Earthquakes Essay, Research Paper
A Discussion On Earthquakes
Perhaps Mother Nature offers no greater force than that of the earthquake.
Across the span of time, earthquakes have been recorded for their incredible
destructive forces, and their abilities to awe mankind with their unparalleled
force. Earthquakes can often strike without any notice, leveling large cities
and killing scores of innocent people. Not only can earthquakes bring harm to
society through these methods of destruction, but they can also cause millions
of dollars worth of damage to the areas they destroy, causing economic chaos.
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon, occurring throughout the history of the
world. Descriptions as old as recorded history show the significant effects
earthquakes have had on people’s lives. Long before there were scientific
theories for the cause of earthquakes, people around the world created folklore
to explain them. Until recent times, science has not had a complete
understanding of how earthquakes are caused, and what can be done to predict
when they will strike. This essay will discuss how earthquakes are formed and
occur, how scientists can more accurately predict the arrival of earthquakes.
Before contemplating how earthquakes might possibly be prevented, it is
essential that the process and formation of and earthquake be understood.
Earthquakes are caused when the earth’s crustal plates move, rub, or push
against each other. The earth’s crust (the outer layer of the earth) is made up
of seven major plates and approximately thirteen smaller ones. The name plate
is used to describe these portions of the earth’s crust because they are
literally ?plates? or sections, composed of dirt and rock. These plates float
on molten lava, called magma. Since the plates are floating on magma, they can
slowly move. The place where friction occurs between plates is called a fault.
A fault is a crack in a plate or a place where two or more plates meet. An
example of a fault where two plates meet is the San Andrea’s fault in California,
where the Pacific and North American plates meet. The plates are about 30
miles thick under land and can be one to five miles thick beneath the ocean.
The plates move because of convection currents. Magma has currents like the
ocean does, that move in a circular motion beneath the plates. When two plates
are pushing against each other, they are constantly building up tension on the
fault. When two plates finally slip, they release a great amount of energy in
the form of shock waves. These shock waves cause vibrations, which in turn
cause the ground around the fault line to move and shake. This phenomenon is
know as an earthquake.
Because of the incredible destructive capabilities of earthquakes,
scientists are constantly trying to devise ways to ensure their early detection.
Earth scientists have begun to forecast damaging earthquakes in California.
Although quake forecasting is still maturing, it is now reliable enough to make
official earthquake warnings possible. These warnings help government, industry,
and private citizens prepare for large earthquakes and conduct rescue and
recovery efforts in the aftermath of destructive shocks. In recent years,
earthquake forecasting has advanced from a research frontier to an emerging
science. This science is now being applied in quake-plagued California, where
shocks are closely monitored and have been studied for many years. Earthquake
forecasts declare that a temblor has a certain probability of occurring within a
given time, not that one will definitely strike. In this way they are similar
to weather forecasts. Scientists are able to make earthquake forecasts because
quakes tend to occur in clusters that strike the same area within a limited time
period. The largest quake in a cluster is called the mainshock, those before it
are called foreshocks, and those after it are called aftershocks.
In any cluster, most quakes are aftershocks. Most aftershocks are too
small to cause damage, but following a large mainshock one or more may be
powerful. Such strong aftershocks can cause additional damage and casualties in
areas already devastated by a mainshock, and also threaten the lives of rescuers
searching for the injured. In the first few weeks after the 1994 magnitude 6.7
Northridge, California, earthquake, more than 3,000 aftershocks occurred. One
magnitude 5.2 aftershock caused $7 million in damage just in electric utility
equipment in the Los Angeles area alone. The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS)
first began forecasting aftershocks following the 1989 magnitude 7.1 Loma Prieta,
California, earthquake. By studying previous earthquakes, scientists had
detected patterns in the way aftershocks decrease in number and magnitude with
time. With such knowledge, scientists can estimate the daily odds for the
occurrence of damaging aftershocks following large California temblors. These
forecasts are relayed directly to the California Office of Emergency Services
(OES) as well as to the public.
Some of the more larger earthquakes are preceded by foreshocks.
Knowledge of past earthquake patterns allows scientists to estimate the odds
that an earthquake striking today is a foreshock and will soon be followed by a
larger mainshock in the same area. These odds depend on the earthquake’s
magnitude and the same seismic history of the fault on which it occurred. When
a moderate earthquake hits California, scientists immediately estimate the
probability that a damaging mainshcck will follow. If the threat is significant,
a warning is issued. This warning process was put into action in June, 1988
when a magnitude 5.1 shock–one of the largest in the San Francisco Bay region
since the great 1906 earthquake–struck 60 miles south of San Francisco.
Alerted by the USGS that there was a 1 in 20 chance of a larger earthquake in
the next five days, the California OES issued an advisory to warn the public.
(The usual daily odds of a large earthquake in the Bay region are 1 in 15,000.)
The warning period passed without further activity. In August, 1989, another
earthquake hit the same area and a similar advisory was issued. Again nothing
happened in the specified warning period. However, 69 days later, the area was
rocked by the magnitude 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake, which killed 63 people and
caused $6 billion of damage in the San Francisco Bay region.
The lessons learned from these observations have already enabled earth
scientists and emergency response officials to build a framework within which
they communicate rapidly and effectively. Based on this experience, similar
alert plans have been devised for geologic hazards in other areas of the United
States. The development of modern seismic monitoring networks and the knowledge
gained from past shocks, earthquake forecasts and warnings are now a reality.
Continued effective communication of these forecasts to the public will help
reduce the loss of life and property in future earthquakes.
In conclusion, earthquakes are a powerful force of nature. Although
these destructive giants are indeed deadly, scientists are continually utilizing
research data collected from previous earthquakes and observations, so that a
more effective and efficient warning system may be put in place. Because of
these scientist’s work, society benefits from this advanced knowledge of when an
earthquake will most probably strike. With the continued study of collected
data, perhaps one day their will be a warning system that will be able to give
enough advanced notice, so that casualties might be minimized even further.
Другие работы по теме:
1 Corinthians Essay Research Paper 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians Essay, Research Paper 1 Corinthians 14 In this chapter, Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues provides a new revelation or teaching, and is properly interpreted, it does little good (6-19).
Tsunamis Essay Research Paper TSUNAMISThere are Earthquakes
Tsunamis Essay, Research Paper TSUNAMIS There are Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Floods, Fires and Avalanches. Then there are Tsunamis, The often overlooked stress relief system of the earth. Tsunamis are huge waves often called Tidal Waves but they have nothing to do with the diurnal pattern of high and low tides.
Plate Essay Research Paper Plates
Plate Essay, Research Paper Plates The structure of the earth is made up of many layers, but the crust and theupper mantle make up the lithosphere. The lithosphere is divided intoindividual sections called plates. The rest of the mantle makes up theasthenosphere. Convection in asthenosphere causes the plates to shift andmove about.
Norms Essay Research Paper NORMSNorms have a
Norms Essay, Research Paper NORMS Norms have a large impact on what makes a quality group. Without them, the group would basically go to pieces. When a group gets together for the first time there really aren?t any norms relevant. After one or two group meetings norms will start to come up, whether they be explicit or implicit.
Earthquakes And Volcanoes Essay Research Paper hat
Earthquakes And Volcanoes Essay, Research Paper hat have they learned since the quake quite allot. The fault moved in a fashion that geologists of the time did not expect: it moved horizontally, the southwestern side slipping to the northwest,
Earthquakes Essay Research Paper Colombian FearHave you
Earthquakes Essay, Research Paper Colombian Fear Have you ever lived through an earthquake? ?Earthquakes are among the most destructive and powerful forces in nature?(McNally 33). Just recently, people in Colombia lived and many died in an earthquake. This earthquake overwhelmed and literally shook up the people of Armenia.
Earthquakes Essay Research Paper Every year there
Earthquakes Essay, Research Paper Every year there are about a million earthquakes. Fortunately, not all of them are destructive. The intensity of an earthquake is measured on the Richter Scale, which goes from zero upward. Major damage generally occurs from earthquakes ranging from 6.0 upwards. The damaging earthquakes also occur either in the narrow belt, which surrounds the Pacific Ocean or in a line, which extends from Burma to the Alps in Europe.
Ecuador Essay Research Paper EcuadorEcuador is the
Ecuador Essay, Research Paper Ecuador Ecuador is the small country in Latin America. The conditions in Ecuador are not anywhere near what we expect and get everyday. There are numerous active volcanoes and many earthquakes that cause much damage. The economic situation is not good and health problems are many.
San Andrea Fault Essay Research Paper IntroductionThe
San Andrea Fault Essay, Research Paper Introduction The San Andreas Fault is a geologic fault zone between two tectonic plates that runs from San Francisco south to San Diego in California. It is an area of frequent earthquakes caused by the plates sliding past each other. It is so called because it runs along the San Andreas Valley.
Fear Essay Research Paper FEAR Recently earthquakes
Fear Essay, Research Paper FEAR Recently, earthquakes have hit many places like, Kobe, Greece, Turkey and Taiwan. Moreover, some scientists predict that a huge earthquake will hit the Tokai area and it will have enough power to destroy the Tokyo area. I fear earthquakes for 3 reasons: anticipation of disaster, being on the point of death in the rubble, and becoming injured or sick.
Techtonic Plates Essay Research Paper Lab Report
Techtonic Plates Essay, Research Paper Lab Report The structure of the earth is made up of many layers, but the crust and the upper mantle make up the lithosphere. The lithosphere is divided into
Natural Disasters Essay Research Paper Planet Earth
Natural Disasters Essay, Research Paper Planet Earth is our home in space. It is a planet of continuous changes that started billions of years ago and that will continue for billions of years to come. Sometime the earth undergoes changes or movements that are rapid and effect our environment and safety. These rapid changes are known as natural disasters.
Cause And Efffect Essay Essay Research Paper
Tsunami When one thinks of all the natural disasters, that could effect the Maryland and Washington D.C. area they often think of hurricanes and snowstorms. They often forget about the possibility of a tsunami. A tsunami, often referred to as a ?tidal wave?, is a wave train, or series of waves, generated in a body of water by an impulsive disturbance that vertically displaces the water column.
Group Work Outline Essay Research Paper Group
Group Work Outline Essay, Research Paper Group Conflict Resolution Annotated Outline I. Introduction In this section, we will state our topic, which is group conflict resolution. We will present the subtopics we will focus on in the paper. We will briefly tie the four subtopics into each other under the umbrella topic of group conflict resolution.
Hazards In Placentia Essay Research Paper Hazards
Hazards In Placentia Essay, Research Paper Hazards in Placentia Earthquakes are probably the number one hazard that affects my area. I live about six to seven miles from the Whittier Fault and about 16-18 miles from the Newport Inglewood Fault. Just about a week or two ago, we experienced an earthquake around 2:30 a.m.
Saint Helens Essay Research Paper Tracie Knowlton7th
Saint Helens Essay, Research Paper Tracie Knowlton 7th period Many things can happen before, during, and after a volcanic eruption. A volcanic eruption is an extraordinary thing. You never know what is going to turn out as in the end.
Vesuvius Essay Research Paper Mt Vesuvius ItalyLocation
Vesuvius Essay, Research Paper Mt. Vesuvius, Italy Location: 40.8N, 14.4E Elevation: 4,200 feet (1,281 m) Vesuvius is famous for the massive eruption in 79 A.D. that buried the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Earthquakes frequently hit this area. The 79 A.D. eruption of Vesuvius was the first volcanic eruption ever to be described in detail.
Dress Code Essay Research Paper At the
Dress Code Essay, Research Paper At the beginning of the 20th century there wasn’t much discussion about the dress code in schools. During that time kids weren’t dressing so provocative. Now that we are so close to the 21st century. There is a big controversy between the students and the schools about the dress code especially in public schools.
The Effect Of Earthquakes In The United
States On The Economy Essay, Research Paper The Effect of Earthquakes in the United States on the Economy in Reference to Government Funds Spent on Prediction, and Hazard Prevention
Earthquakes Essay Research Paper Describe the frequency
Earthquakes Essay, Research Paper Describe the frequency, origin and distribution of earthquakes at mid-ocean ridges, ocean basins, subduction zones and continental shields.Earthquakes are happening almost everyday all over the world. Most of the time earthquakes are not strong enough to be felt by people, but the shaking caused by an earthquake is recorded by a seismogram.
Earthquakes Essay Research Paper Major Earthquakes for
Earthquakes Essay, Research Paper Major Earthquakes for 60s and 70s. In the map have plotted the major earthquakes for the 60s and 70s. The major earthquake areas are in the area around the Pacific Ocean. Most of the earthquakes happened at these areas and for this reason they call it “Pacific Ring of Fire”.
Earthquakes In Inda Essay Research Paper Earthquakes
Earthquakes In Inda Essay, Research Paper Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters on this planet. In this essay I will talk about what an earthquake is, why India regularly suffers from major earthquakes, and how the major earthquakes effect the Indian people. I will also explain some of the most devastating earthquakes in India?s history.
Earthquakes 2 Essay Research Paper Earthquakes can
Earthquakes 2 Essay, Research Paper Earthquakes can simply be defined as a naturally induced shaking of the ground caused by the fracture and sliding of rock within the earth’s crust. There are at least 6,000 earthquakes detected throughout the world each year. Many people have heard about or experienced first hand the effects that an earthquake can have.
Black Death Essay Research Paper Black Death
Black Death Essay, Research Paper Black Death This month there was a big disaster. It wasn t a war or an earthquakes. It was the 14th century plague that swept Europe called the Black Death. It first came from Central Asia then kept moving to Europe. It can kill many people in just months. The source of what gives off this disease is unknown.
Earthquake Essay Research Paper An earthquake is
Earthquake Essay, Research Paper An earthquake is a natural disturbance, characterized by a convulsion or concussion of the ground. Earthquakes originate at a point within the crust, when a force pushing on a mass of rock causes it to slip suddenly. Energy is released and travels, through rock, to the surface in the form of waves causing vibrations and shaking.
Daisy Miller Essay Research Paper I have
Daisy Miller Essay, Research Paper I have noticed several postings I would like to comment on in addition to adding my own little spin to this discussion. I believe Daisy was simply acting
Climax Essay Research Paper The Climax
Climax Essay, Research Paper The Climax in To Build a Fire After our class discussion, it seemed like that most of the class enjoyed the short story, To Build A Fire, by Jack London. I enjoyed the story personally myself also. During the discussion, there was something that I disagreed with. It was said that the climax of the story occurs at the part of the story in which the man lights all of the matches and the fire goes out.
Studying Seismic Activity Essay Research Paper Studying
Studying Seismic Activity Essay, Research Paper Studying Seismic Activity California has 200 or more faults capable of producing large earthquakes. Some of the faults are hidden and some visible at the surface. The biggest concentration of faults are in the San Adreas fault zone and the San Jacinto fault zone.
Shakespeare Authorship Essay Research Paper No discussion
Shakespeare Authorship Essay, Research Paper No discussion group on Shakespeare would be complete without someone discussing whether the Stratford man really whote all the works attributed to Shakespeare. Some claim Christopher Marlowe to be the author; others, Francis Bacon; and several web pages are devoted to the premise that Count Edward deVere wrote these books.