EARTHQUAKES The Most Deadly Natural Hazards Earthquakes being the most deadly natural hazards strike without any prior warning leaving catastrophe in their wake

EARTHQUAKES

The Most Deadly Natural Hazards



Earthquakes being the most deadly natural hazards strike without any prior warning leaving catastrophe in their wake with terrible loss of human lives as well as economic loss.



Technically, an earthquake (also known as tremor, quake or temblor) is a kind of vibration through earth’s crust. These powerful movements trigger a rapid release of energy that creates seismic waves that travel through the earth. Earthquakes are usually brief, but may repeat over a long period of time (earth science 2001).



Earthquakes are classified as large and small. Large earthquakes usually begin with slight tremors but rapidly take form of violent shock. The vibrations from a large earthquake last for few days known as aftershocks. Small earthquakes are usually slight tremors and do not cause much damage. Large earthquakes are known to take down buildings and cause death and injury (Richter 1935). According to some statistics, there may be an average of 500,000 earthquakes every year but only about 100,000 can be felt and about 100 or so can cause damage each year.



The study of earthquake is called seismology. Seismology studies the frequency, type and size of earthquakes. Earthquakes are measured using observations by seismometers. The magnitude of an earthquake and its intensity is recorded on a numerical scale known as Richter scale. On this scale, 6.5 can cause heavy damage. (Earth Science. 2001)



The effects of an earthquake are strongest in the area which is near its epicenter. the extent of the earthquake vibration and further damage to the region is partly dependent on the features of the ground. the worst possible damage occurs in the densely populated areas where structures are not built to withstand intense shaking. Damage and loss of life incurred during earthquake is due to falling buildings and flying glass and objects. In certain areas, an earthquake can cause mudslides that can bury areas under it. Powerful submarine earthquake cause tsunami or a chain of fast moving waves in the ocean that ripple outward from earthquake epicenter towards coastal areas causing surmountable damage (http\\: http://www.USGS.Org). On a average, 1,000 earthquakes with intensities of 5.0 or greater than recorded each year.

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