to prepare for them and to know how to
respond when one occurs.

Q: What was the biggest earthquake?

The most powerful earthquake to strike the United States occurred in Alaska in
1964. This quake was a magnitude 9.2 that struck Prince William Sound and killed
139 people.

Q: What is the main cause of an earthquake?

A: The main cause is a shifting of tectonic plates that create a sudden movement
of stone beneath the Earth’s surface.

Q: What to do after an earthquake?

A: What you do after a quake depends on where you are and the type of
environment/risks you have around you. According to the City of Portland’s
official warning system on quakes, “Evacuate if you are in a tsunami hazard zone.
Walk inland or to higher ground as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not wait for
official notification. Stay away from the coast until officials permit you to return.
Check for injuries. Do not move seriously-injured persons unless they are in
immediate danger. Check for hazards such as fires, gas leaks, downed utility lines
and fallen objects. Clean up any potentially harmful materials spills. Expect
aftershocks. Aftershocks following large earthquakes can be large and damaging.”
Q: Can you predict earthquakes?

A: Most scientists maintain that quake prediction is inherently impossible,

Q: How many earthquakes happen a day?

A: 55 quakes per day.

Q: How often do earthquakes occur?

A: Approximately 55 significant,

to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your
shelter if the shaking shifts it around.”

Q: What happens during an earthquake?

A: shaking of the Earth

Q: What plate boundary causes earthquakes?

A: “At convergent plate boundaries, where two continental plates collide

earthquakes are deep and also very powerful.

Q: Where are earthquakes most likely to occur?

A: Quakes are most likely to occur where two plate boundaries meet.
Q: What does an earthquake feel like?

A: shaking of the Earth beneath

Q: Can earthquakes cause tsunamis?

A: Absolutely.

Q: What do earthquake waves have in common with other waves?

A: Like many other types of waves, quake waves bend when they pass through
different materials,.

Q: What is a fault earthquake?

A: A fault refers to the fracture along the blocks of crust on either side of two
tectonic plate boundaries. A fault line is where most quakes occur.

Q: Where to go during an earthquake?

A: Earthquakes can happen at any time and with very little warning. Experts
recommend that if you’re already inside when an earthquake strikes, stay inside.
Do not run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. Staying put and
seeking cover offers the best chance at avoiding injury. Don’t stand in a doorway
or near a window. Seek shelter underneath something sturdy, such as a table. If
you have children or elderly relatives living with you, help them seek refuge first.
Earthquake tremors are usually short-lived. Seek shelter and cover and wait it out.

Q: What is true of both earthquakes and volcanos?

A: Earthquakes and volcanos are both caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Q: What state has the most earthquakes?

A: California by far, with Alaska in second place.

Q: Who studies earthquakes?

A: Seismologists are Earth scientists who specialize in geophysics. They study the
genus and propagation of the seismic waves that create earthquakes.

Q: Do transform boundaries cause earthquakes?

A: Yes. A transform plate boundary is simply a type of plate boundary where

plates slide horizontally past each other. As the plates rub against each other,
huge stresses on the rocks can cause portions of the rock to break, resulting in
quakes.
Q: Do volcanoes cause earthquakes?

A: Yes, a volcanic eruption can indeed cause an earthquake, though volcano-

caused quakes are usually not as intense as quakes caused by movement along
tectonic plate boundaries.

Q: How many seismographs are needed to locate an earthquake?

A: Three seismographs are needed to locate a quake.

Q: What are the effects of earthquake?

A: Earthquakes are arguably one of the most destructive natural disasters, often
because of the other disasters that they can cause. Earthquakes can trigger
landslides and mudslides along hilly terrain, especially in areas with water-soaked
soils. Earthquakes can also cause buildings to collapse, disrupting gas, electricity,
and telephone service. Earthquakes can also cause fires and even tsunami waves.

Q: What is the highest magnitude of earthquake?

A: The highest magnitude is essentially infinite in terms of potential quakes.

However, since recording began, the highest magnitude that has occurred was a
9.5 magnitude quake in Chile that occurred in 1960.

Q: What to do if there is an earthquake?

A: When an earthquake occurs, stop, drop, cover, and hold on. This is the
immediate response one should take to a quake because one usually does not
have much time to prepare for such a disaster.

Q: What was the worst earthquake in history?

A: In this question, “worst” refers to the quake with the highest death toll, even if
it was not the highest magnitude quake. According to Our World in Data, the
deadliest earthquake ever recorded took place in Shaanxi, China, in 1556. It’s
estimated to have killed about 830,000 people.

Q: Can earthquake happen anywhere?

A: Technically, Yes. However, earthquakes are far more common and likely in
some regions than others.

Q: Has there ever been a 10.0 earthquake?

A: Not one that seismographs have recorded, but it is almost certain that one has
occurred in world history.

Q: How do geologists locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

A: Geologists use the seismic waves created by an earthquake to measure the

quake’s epicenter. The epicenter is located by measuring the difference between
the arrival time of different types of waves.
Q: How long can an earthquake last?

A: Most disasters of this nature last just a few seconds

Q: What is considered a big earthquake?

A: Michigan Technological University published an excellent classification system

of different magnitude earthquakes. According to their data, a quake event that
measures a 5.5 magnitude or higher can cause significant damage.

Q: What magnitude earthquake can you feel?

A: You can feel anything above a 2.5 magnitude quake, but such quake events
usually only cause minor damage.

Q: What is the best action to take during an earthquake?

A: Seek cover! Drop down low to the ground and try to take cover underneath a
stable surface.

Q: How far away can you feel an earthquake?

A: A magnitude 4.0 quake can be felt as far as 60 miles away from the epicenter.
A magnitude 5.5 quake can be felt 300 miles away from the epicenter. The higher
the magnitude of the quake, the further away its tremors can be felt.
Q: How fast do earthquakes travel?

A: Quake tremors travel very fast. The rupture speed of the average tremor is
5,600 to 6,700 miles per hour.

Q: What is an earthquake aftershock?

Q: What not to do doing an earthquake?

A: There are some simple rules to follow during a quake regarding what not to do.
For example, do not run outside or to other rooms during quake tremors. Avoid
areas of a building that are right next to exterior walls. Windows, facades, and
architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse.

Q: When is earthquake season?

A: There is no such thing as quake season.

Q: Which floor is safest during an earthquake?

A: If a building collapses during a quake, no floor is a safe floor.

Q: Can animals predict earthquakes?

A: Some animals might be able to sense the initial tremors that come right before
a quake occurs. While some scientific papers have been published, the research is
still inconclusive and is awaiting peer review.

Q: Should you go outside during an earthquake?

A: No. If you are inside during a quake, stay inside. Don’t run outside during a
quake. Don’t run at all during a quake. You are much safer by staying inside and
seeking shelter underneath a table.

Q: What are earthquake waves called?

A: Such waves are usually called “Seismic Waves.”

Q: Where to hide during an earthquake?

A: The best place to seek shelter during a quake is in the center of a room under a
sturdy desk or table, not near windows or exterior walls.

Q: Why are earthquakes dangerous?

A: According to National Geographic, “A powerful earthquake can cause

landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and other catastrophic events. Most damage and
deaths happen in populated areas. That’s because the shaking can cause windows
to break, structures to collapse, fire, and other dangers. Geologists cannot predict
earthquakes.”
Q: Can earthquakes cause volcanic eruptions?

A: Sometimes, yes. This is not a common or frequent natural event, but it has
occurred. Regional earthquakes greater than magnitude six have been identified
as a cause point for nearby volcanic events.

Q: Do earthquakes happen every day?

A: Yes. Thousands of earthquakes are recorded on planet Earth each year.

According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 16 major

earthquakes in any given year. That includes 15 earthquakes in the magnitude 7
range and one earthquake magnitude 8.0 or greater. In the past 40-50 years, our
records show that we have exceeded the long-term average number of major
earthquakes about a dozen times.”

Q: How do earthquakes affect people?

A: Quakes cause immense destruction and serious damage to infrastructure.

Q: Can oil drilling cause earthquakes?

A: It’s possible.
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1. HOME
 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

3. GK QUIZ
GK Questions and Answers on Earthquakes
Earthquakes are happening frequently all around the world Now is the time to
have information about these rupturing processes in the Earth's crust all the
more. Find out how much you know about the natural disaster by this GK
question and answer round on Earthquakes.
STUTI TITUSUPDATED: FEB 24, 2023 14:01 IST
GK Question and Answers on Earthquakes
Earthquakes are happening frequently all around the world, for example, the
recent Turkey- Syria earthquake that shook the whole world was one of the most
deadly in a decade with a death toll of over 41,000.
Now is the time to have information about these rupturing processes in the
Earth's crust all the more.
These deadly vibrations on the surface layer of the planet are one of the most
damaging which are caused by a sudden displacement along a fracture face in the
Earth's crust and by the resulting release of accumulated elastic energy.
Find out how much you know about the natural disaster by this GK question and
answer round!
Q1. What equipment is used to record and measure earthquakes?
a) Seismometer
b) Telescope
c) Richter Scale
d) Flood sensors
Answer: Seismometer
Explanation: Earthquakes are mostly measured by seismometers that are
installed on the Earth's surface.
Q2. Where do earthquakes occur most frequently?
a) Along the plate boundaries
b)The uppermost layers

c) The Core
d) The Climate
Answer: Along the plate boundaries
Explanation: The strongest earthquakes usually occur along the plate
boundaries.

Did you know?

Severely affected regions include, for example, the west coast of North and
South America, Indonesia, Japan, Central Asia and parts of China and Turkey,
and in Europe, Italy, Greece, and Iceland in particular, where strong quakes are
recurrent.

List Of Top Ten Worst Earthquakes Recorded In The History Of The World
Q3. It is possible to predict earthquakes. True or False
1. a) True
2. b) False
Answer: False
Explanation: No we cannot as the precise date, place, and magnitude of an
earthquake cannot be predicted. The only alternative is that seismologists
developed seismic hazard maps in which the probability of the occurrence of
strong ground tremors due to tectonic quakes can be indicated for a specific
period.
Q4. What is the point on the ground vertically above the focus called?
a) Surface
b) Main Center
c) Epicenter
d) Hypocenter
Answer: Epicenter
Explanation: An epicenter is discovered on the Earth's surface right above an
earthquake's hypocentre. The Earth's crust is where the fracture begins to
spread across the fracture face.
Q5. What are primary waves also called as?
a) Small Waves
b) Dino Waves
c) Side Waves
d) Push Waves
Answer: Push Waves
Explanation: The pulse of energy is called The P-wave (primary or pressure
wave) that travels quickly through the earth and through liquids which forces
the surface to move when it is compressed and expanded.
Q6. What ranks the ground motion of the primary waves measured with a spe-
cial seismograph?
a) Weight Scale
b) Thermometer
c) Richter scale
d) Measurement Scale
Answer: Richter scale
Explanation: Francis Richter, 1935 designed a magnitude scale. American
seismologist Charles made it for California. It ranks the ground motion of the
primary waves measured with a special seismograph (Wood Anderson
seismograph) on a logarithmic scale
Q7. What was the strongest earthquake ever recorded?
a) The Shaanxi earthquake
b) Turkey Syria earthquake
c) Gujarat Earthquake
d) Nepal Earthquake
Answer: The Shaanxi earthquake
Explanation: In 1556 The Shaanxi earthquake in China is considered the most
devastating quake in human history, with a death toll of approximately 830,000
and an estimated magnitude of 8
Q8.What Causes earthquake answer?
a) When tectonic plates get stuck at their edges due to friction.
b) When the Earth stops spinning
Answer: When tectonic plates get stuck at their edges due to friction.
Explanation: An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic
plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to
friction.
Q9. In what place do most earthquakes occur?
a) The Indian Ocean
b) America
c) The Pacific Ocean
d) Africa
Answer: The Pacific Ocean
Explanation: Over 80 percent of large earthquakes occur around the edges of
the Pacific Ocean, an area known as the 'Ring of Fire which is the most
seismically and volcanically active zone in the world.
Q10. Where does an earthquake start?
1. a) hypocenter
 2. b) epicenter
3. c) core
4. d) plate boundary
Answer: hypocenter
Explanation: The earthquakes originate in the tectonic plate boundary. The
focus is the point inside the earth where the earthquake started, sometimes
called the hypocenter, and the point on the surface of the earth directly above
the focus is called the epicenter.
