Factors affecting extent of earthquake damage

Question 1

Extent of earthquake damage refers to …

Answer 1

How serious / damaging an earthquake will be.

Question 2

Focus of an earthquake refers to …

Answer 2

The point of sudden release of energy where the plates slip.

Question 3

Epicentre refers to …

Answer 3

The point on earth’s surface directly above the focus.

Question 4

Seismic waves are …

Answer 4

The energy released by an earthquake which radiates outwards.

Question 5

The ______ the magnitude of an earthquake, the _______ the damage.

Answer 5

The higher / stronger the magnitude of an earthquake, the greater the damage.

Question 6

Apart from magnitude, the 6 other factors that affect the extent of earthquake damage are …

Answer 6

1. Population density
2. Time of occurrence
3. Level of preparedness
4. Distance from epicentre
5. Type of soil

Question 7

The damage of earthquake tends to be lesser when people are MORE PREPARED.

Why is this so?

Answer 7

This is because people are better prepared for it, as they are more familiar with the evacuation routes and rescue workers are trained.

Hence, it REDUCES PANIC and people are able to respond MORE RATIONALLY – lesser people getting injured / dying.

Question 8

The damage of earthquake tends to be lesser when it happens in the DAY.

Why is this so?

Answer 8

This is because people are usually awake and have more time to respond and escape. They are able to see clearer in the day, hence it reduces the chance of casualties.

Question 9

Soil sediments that are loose and unconsolidated tend to create greater damage.

Why is this so?

Answer 9

This is because loose and unconsolidated soil causes the seismic waves to be amplified and structures built on such soil are affected by liquefaction.

Hence, causing structures and buildings to collapse.

Question 10

Areas with HIGHER population density tend to have greater earthquake damage.

Why is this so?

Answer 10

This is because areas with higher population density tend to have a greater concentration of people within a space. Hence, this increases the chance/probability of people getting injured by fallen debris. Also, such areas also tend to have a higher concentration of buildings hence, increases tje chances of getting injured by collapsed buildings.