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 is loose saturated soils and occurs by ground shaking from an earthquake which increases the pore water pressure lossing the soils strength resulting in behaving like a liquid
What type of areas are most at risk of soil liquefaction during an earthquake?
Loose, saturated soils, such as riverbanks, coastal regions, and reclaimed land. seismic activity zones, urban areas built on sandy or silty soils
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.
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.
