Earthquakes, the Disastrous Natural Phenomenon

Earthquakes The Disastrous Natural Phenomenon

By Amita Vadlamudi

An earthquake is the shaking of Earth’s surface due to the sudden release of energy. Earthquakes are common accompaniments to natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, fracturing of geological faults and landslides. They can also be caused by human activity like nuclear testing and mine blasting.

Earthquakes can range from undetectable to immensely destructive, causing major upheaval and human tragedy. One such example of destruction is the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile. It is considered the strongest earthquake in human history, having recorded 9.4 to 9.6 on the Richter scale. This earthquake and its aftermath caused around 1000 to 7000 fatalities and an estimated damage around $3.31 to $6.62 billion.

The destructive nature of earthquakes has led to the emergence of earthquake predictions. Through earthquake predictions, the timing, location, magnitude and other important features of an imminent seismic incident can be found with some degree of accuracy. Successful application of this helps in readying the affected population to move towards safety and reduce casualties.

Prediction of earthquakes is not an exact science. There are two approaches used in predicting earthquakes; one involves observing anomalous precursors to an earthquake and the other involves studying seismic trends that lead up to a powerful one.

Precursor methods range from generally observing changes in animal behavior to scientifically observing changes in geology.

Some of the scientific methods in this category include looking for reduction in the volume of natural gases and studying changes in seismo-electromagnetic waves. These have varying degree of success with some being proven entirely wrong. As a result, the scientific community believes that they need to be further perfected.

Methods that involve the study of seismic trends via statistical sciences are considered more useful for predicting earthquakes.

These methods are considered to be more accurate as they take into account many variables. These methods include studying the recurring earthquakes across known fault lines and seismicity patterns over a period of time.

Tools used by scientists for the prediction of earthquakes include movement-detecting electronic lasers, strain gauges, GPSenabled satellite or aircraft to detect crust movement, strainmeters to measure the strain on the crust and creepmeters for measuring fault slip. Since prediction involves taking into account previous earthquakes, seismometers that measure the magnitude of the earthquake as it happens are also considered as prediction tools.

Besides predicting earthquakes, it is also important that the general populace is prepared for a seismic event. Preparation includes practicing “drop, cover and hold on� maneuvers and having a well-rehearsed evacuation plan. One should make sure that the gas, water and electrical appliances are properly secured.

Emergency kits should be present in one’s house, located at known and easy-to-reach places. Each emergency kit should

have three days-worth food and water, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, whistle, extra batteries and any special medication required by family members.

About the Author: Amita Vadlamudi, whose resume can be found at her Edocr site is a former IT professional, and had worked in the field for over 30 years. Ms. Vadlamudi currently spends her time writing on various topics. Some of her other articles may be found at her Slideshare web site. Amita Vadlamudi’s Foursquare site lists her favorite places.