Case Studies (Earthquakes and Tsunamis) Flashcards
What is the magnitude of the 1985 Mexican Earthquake?
Magnitude 8.0
What are the key features of the Mexican Earthquake?
Although Mexico City was further away from the epicenter than Acapulco, it suffered more damage. This is because Mexico City was built on deep layer of silt and peat, and thus, experienced earthquake through liquefaction. In contrast, Acapulco was built on solid granite rock and suffered less damage despite being nearer to the epicenter.
What was the magnitude of the Sichuan 2008 Earthquake?
7.9
Name the statistics for damages in the Sichuan Earthquake.
87000 deaths, 5 million homeless. 11000 dead because of the collapsing school buildings and 86 billion USD in damages caused.
What is the key point to talk about in the Sichuan Earthquake?
The collapsing buildings were due to the building codes not being enforced. Officials were corrupt and took bribes and did not enforce the building codes, causing the buildings to collapse when the earthquakes struck (buildings were nicknamed “tofu buildings”)
What issues were present in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake?
Lack of water and sanitation caused a disease threat.
What is the magnitude of the Italian earthquake?
6.3
How many deaths were caused by the Italian earthquake?
300
Name some damages caused by the Italian Earthquake:
Many historic and cultural buildings were destroyed. In the town of L’Aquilla, it should have had supposedly earthquake resistant buildings, but the Salvatore Hospital suffered damages, leading to many patients having to be evacuated and hospitals in the area were overwhelmed.
What were the failures of the Italian earthquake?
Mitigation strategies such as early detection were ineffective and building codes were ineffective
What time did the Italian Earthquake happen?
3am local time
What was the magnitude of the Japan 2011 earthquake?
7.2
How many deaths were caused by the earthquake + tsunami?
16000 deaths
What were the failures of the Japan earthquake?
Evacuation facilities were inadequate and people living in the facilities suffered from hypothermia. Damage to roads also made it hard to send aid. The early warning system also largely failed and the tsunami was underestimated in its size.
What was the cause of the Asian Tsunami?
9.0 magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean.
