Earthquake
By: Edward • Essay • 636 Words • November 19, 2009 • 1,388 Views
Essay title: Earthquake
Earthquake
Many people think that an earthquake is just a simple rattle in the earth the destruction from this type of natural disaster can be devastating. Seismologists have been studying earthquakes for many years to help us to figure out where and when they are going to happen. An earthquake is the trembling of the earth’s surface caused by rapid movement of the earth’s rocky outer layer. They occur when energy stored in the earth, usually in the form of strain in rocks, suddenly releases. This energy is transmitted to the surface of the earth by earthquake waves (known as primary and secondary waves).
The destruction an earthquake causes mainly depends on its magnitude and duration. However, a buildings structural design as well as the materials used in the construction process also effects the amount of damage done when an earthquake hits. Some earthquakes are small and we don’t even notice them, while others can be felt over thousands of kilometers. Earthquakes can be disastrous, from just deforming the ground and natural landmarks, to making buildings and other large structures collapse, or even make massive sea waves (tidal waves) in the Ocean.
These things can occur up to several hundred times each and every day. It is reported that about one million small earthquakes happen every year, and very large ones happen every few years. Moderate ones also are the most dangerous at times they happen about 20 times a year and normally cause many deaths.
Earthquake safety tips are very helpful they have saved many lives in the past and they aren’t that hard to fallow. First you want to find something heavy to either curl up under or behind. If this is not possible you can still stay safe by crunching down by a wall with nothing on it. For example, if there are any shelves with glass or sharp objects that could do damage to your body than that is the wrong place to be during an earthquake.
Also you have to be aware of the after effects of an earthquake because this is where most people end up getting hurt. They are unaware that the after effects can actually be more