Hari Om!
Earthquakes 101
Everything you need to know about earthquakes!
By Niranjana Vinod P. of VIII C
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake – also called a quake,
tremor, or temblor – is the shaking of
the surface of Earth resulting from a
sudden release of energy in the
lithosphere that creates seismic
waves.
Most of the time, earthquakes are
measured using the Richter Scale.
Wow, it's an-
Earthquake
Fact!
An increase of one unit on the measurement of
magnitude for an earthquake can mean an
increase of around 30-33 fold in energy. This
means that a 6.0 earthquake is 32 times more
powerful than a 5.0 one, and a 7.0 earthquake is
around 1000 times more powerful. Yikes!
Anatomy of an Earthquake
Because even earthquakes have anatomy.
Bone-chilling Earthquakes!
I'm glad I wasn't there at that time.. aren't you?
One of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history was the
1556 Shaanxi earthquake, which occurred on 23 January 1556 in
Shaanxi, China. More than 830,000 people died. Another earthquake,
the Tangshan earthquake, also happened in China.
The 1960 Chilean earthquake is the largest earthquake that has been
measured on a seismograph, reaching 9.5 magnitude on 22 May 1960.
Its epicenter was near Cañete, Chile.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake is simultaneously one of the most
largest and deadliest earthquakes in history.
On 6 February 2023, a 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central
Turkey and northern and western Syria.
There is Hope!
India's preparation for earthquakes
India has set building regulations and requirements for construction that are quake-resistant.
To guarantee that new structures are constructed to withstand earthquakes, it is crucial to properly
follow these laws and standards.
Regular inspections and enforcement of current building codes are also necessary for this.
Modifying the types of homes and building designs in the most vulnerable locations, and discouraging
the development of high-rise structures, huge industrial facilities, and sprawling urban centres there.
Requiring big construction projects in susceptible areas to utilise light materials and earthquake-
resistant designs.
Making emergency response plans is essential for reducing the effects of earthquakes. This includes
creating emergency shelters, creating evacuation plans, and instructing staff members on how to
handle earthquakes.
It is possible to develop better techniques for forecasting and reducing the effects of earthquakes by
investing in research and monitoring. This will help us understand earthquakes and their causes.
The establishment of earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for ongoing observation
and rapid information distribution among the public
Thank You!
Have a nice day!
