how the occurences of an earthquake can be reduced

how do earthquakes occur

• earthquakes occur due to plate moment when tectonic plates become stuck and there is a sudden release of energy. This is how seismic waves are created

focus of the earthquake

• the point below the earths surface where the quake originates

epicentre

• the point directly above the focus of the earths surface - shaking is most intense here

Pacifid ring of fire

• tectonically active region along the Pacific ocean

• earthquakes are frequent here

earthquake prediction

• forecasting the time, location and magnitude of future earthquakes - but it is still a challenge

Predicting earthquakes

• difficult

• because of the unpredictability of tectonic plates and the nature of faults

seisimic activity monitering

• involves using seisometers to detect seismic waves

foreshocks

• small tremors may create larger earthquakes but not always

• this makes it unreliable

HIstory of earthquake data

• date helps identify earthquake prone areas by analyzing the frequency and magnitude and seismic gaps of past earthquakes

seismic hazard maps

• seismic hazard maps are created using historical data to estimate where earthquakes are likely to occur

seismic gaps

indicate ares where stress is building due to a long period without an earthquake - this suggests a higher risk

early warning systems

• detect fast moving P waves before damaging seismic waves arrive. This gives time for people to prepare

• They are apps on everyone’s phones

countries with early warning systems

Japan, Mexico, US - alerts can autamatically shut down infrastructure and warn citizens

eartquake resistant buildings

• flexible materials, shock absorbers and base isolaters to absorb seismic energy and prevent collapse

Public educatedness

• to reduce the damage of earthquakes, drills need to be prepared for citizens in case of an eartquake