In writing this piece I could have concentrated on the destruction of the greatest quakes.
Initially, I thought about listing the major earthquakes in some kind of ranking, which ultimately would only prove to be subjective.
However, instead I will structure this article to concentrate on not only the catastrophic aspects of large earthquakes, but also give comprehensive information which includes preparedness and seismic facts.
It is true that pictures of mass destruction might provide a motivation to be prepared. But mostly what would the reader learn if this was simply a pictorial?
The reader might know specific facts and bits of trivia. But would they know how to survive an earthquake?
In this article I have provided pictures, links to videos, resources and knowledge to help all readers to be prepared for the next “big one.”
The world is constantly changing and it has for millions of years. Earthquakes have been the catalyst for these changes. Earthquakes are caused by pieces of rock that are called tectonic plates. Tectonic plates can be compared to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that cover the surface of the earth. Tectonic plates make up the surface of the earth and when they move the ground shakes. Earthquakes are most likely to occur in the area around the Pacific Rim, but they can and do occur all over the earth. Statistically, the Pacific Rim area has 90% of the world's earthquakes. The earth shakes roughly half a million times a year. Only about 100,000 quakes a year are felt and less then 100 earthquakes a year cause any damage. Approximately 10,000 quakes below 4.0 on the Richter scale hit Southern California every year.
In 1964, an earthquake with the magnitude of 9.2 hit Alaska. This was the largest quake to date in the United States. The state of Alaska has the most earthquakes. The largest mountain ranges in the world were created by earthquakes and the movement of tectonic plates. In 15 million years, Los Angeles and San Francisco will be much closer in distance thanks to the motion of the San Andres Fault that runs along the state of California.
During a mild earthquake some shaking is felt. The swaying of pictures and rattling of dishes in cabinets also will occur. It is possible that a few things might topple over and most likely no one will be injured.
However in an earthquake at a stronger seismic level people can literally be thrown from their position. There will be noticeable cracks that appear in the ground. Bridges, buildings and homes may even collapse. Windows will be shattered and glass will be everywhere. Water pipes can burst and electrical wires can even snap.
If water pipes burst then there will be no water available to drink. Any utility wires that snap increase the likelihood of fire. Pipes which carry natural gas and other chemicals can also start fires.
Outstanding Live Video Links
This link from You Tube shows live footage of major recent quakes in Japan, China and other places around the world.
This link shows three areas during an earthquake. Two of the settings are in offices and show employees reacting and running for cover. One of the videos gives a live shot of a busy port during the shaking.
This link from National Geographic shows film footage in a variety of natural disasters including spectacular footage of earthquakes as they occur.
This link is an up to the minute coverage and reporting of recent earthquakes in Greece and China. This link also explores the human impact from earthquakes.
Unlike hurricanes and tornadoes, scientists have determined that earthquakes occurrences are not related to weather conditions. There are no earthquake seasons when the tectonic plates are more likely to move.
Measuring an Earthquake
A seismometer measures the vibrations in the ground. A visual record is produced on a machine called a “seismograph” Another type of scale that a measures quake is called a “Richter scale.” It measure the seismic energy released from the ground during an earthquake. It tracks the local magnitude of an earthquake.
Earthquakes below 2.5 on the Richter scale are usually not even felt. Earthquakes at around 3.5 at felt by many people. A quake that shakes at 4.5 may cause some mild damage. A destructive quake will register at 6.0, a major quake at 7.0 and a great earthquake at 8.0 and higher. An earthquake that registers 6.0 is ten times stronger than one that registers 5.0 on the Richter scale.
