Earthquakes

• Two tectonic plates move towards each other
• Tension builds up as one of them moves underneath the other and gets stuck
• The energy is released as an earthquake

• Two plates move past each other in the same or opposite direction
• Pressure builds up as the plates meet at a fault
• The energy released as they slip past each other causes an earthquake

• Uses seismometers to detect earthquakes
• Measures magnitude on a scale of 1-10
• Every increase of 1 on the scale means 10 times more power
• At 4 on the richter scale, buildings may shake gently
• At 8 on the richter scale, most buildings would have collapsed

• Based upon peoples' experiences of earthquakes
• Measures intensity (amount of shaking)
• Uses a scale of roman numerals I-XII (numbers 1-12)
• Can be measured anywhere by anyone, so people closer to the epicentre will feel more intensity
• At IV (4) on the mercalli scale, objects rattle like a truck passing by a house
• At VIII (8) on the mercalli scale, there would be heavy structural damage, walls and poorly built strucutres may collapse

Trying to forcast when an earthquake might happen

• Currently it is nearly impossible to predict when an earthquake might happen. However if an earthquake has happened in a particular area (on a plate boundary) before then it is likely to happen again. People should be aware and prepared in this case.

Educating people and having emergency supplies in case of a disaster

• Earthquake drills - People know how to stay safe in an earthquake so the number of deaths and injuries is reduced

• Earthquake survival kit - People can access essentials during an earthquake so they are able to care for themselves and are more likely to survive

• Text message alerts - Using a mobile phone, people can receive a text right before an earthquake so they can prepare to protect themselves

• Temporary amenities - People can access money at temporary banks so they can continue with everyday life. Injured people can receive help at temporary hospitals

Constructing safe buildings that can withstand earthquakes

• Reinforcing old buildings - Stops buildings from collapsing which reduces the number of deaths and means buildings don't have to be rebuilt