Prediction and Distribution of earthquakes

Question 1

Prediction

Answer 1

prediction is knowing when and where a natural hazard will strike so that meaningful action can be taken e.g. evacuation

Question 2

Magnitude

Answer 2

Magnitude is the strength of an earthquake

Question 3

Earthquake proofing

Answer 3

Designing a building or structure to be able to withstand an earthquake of a certain magnitude

Question 4

Can we predict earthquakes?

Answer 4

Earthquakes occur without warning, although scientists can use seismometers to detect the smaller foreshocks that are often a warning of a larger quake. Studying historical records lets us predict where they might occur, particularly along plate boundaries where there hasn’t been much activity lately and pressure may be building up. Animals also exhibit strange behaviour prior to an earthquake as they can sense that something Is wrong.

Question 5

Magnitude, Frequency, regularity and predictability

Answer 5

The magnitude of an earthquake has long been measured by the Richter scale. This logarithmic scale applied a simple mathematical formula to interpret the distance moved by the vibrating pen on a seismograph. The scale starts at 0 and each number is ten times the magnitude of the one before it, so a slight increase in value equates to an enormous effect on the ground.

Question 6

Mercalli scale

Answer 6

Measures the destruction of an earthquake, measured using a eyewitnesses, on a scale from 1-12 in Roman Numerals, 1939 Erzincan earthquake was the last earthquake that registered XII (12) on Mercalli Scale.

Question 7

How can we mitigate the impacts?

Answer 7

If people plan and prepare for earthquakes, then the risks can be reduced. Advances in building design means that many new buildings are ‘earthquake proof’. Older buildings can be retrofitted to strengthen them to reduce the effects if earthquake shaking.

Question 8

Way to make a building earthquake resistant

Answer 8

Computer controlled movable roof weights to counter the shock waves. Cross-bracing to give added strength and prevent twisting. Automatic window shutters to prevent falling glass. Sheer core of reinforced concrete and tensioned cables around lift shaft. Automatic sprinkler system and gas shut-off to prevent fires. Strengthened steel and reinforced concrete road supports. Foundations set deep into the ground. Rubber shock absorbers. Base isolator allows sideways motions.

Question 9

Describe the distribution of major earthquakes

Answer 9

Majority of earthquakes are in the eastern Asia and South Asia. West Coast of USA also has a lot of earthquakes Indonesia is also very prone to earthquakes. Not many in land.