Earthquakes

What magnitude did the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, measure?

7.0 on the Richter scale.

What was the immediate social impact of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti?

230,000 people died instantly, over one million were left homeless, and all hospitals were damaged or destroyed.

What infrastructure was damaged in Haiti due to the 2010 earthquake?

Water, electricity, and sewerage infrastructure were damaged, leading to poor sanitation and disease outbreaks.

What economic consequences did Haiti face after the 2010 earthquake?

Over 30,000 commercial buildings were damaged, 90,000 people lost their jobs, and the overall cost of the earthquake was estimated at $14 billion.

What are the main causes of earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by two tectonic plates colliding or sliding past each other, where friction builds up until it is overcome.

What is the focus of an earthquake?

The focus is the point underground where the plates first slip suddenly.

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

What are shockwaves in the context of earthquakes?

Shockwaves are the vibrations that spread outwards from the focus of an earthquake.

What is a tsunami and how is it related to earthquakes?

A tsunami is a huge tidal wave caused by shallow earthquakes measuring 7 or more on the Richter scale occurring under an ocean.

What was the economic impact of the earthquake on Japan in 2016?

The earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, resulting in 32 deaths, 1,000 injuries, and an estimated economic cost of $7.5 billion.

What is the difference between a developed country and a developing country in the context of earthquake impact?

Developed countries like Japan have more resources for recovery, while developing countries like Haiti face greater challenges due to lower income and infrastructure.

What are the short-term responses to an earthquake?

Short-term responses include search and rescue, providing medical help, emergency food and shelter, and clearing roads for aid delivery.

What are the long-term responses to an earthquake?

Long-term responses include providing housing support, repairing infrastructure, ensuring buildings are earthquake resistant, and investing in prevention.

How are earthquakes measured?

Earthquakes are measured using a seismograph, with the Richter scale measuring magnitude and the Mercalli scale measuring damage.

What does the Richter scale measure?

The Richter scale measures the magnitude (strength) of an earthquake, ranging from 1 to 10.

What does the Mercalli scale measure?

The Mercalli scale measures the physical damage caused by earthquakes based on eyewitness accounts.

What was the estimated annual income of Haiti in 2010?

$3.6 billion.

What was the estimated annual income of Japan in 2016?

$5.6 trillion.

What were the long-term impacts of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti?

Long-term impacts included bereavement, job losses, homelessness, and the need for extensive rebuilding.

What role did poorly built houses play in the 2010 Haiti earthquake?

Poorly built houses collapsed, contributing to the high death toll and extensive damage.

What was the scale of the damage recorded on the Mercalli scale for Haiti's earthquake?

The damage was recorded as 10 (X) on the Mercalli scale.

What were some of the immediate effects on infrastructure after the earthquake in Haiti?

Water and sewerage pipes burst, electricity and telephone cables snapped, and gas pipes broke, causing fires.

What was the role of the seaport and airport in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti?

The destruction of the seaport and airport made it difficult to deliver aid.

What was a significant health crisis that arose after the earthquake in Haiti?

An outbreak of cholera occurred due to poor sanitation conditions.

What were the conditions that led to violence and looting after the earthquake in Haiti?

Food and water shortages led people to resort to violence and looting.