Earthquakes

Definition(s):Intensity describes how much ground shaking occurred

Earthquakes are caused mostly by rupture of geological faults, but also by other events such as volcanic activity, landslides, mine blasts, and nuclear tests.

Japan: A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck Japan killing over 15,000 people.The tsunami damaged a nuclear plant in Fukushima in the north of the country which later suffered several explosions.

How can you prepare?1. Build an emergency kit2. Practice Drills 3. Evacuation Plans4. Establish priorities 5. Drop, cover, and hold on

Chile: An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile killing over 400 people. It also triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific ocean.

Important Events: 1. Japan Earthquake and Tsunamis--March 2011 (8.9 magnitude)2. Chile Earthquake--February 2010 (8.8 magnitude)

Earthquakes

Geohazards

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves

What is an Earthquake?

Citations:

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States with the most the Earthquakes:1. Alaska2. California3. Hawaii4. Nevada 5. Washington

What causes an Earthquake?

Definition(s):Magnitude is the amount of energy released during an earthquake.

How are Earthquakes measured?Scientist measure earthquakes with magnitude and intensity. *Anything above 4.5 is strong enough to be recorded.

Why are earthquakes dangerous?Earthquakes are dangerous for the following reasons: ground shaking, ground displacement, flooding, and fire. They also offset landslides and tsunamis.