Earthquakes and resultant hazards: shaking, landslides, soil liquefaction, and tsunami. Flashcards
What are the primary hazards caused by earthquakes?
Shaking, landslides, soil liquefaction, and tsunamis.
What causes the shaking during an earthquake?
Seismic waves generated by the sudden release of energy at a fault line.
How does shaking from an earthquake affect buildings and infrastructure?
It can cause buildings, bridges, and roads to collapse, especially if they are not designed to withstand seismic forces.
What is a landslide, and how is it triggered by an earthquake?
A landslide is the downward movement of rock and soil. Earthquake shaking can destabilize slopes, causing landslides in hilly or mountainous areas.
What is soil liquefaction, and how does it occur?
Soil liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid due to intense shaking, leading to ground instability and structural failure.
What type of areas are most at risk of soil liquefaction during an earthquake?
Areas with loose, water-saturated soils, such as riverbanks, coastal zones, and reclaimed land.
What is a tsunami, and how can an earthquake cause one?
A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by the displacement of water due to undersea earthquakes, often at subduction zones.
Why are tsunamis especially dangerous?
They can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds and cause widespread destruction when they reach coastal areas.
How do landslides triggered by earthquakes impact communities?
They can destroy homes, block roads, and bury infrastructure, often isolating communities and complicating rescue efforts.
What is the importance of understanding earthquake hazards?
To improve preparedness, design safer structures, and reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage.
