MAN MADE DISASTER

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
What is an EARTHQUAKE?
Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or
sudden shock of the earths surface.
They are the Earth's natural means of
releasing stress.
Earthquakes can be felt over large areas
although they usually last less than one
minute.
Earthquakes cannot be predicted,
although scientists are working on it.
Terminologies
1. Tectonic Plates
A tectonic plate (also called
lithospheric plate) is a
massive, irregularly shaped
slab of solid rock, generally
composed of both continental
and oceanic lithosphere.
2. Epicenter
The epicenter is the point
on the earth's surface
vertically above
the hypocenter (or focus),
point in the crust where a
seismic rupture begins.
3. Faults
A fault is an area of stress
in the earth where broken
rocks slide past each other,
causing a crack in the
Earth's surface.
4. Seismic Waves

Response of material to the arrival of

energy fronts released by rupture
Two types:
Body waves
P and S
Surface waves
R and L
Body Waves: P and S waves
Body waves
P or primary waves
fastest waves
travel through solids,
liquids, or gases
compressional wave,
material movement is in
the same direction as
wave movement
S or secondary waves
slower than P waves
travel through solids only
shear waves - move
material perpendicular to
wave movement
 Surface Waves: R and L waves

Surface Waves
Travel just below or along the grounds surface
Slower than body waves; rolling and side-to-side
movement
Especially damaging to buildings
Why do Earthquakes Happen?
The shaking motion of an earthquake
is the result of a sudden release of
energy. Earthquakes are caused
when stress, building up within rocks
of the earth's crust, is released in a
sudden jolt. Rocks crack and slip past
each other causing the ground to
vibrate.
Types of an Earthquake
Convergent Boundary
Divergent Boundary
Transform Fault
 Convergent Boundary
 Divergent Boundary
 Transform Fault
Seismograph
It is an instrument used for recording
the intensity and duration of an
earthquake.
Richter Magnitude Scale
It was developed by Charles F. Richter of
the California Institute of Technology in
1934.
It is also the most common standard of
measurement for earthquakes.
The Richter scale is used to rate
the magnitude of an earthquake, that is
the amount of energy released during an
earthquake.
 Earthquake Safety Tips
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:
Choose a safe place in every room such as under a sturdy
piece of furniture like a table or a desk where nothing can
fall on you.

Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!

- Drop under something sturdy, hold on, and protect your
eyes by pressing your face against your arm.

Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car.

Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled
water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing
and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas,
and water.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!

Stay indoors until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows.

If youre in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your

head with a pillow.

If youre outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings,

trees and power lines. Then, drop to the ground.

If youre in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay

in the car until the shaking stops.
AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:
Check for injuries.

Inspect your home for damage.

Eliminate fire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its
leaking.

Expect aftershocks.

Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.