an earthquake experience essay

Earthquake Essay for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Earthquake

Simply speaking, Earthquake means the shaking of the Earth’s surface. It is a sudden trembling of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes certainly are a terrible natural disaster. Furthermore, Earthquakes can cause huge damage to life and property. Some Earthquakes are weak in nature and probably go unnoticed. In contrast, some Earthquakes are major and violent. The major Earthquakes are almost always devastating in nature. Most noteworthy, the occurrence of an Earthquake is quite unpredictable. This is what makes them so dangerous.

Types of Earthquake

Tectonic Earthquake: The Earth’s crust comprises of the slab of rocks of uneven shapes. These slab of rocks are tectonic plates. Furthermore, there is energy stored here. This energy causes tectonic plates to push away from each other or towards each other. As time passes, the energy and movement build up pressure between two plates.

Therefore, this enormous pressure causes the fault line to form. Also, the center point of this disturbance is the focus of the Earthquake. Consequently, waves of energy travel from focus to the surface. This results in shaking of the surface.

Volcanic Earthquake: This Earthquake is related to volcanic activity. Above all, the magnitude of such Earthquakes is weak. These Earthquakes are of two types. The first type is Volcano-tectonic earthquake. Here tremors occur due to injection or withdrawal of Magma. In contrast, the second type is Long-period earthquake. Here Earthquake occurs due to the pressure changes among the Earth’s layers.

Collapse Earthquake: These Earthquakes occur in the caverns and mines. Furthermore, these Earthquakes are of weak magnitude. Undergrounds blasts are probably the cause of collapsing of mines. Above all, this collapsing of mines causes seismic waves. Consequently, these seismic waves cause an Earthquake.

Explosive Earthquake: These Earthquakes almost always occur due to the testing of nuclear weapons. When a nuclear weapon detonates, a big blast occurs. This results in the release of a huge amount of energy. This probably results in Earthquakes.

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Effects of Earthquakes

First of all, the shaking of the ground is the most notable effect of the Earthquake. Furthermore, ground rupture also occurs along with shaking. This results in severe damage to infrastructure facilities. The severity of the Earthquake depends upon the magnitude and distance from the epicenter. Also, the local geographical conditions play a role in determining the severity. Ground rupture refers to the visible breaking of the Earth’s surface.

Another significant effect of Earthquake is landslides. Landslides occur due to slope instability. This slope instability happens because of Earthquake.

Earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction. This happens when water-saturated granular material loses its strength. Therefore, it transforms from solid to a liquid. Consequently, rigid structures sink into the liquefied deposits.

Earthquakes can result in fires. This happens because Earthquake damages the electric power and gas lines. Above all, it becomes extremely difficult to stop a fire once it begins.

Earthquakes can also create the infamous Tsunamis. Tsunamis are long-wavelength sea waves. These sea waves are caused by the sudden or abrupt movement of large volumes of water. This is because of an Earthquake in the ocean. Above all, Tsunamis can travel at a speed of 600-800 kilometers per hour. These tsunamis can cause massive destruction when they hit the sea coast.

In conclusion, an Earthquake is a great and terrifying phenomenon of Earth. It shows the frailty of humans against nature. It is a tremendous occurrence that certainly shocks everyone. Above all, Earthquake lasts only for a few seconds but can cause unimaginable damage.

FAQs on Earthquake

Q1 Why does an explosive Earthquake occurs?

A1 An explosive Earthquake occurs due to the testing of nuclear weapons.

Q2 Why do landslides occur because of Earthquake?

A2 Landslides happen due to slope instability. Most noteworthy, this slope instability is caused by an Earthquake.

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143 Earthquake Essay Topics & Examples

Need a catchy title for an earthquake essay? Earthquakes can take place almost everywhere. That is why this problem is so exciting to focus on.

🏆 Best Earthquake Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

🎓 good essay topics on earthquake, 📌 catchy titles for earthquake essay, 👍 research titles about earthquake, ❓ essay questions about earthquake.

In your earthquake essay, you might want to compare and contrast various types of this natural disaster. Another option is to talk about your personal experience or discuss the causes and effects of earthquakes. In a more serious assignment like a thesis or a term paper, you can concentrate on earthquake engineering or disaster management issues. In this article, we’ve gathered best research titles about earthquake and added top earthquake essay examples for more inspiration!

Crisis Management: Nissan Company and the 2011 Earthquake Expand on the points made in the case to identify the potential costs and benefits of these actions. The sharing of information was quite beneficial to Nissan in its response to the disaster.
Public Awareness of Earthquake This will mean that the basement that is involved in thickening and shortening is mechanically required to produce the shape of zagros belt.
Mitigation of Earthquake Hazards The geologists should also inform the architects on the areas where earthquakes are likely to occur and how strong they will be able.
The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 Documentary The documentary reflects the events leading to the natural disasters and their aftermath, including an investigation into the reasons for the failure of the precautionary measures in place during the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
Natural Disasters: Tornadoes, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes Hence the loss may depend on the population of the area affected and also the capacity of the population to support or resist the disaster.
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Floods and Volcanic Eruption This is due to the relationship between an eruption and the geology of the area. It was observed that the mountain swelled and increased in size due to the upward force of magma.
Earthquakes Impact on Human Resource in Organizations The researcher seeks to determine the magnitude of this effect and its general effect on the society in general and the firms affected in specific.
Earthquake Risk Reduction: Challenges and Strategies The victims of the earthquake in Haiti were hundreds of people, while the number of wounded and homeless was in the thousands. As for the latter, the worst scenario of the earthquake is created and […]
Analysis of Damage to Apartment Buildings in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake In turn, it is a prerequisite for the cataclysms in nature, such as earthquakes and the effect of liquefaction which was particular to the Marina district in the disaster of 1989.
Tōhoku Earthquake of 2011 The rate at which the pacific plate undergoes displacement is at eight to nine centimeter per annum, hence the plate subduction of the plate led to a discharge of large amounts of energy leading to […]
Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti Moreover, the quake in Haiti raptured at the epicenter of the city with a high population density compared to Chile. Therefore despite a lower magnitude earthquake than Chile, Haiti suffered more damage due to the […]
School Preparedness Plan for Tornado, Earthquakes, Fire Emergency In case of an earthquake emergency, the school should be prepared to keep the students safe. In case of a tornado emergency the school should be prepared to keep the students safe.
Theory of Disaster: Earthquakes and Floods as Examples of Disasters The second category is that of those people who put their focus on the effects of the social vulnerability or the disasters to the society or to the people who are likely to be the […]
Earthquakes: Definition, Prevalence of Occurrence, Damage, and Possibility of Prediction An earthquake is a dangerous tremor that is caused by sudden release of energy in the crust of the earth leading to seismic waves that cause movements of the ground thus causing deaths and damages.
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis In addition, the paper will outline some of the similarities and differences between tsunamis and floods. Similarities between tsunamis and floods: Both tsunamis and floods are natural disasters that cause destruction of properties and human […]
The Sumatra Earthquake of 26 December 2004: Indonesia Tsunami As such, the earthquake resulted in the development of a large tsunami off the Sumatran Coast that led to destruction of large cities in Indonesia.
Natural Disasters: Tsunami, Hurricanes and Earthquake The response time upon the prediction of a tsunami is minimal owing to the rapid fall and rise of the sea level.
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake The earthquake was accompanied by a great tsunami given the high magnitude of the earthquake that reached 9. The third disaster was the meltdown of a number of nuclear plants following the tsunami.
Earthquakes: Causes and Consequences The first of these are body waves, which travel directly through rock and cause the vertical and horizontal displacement of the surface.
Hypothetical New York Earthquake Case Therefore, the following faults would be included in the report as potential causes of the earthquake: the 125th Street fault is the largest of all.
Earthquakes in New Madrid and Fulton City, Missouri The accumulation of this stress is a clear indication of the slow but constant movement of the earth’s outermost rocky layers.
The Great San Francisco Earthquake The length however depends on the size of the wave since the larger the wave the larger the area affected and consequently the longer the period of time taken.
Earthquakes and Their Devastating Consequences The break in the ground surface is the most common cause of horrific consequences, and people often cannot get out of the epicenter of the incident.
Natural vs. Moral Evil: Earthquakes vs. Murder This problem demonstrates that such justifications for the problem of evil, such as the fact that suffering exists to improve the moral qualities of a person and thus serve the greater good, are unconvincing.
Earthquake in South Africa: Reconstruction Process Therefore, it is vital for the government of South Africa to address the issues caused by the earthquake and reconstruct the region, focusing on several public interventions to stimulate the region’s growth in the shortest […]
Earthquake in Haiti 2010: Nursing Interventions During natural disasters, such as the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010, nursing interventions aim to reduce the level of injury and provide the conditions for the fast recovery of its victims.
Review of Earthquake Emergency Response The second resource is the supply of food and water that can help survivors wait for the rescue team for three days.
California Earthquakes of the 20th Century Ultimately, the current essay examines the most devastating earthquakes in California in the 20th century and proposes a hypothesis of when the next large earthquake might strike.
Human Activity and Growing Number of Earthquakes The pieces that support the opposing view claim that the data about their number may be distorted due to the lack of difference in the development mechanism of natural and artificial earthquakes.
Researching the Earthquake Due to human activity, artificial earthquakes occur, and their number increases every year following the strengthening of destructive human impact on the planet.
Disaster Preparedness and Nursing: A Scenario of an Earthquake In a scenario of an earthquake, nursing staff must be aware of the stages of disaster management and disaster preparedness in particular.
Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges Therefore, an earthquake disaster infers abrupt and immense shaking of the ground for a duration and magnitude that can infringe the day-to-day activities. The last role of healthcare personnel in triage and intervention is to […]
Haiti Earthquake of 2010 Overview The purpose of this paper is to review the location and physical cause of the event, its human impact from it, and some of the interesting facts related to the disaster.
Wenchuan Earthquake: Impact on China’s Economy The earthquake made a moderate impact on the country’s economy, yet affected several industries located in the devastated areas.
Earthquake Prevention From Healthcare Perspective In terms of primary prevention of such a disaster, it is necessary to establish a public body or organization responsible for the creation of an extensive network of food, water, and first-aid kits to last […]
Recent Earthquakes and Safety Measures in California and Nevada The earthquake that is the largest by magnitude is in California. It is possible to minimize the damage by an earthquake.
Role of the Nurses in the Site of the Haiti Earthquake The primary aim of the tertiary intervention conducted by the health practitioners was to reduce the effect of the diseases and injuries that occurred because of the Haiti earthquake.
A Geological Disaster: Nisqually Earthquake in Washington State Geology refers to the study of the processes that lead to the formation of rocks and the processes that contribute to the shape of the earth.
The Huaxian Earthquake: China’s Deadliest Disaster The main reason for the terrible earthquakes consequences was in the absence of a plan for the emergency case. After visiting China later in 1556, he wrote that the given disaster was likely to be […]
Understanding Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes: Movements, Causes, and Measurement Therefore, the distance of the fracture will determine the intensity of the vibrations caused by the earthquake and the duration of the effect, that is, shaking the ground.
Review of Public Meeting Regarded Earthquakes This focused meeting held in Port Au-Prince was to formulate the best strategies to help the people of Haiti anticipate, adapt and also recover from the impacts of earthquakes.
Rebuilding Haiti: Post-Earthquake Recovery No doubt the tremors have taken a massive toll on the lives and resources of Haiti, but it was not only the tremors that caused the damage to such a massive extent.
Earthquake Impacts: A Case Study of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake The short-term effects of the earthquake include food shortage, lack of clean water; breakdown of communication, lack of sufficient medical care, closure of ports and main roads, increased mortally, injuries, fires, the spread of communicable […]
Volcanoes: Volcanic Chains and Earthquakes The “Ring of Fire” is marked by the volcanic chains of Japan, Kamchatka, South Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, the Cascade Range of the United States and Canada, Central America, the Andes, New Zealand, Tonga, […]
Emergency Response to Haiti Earthquake The response to the earthquake and calamities that followed was a clear demonstration that the country was ill-prepared to deal with such a disaster.
1906 San Francisco Earthquake: Eyewitness Story The moon crept in and out of the room, like a late evening silhouette, but its lazy rays did little to signal us what we would expect for the rest of the day.
Dangerous and Natural Energy: Earthquakes The distribution of earthquakes in the world varies according to the region. Click on one of the earthquakes on the map and make a note of its magnitude and region.
Earthquake Emergency Management and Health Services Fundamental principles of healthcare incident management involve the protection of people’s lives, the stabilization of the disaster spot, and the preservation of property.
Fracking: Increased Seismic Activities in Kansas According to the report of the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas, the work of local drilling companies has considerably increased the number of seismic activities in the state.
Earthquake as a Unique Type of Natural Disaster Earthquakes are believed to be one of the most dangerous natural disasters, and they can have a lot of negative effects on both the community and the environment.
US Charities in Haiti After the 2010 Earthquake This paper aims to explore the overall implications of the earthquake and the response to it, as well as to provide an examination of the actions of three U.S.-based NGOs, which contributed to the restoration […]
Christchurch Earthquakes’ Impact on New Zealand Businesses Similarly, the occurrence of the incident led to the loss of lives that had the potential of promoting most businesses into great heights.
Understanding Earthquake Statistics: Frequency, Magnitude, and Data Sources Tectonic earthquakes are prompted as a consequent of movement of the earth’s crust because of the strain. The USGS National Earthquake Information Center reports an increase in the number of detection and location of earthquakes […]
Geology Issues: Earthquakes The direction of the plates’ movements and the sizes of the faults are different as well as the sizes of tectonic plates.
2008 and 2013 Sichuan Earthquakes in China This was the worst and the most devastating earthquake since “the Tangshan earthquake of 1976 in China”. In addition, impacts differ based on the number of fatalities and damages to property.
Mitigation for Earthquake and Eruption Since the energy is mainly derived from the sustained stress and deformation of the underlying rocks, the precursor signals of earthquakes especially in seismic zones are majorly based on the careful study of the earth’s […]
Earthquakes as a Cause of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Although earthquake is a major cause of the post traumatic stress disorder, there are other factors that determine the development of the same.
Plate Tectonics, Volcanism, Earthquakes and Rings of Fire Plate tectonics has led to the separation of the sea floor over the years and the earth is composed of seven tectonic plates according to the available geological information.
The 1979 Tangshan Earthquake The Tangshan Earthquake happened in 1976 is considered to be one of the large-scale earthquakes of the past century. The 1975 Haicheng Earthquake was the first marker of gradual and continuous intensification of tectonic activity […]
The Parkfield Earthquake Prediction Experiment The seismic activity and the relatively regular sequence of the earthquakes in the area of San Paul Fault generated the interest of the geologists in exploring the processes in the rupture.
Losing the Ground: Where Do Most Earthquakes Take Place? Since, according to the above-mentioned information, natural earthquakes are most common in the places where the edges of tectonic plates meet, it is reasonable to suggest that earthquakes are most common in the countries that […]
The Impacts of Japan’s Earthquake, Tsunami on the World Economy The future prospects in regard to the tsunami and the world economy will be presented and application of the lessons learnt during the catastrophe in future” tsunami occurrence” management.
Geology Issue – Nature of Earthquakes Such an earthquake is caused by a combination of tectonic plate movement and movement of magma in the earth’s crust. Continental drift is the motion of the Earth’s tectonic plates relative to each other.
The Impact of the California Earthquake on Real Estate Firms’ Stock Value
Technology Is The Best Way To Reduce The Impact of An Earthquake
Study on Earthquake-Prone Buildings Policy in New Zealand
The Devastating Effects of the Tohuku Earthquake of 2011 in Japan
The Disasters in Japan in 2011: The Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Why Was the Haiti Earthquake So Deadly
Taking a Closer Look at Haiti After the Earthquake
The Aftermath of The Earthquake of Nepal
The Effects of the Fourth-Largest Earthquake in Japan in Problems Persist at Fukushima, an Article by Laurie Garret
The Greatest Loss of The United Francisco Earthquake of 1906
The Impact of Hurricanes, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes on Named Caribbean Territories
The Destruction Caused by the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
Foreshocks and Aftershocks in Earthquake
The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Firestorm
Scientific and Philosophic Explanation of The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake
The Haiti Earthquake: Engineering and Human Perspectives
Voltaire and Rousseau: A Byproduct of The Lisbon Earthquake
The Great East Japan Earthquake’s Impact on the Japanese
Estimating the Direct Economic Damage of the Earthquake in Haiti
What Should People Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake
What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake
Valuing the Risk of Imperfect Information: Christchurch Earthquake
The Impact of the Earthquake on the Output Gap and Prices
The Devastating Earthquake of The United States
The Earthquake of The Sumatra Earthquake
The Crisis of the Fukushima Nuclear Plant After an Earthquake
The Impact of The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
The History and Effects of the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami in 2004
The Effects of an Earthquake Ledcs
The Cascadia Earthquake: A Disaster That Could Happen
The Economy in the Aftermath of the Earthquake
The Impact of Earthquake Risk on Housing Market Before and After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Who Benefit From Cash and Food-for-Work Programs in Post-Earthquake Haiti
Macro Effects of Massive Earthquake Upon Economic in Japan from 2011 to 2013
How the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Shaped Economic Activity in the American West
The Cause of Earthquakes and the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
The Effect of the Earthquake in Haiti: Global Issues
Understanding How Gigantic Earthquake and Resultant Tsunami Are Being Formed
Why God and The Earthquake of Haiti Happened
The Effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Investors’ Risk and Time Preferences
The Great East Japan Earthquake and its Short-run Effects on Household Purchasing Behavior
Internal Displacement and Recovery From a Missouri Earthquake
Understanding the Causes and Effects of an Earthquake
Supply Chain Disruptions: Evidence From the Great East Japan Earthquake
The Earthquake That Shook The World In Pakistan
What Motivates Volunteer Work in an Earthquake?
Who Benefits From Cash and Food-For-Work Programs in Post-earthquake Haiti?
Why Did Haiti Suffer More Than Kobe as a Result of an Earthquake?
Why Did the Earthquake in Haiti Happen?
Why Does the Earthquake Happen in Chile?
Why Was the Haiti Earthquake So Deadly?
Was the Japan Earthquake Manmade?
How Did the 1964 Alaska Earthquake Enhance Our Understanding?
How Does the Theory of Plate Tectonics Help to Explain the World Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanic Zones?
How Leaders Controlled Events in the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake?
How Shaky Was the Regional Economy After the 1995 Kobe Earthquake?
How Would Society React to Modern Earthquakes, if They Only Believed in Myths?
How the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Shaped Economic Activity in the American West?
How Does the Nepal Earthquake Continue to Re-Shape People’s Lives?
Are People Insured Against Natural Disasters Such as Earthquakes?
What Is the Long-Lasting Impact of the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti?
How Do Japanese Smes Prepare Against Natural Disasters Such as Earthquakes?
The Kobe Earthquake and Why Did Mrs. Endo Die?
What Was the Last Earthquake?
What Is an Earthquake, and Why Does It Happen?
What Are Three Earthquake Facts?
What Is an Earthquake in a Simple Way?
How Do Earthquakes Start?
What Are the Effects of Earthquakes?
How Can Earthquakes Be Prevented?
What Are the Five Leading Causes of the Earthquake?
Where Is the Safest Place to Be in an Earthquake?
Can Humans Cause Earthquakes?
What Are Five Facts about Earthquakes?
Does a Small Earthquake Mean That a Giant Earthquake Is Coming?
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How to Write an Essay About Earthquakes

Diana v. faustmann.

Earthquakes cover as much ground in essay writing as they do in the real world. You can relate a personal earthquake experience, describe the steps to become a seismologist, narrate the earthquake history of a certain location or compare earthquakes to other natural disasters. Then you can choose to describe your topic, narrate a specific incident, analyze earthquake effects or argue for a better earthquake coping mechanism. These rich options challenge you to narrow your focus and define your purpose upfront. Then use sound research and a simple essay format to convey your informed message about earthquakes clearly and concisely.

Narrow your focus. Choose an area about earthquakes that fascinates or intrigues you and then restrict your focus further within it. For example, go from earthquakes in general to the Haiti earthquake of 2010, and from its effect on the Haitian people to orphans specifically.

Decide on your angle. Perform cursory research on your selected topic and then decide whether you want to narrate, explain, analyze, argue or persuade your readers to take action.

Establish your thesis and identify several sub-topics that exemplify or otherwise support your thesis. Develop a thesis statement that contains both elements. For example, “Seismology is a sound career to consider. You work outdoors most of the time, study the causes and effects of earthquakes in depth, and help to discover ways to limit their damage.”

Outline your introduction, body and conclusion. Focus your research on the data that you need to amplify your sub-topics. For instance, for the sub-topic, “The Richter scale is an inadequate earthquake measurement tool,” in your outline, add three bullets corresponding to case studies that illustrate that claim.

Write your introductory paragraph to compel further reading. First, provide a lead-in that gives earthquakes an interesting or original slant. Then narrow your focus and end with a statement of your thesis. For example, “My family barely escaped calamity in last summer's earthquake. Many of our neighbors were not so lucky; they lost homes and lives. Clearly, our homes still don’t adequately protect us from shifts in the seismic plates beneath us. We need to better earthquake-proof our area with a building code that is stronger in three major areas: (a), (b) and (c).”

Assign one or two paragraphs to address each sub-topic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence followed by supporting facts or examples. For example, state that “Governments should discourage new developments over known earthquake faults.” Follow this topic sentence with a description of three communities that earthquakes virtually demolished.

End your essay clearly and confidently. Begin your conclusion with “in summary” or “in brief,” then restate your thesis and sub-topics. Engage your readers with one final, memorable or compelling statement or anecdote. For example, “Compassion can be as earth-shaking as an earthquake, but with the opposite effect. Investigate how you can help to rebuild the lives of Haitian earthquake orphans today.”

Sometimes your research leads you to a different conclusion than your thesis originally set out to prove. Adjust your thesis statement accordingly.
Keep your sentences short and coherent. As much as possible, use active verbs throughout.
Use transitional expressions between sentences and paragraphs; words such as “moreover,” “consequently” and “finally,” help your readers follow your train of thought and move smoothly from one thought to the next.
Review your essay for spelling and grammar errors and any weaknesses in its flow. If possible, recruit a friend to help you proofread your essay before you submit it.
1 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Essay Writing

About the Author

Since 1988, Diana Faustmann has been writing on technology, business and culture. Her articles have appeared in various print publications, corporate websites and authoritative online sites. Faustmann holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of the Philippines.

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Narrative Essay on Earthquake

Narrative essay generator.

In the heart of a serene morning, the earth beneath us trembled, unleashing a formidable force that reshaped not only the landscape but the lives entwined with it. This narrative essay delves into the profound impact of an earthquake, exploring the emotional, physical, and psychological dimensions of this natural disaster. Through the lens of those who experienced it firsthand, we embark on a journey to understand the might of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Prelude

It was a day like any other in the bustling city of Ridgefield. People went about their daily routines, unaware of the dramatic turn their lives were about to take. I was in the school library, engrossed in a book, when the first tremor struck. A subtle vibration, barely noticeable, but it was the silence that followed which was eerily foreboding. Within moments, the tranquility was shattered by a roaring sound beneath us, as if the earth had opened its mouth to speak.

The initial mild shaking quickly escalated into violent jolts. Books tumbled from shelves, windows shattered, and screams filled the air. Panic ensued as everyone scrambled for safety, the ground beneath us betraying our trust with every passing second. The school building, which once seemed indestructible, groaned under the strain, cracks spiderwebbing across its façade.

Outside, the scene was chaotic. Roads cracked open as if the earth was gasping for breath, buildings leaned precariously, and power lines sparked in a deadly dance. The air was thick with dust, obscuring the sun and casting a pall over the city. It was a scene from a nightmare, yet it was all too real.

The Aftermath

As the shaking subsided, the full extent of the devastation became apparent. The city lay in ruins, a stark testament to the earthquake’s fury. Buildings that had stood for decades were reduced to rubble, streets were impassable, and the once vibrant community was enveloped in a somber silence.

In the days that followed, the resilience of the human spirit shone brightly. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became friends, and the community united in the face of adversity. Relief efforts were organized, shelters provided solace to those who had lost everything, and the sounds of construction filled the air as the city began the slow process of rebuilding.

The Emotional Toll

Beyond the physical destruction, the earthquake left deep emotional scars. The loss of homes, possessions, and, most tragically, loved ones, weighed heavily on the hearts of the survivors. Fear lingered in the aftershocks, a constant reminder of our vulnerability in the face of nature’s might.

Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was also hope. Stories of heroism and bravery emerged, of people risking their lives to save others, of communities coming together to heal and rebuild. These stories served as a beacon of light in the darkest of times, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, humanity’s capacity for compassion and resilience endures.

Lessons Learned

The earthquake taught us valuable lessons about preparedness, community, and the importance of building structures that can withstand the forces of nature. It highlighted the need for emergency plans, for education on how to respond in the face of disaster, and for a commitment to supporting one another.

It also reminded us of the importance of cherishing every moment, of not taking for granted the people and places we hold dear. In the aftermath of destruction, we were reminded of what truly matters – the connections we share with those around us.

The earthquake was a defining moment, a test of our strength and our ability to come together in the face of adversity. It reshaped our city, but more importantly, it reshaped us. We emerged stronger, more united, with a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of life.

As we rebuild, we carry with us the memories of that fateful day, a reminder of nature’s power and our own resilience. The earthquake may have shaken the foundations of our city, but it also laid the groundwork for a new beginning, built on the lessons learned and the unbreakable spirit of our community. In the face of nature’s might, we stand united, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

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Earthquake Essay | Essay on Earthquake for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Earthquake Essay: Earthquake Essay is an important topic for students to learn about. It educates the students about what an earthquake is and its repercussions. From a geological perspective, earthquakes (Magnitude 2 and smaller) occur several hundred times a day worldwide. These earthquakes occur in very remote places and its aftereffects are nearly imperceptible. Earthquakes that are larger and more destructive (Magnitude 8 and bigger) occur with lesser frequency; typically once or twice per year.

Usually, some places are more prone to earthquakes than others. These places are often located on the intersection between tectonic plates – gigantic plates that glide over the earth’s mantle. When two of these plates grind against each other, earthquakes occur. Depending on the location of the earthquake, it can cause a lot of damage, either through tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, mudslides, or ground displacement. These can cause serious damages to life and property; it can even cripple an entire economy if the magnitude is high enough. Read on to explore more about earthquakes.

You can read more Essay Writing about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of earthquakes and the dangers they pose to us. However, not everyone knows the exact definition nor its probable causes.

What is an Earthquake?

An Earthquake is defined as a phenomenon where tectonic plates slip past one another, creating seismic waves that travel through the earth’s rocks. Depending on the intensity of the earthquakes, the effects can vary from minor structural damages to buildings to complete collapse, resulting in loss of life and property. Sometimes, when an earthquake originates from the middle of the ocean, it can cause extremely large and destructive waves called tsunamis. However, an earthquake does not directly pose danger to a person; in other words, people cannot be shaken to death by an earthquake.

Understanding the Cause of Earthquakes

Now that we know what is an earthquake, we shall explore how it is caused. The earth is made up of four layers – the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. The mantle and the crust essentially behave as a very thin layer of shell on our planet’s surface. However, this shell is not composed of one single piece; there are several pieces that exist under the earth, each slowly sliding past one another. These pieces are called the tectonic plates. There are in fact seven tectonic plates that are found under the earth’s crust:

African plate
Antarctic plate
Eurasian plate
Indo-Australian plate
North American plate
Pacific plate
South American plate

Moreover, these plates are never static, they always keep moving. Over the earth’s history, tectonic plates have merged with other plates to form even larger plates. Other tectonic plates have drifted into smaller plates and some have been even pushed under other plates (subduction). This is one of the biggest reasons why we had supercontinents in the past, and their eventual breakup into the seven continents that we know today.

When two or more tectonic plates meet, the area usually becomes a hotspot for earthquakes. The actual event is caused when these plates start slipping past one another, creating energy in the form of seismic waves. Depending on the location and magnitude, these seismic waves have the potential to absolutely decimate buildings and natural ecosystems. The area where these earthquakes are known to occur is called the geologic faults.

Where do Earthquakes Occur?

Earthquakes can occur anywhere on earth, however, it occurs in more frequency where two tectonic plates meet, especially along the fault lines. The length of fault lines varies between a few meters to hundreds of kilometres. Most of the world’s earthquakes occur in a place called the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Ocean. The Belt traces boundaries between many tectonic plates, as a result, there is a lot of movement. This consequently makes it geologically active and is considered a very “violent” place from a seismological perspective. Moreover, there are many underwater active volcanoes that line these boundaries, hence the name: Ring of Fire.

How is Earthquake Measured

Earthquakes are measured using a unit called Magnitude. The instrument that measures these units is called seismographs. However, scientists often prefer to use the Moment Magnitude Scale over the magnitude scale is often

Effects of Earthquakes

As stated before, earthquakes do not directly cause harm to humans. However, earthquakes can cause substantial damages to property. One of the most prominent dangers is ground displacement. Any buildings along the fault can collapse, thereby causing injury or death to humans. The effect of ground shaking as a result of seismic waves can also impact the structural integrity of buildings. Roads and bridges may not be traversable due to the damage caused.

Earthquakes also cause an event called liquefaction. This occurs when sand or soil becomes very soft when it gets mixed with groundwater. When liquefaction occurs under a building, it can cause it to tip over, sink several feet, thereby rendering the building a hazard.

Earthquakes can also cause flooding. When earthquakes rupture damns or embankments along a river, water would then flood the area, damaging property and drowning people. When earthquakes occur under the ocean, huge waves called Tsunamis can occur. These waves are extremely destructive and can destroy anything in its wake. Interestingly, when earthquakes occur near lakes, they can cause an event similar to a tsunami, but smaller in scale – it is called Seiches. They are usually only a few feet high, but they are powerful enough to flood property and cause damage.

Can we Predict Earthquakes?

Earthquakes can never be predicted with current technology. However, we can calculate the probability of an earthquake occurring in specific areas (geologically active areas).

FAQ’s on Essay on Earthquakes

Question 1. What causes an earthquake essay?

Answer: Earthquakes are caused when two or more tectonic plates meet.

Question 2. What is an earthquake?

Answer: An earthquake can be defined as the “shaking” of the earth’s surface as a result of a sudden release of energy from the lithosphere.

Question 3. What are the effects of an earthquake?

Answer: Earthquakes cause the ground to shake. More intense earthquakes can cause liquefaction, flooding, landslides and even tsunamis.

Question 4. Why are earthquakes dangerous?

Answer: Earthquakes do not directly affect humans, however, being in the wrong place can be dangerous – such as a building during an earthquake or on a beach when a tsunami occurs.

Question 5. Can earthquakes be predicted?

Answer: No, earthquakes cannot be predicted.

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My earthquake experience

This article was published more than 14 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

I awaken to the bed swaying, gently at first, and because I'm half asleep and not from here, I think, "Cool, a tremor." I'm just that naive.

Sitting up, I switch on the bedside lamp. It's 3:34 a.m. The floor is shaking harder now, and I try to stand. A surge throws me backward.

Suddenly my 14th-floor Santiago hotel room comes alive, like an angry animal shaking a smaller one in its teeth. It lurches one way and then the other, and the air fills with the building's inhuman noises: rumbles and groans, the screeching of metal. Around me, pictures thud against walls; drawers open and bang shut; window curtains shriek on their rods.

Then the lights go out.

Panic squeezes the breath from me. The cacophony is more unholy in the dark. Trying to cross the rolling floor toward my suitcase at the foot of the bed, I curse myself for having slept naked. I am tossed against the corner of the desk and then to the ground. Lying on my back I yank on pants, then T-shirt and sandals, even as I think, "Just get out!" Something heavy crashes near my head.

I shouldn't even be here now. After three idyllic weeks as instructor at a writers' retreat outside Santiago, my flight home from Chile the previous evening, Feb. 26, had been cancelled because of engine trouble. I'd considered myself lucky to be put up at a luxury hotel.

As I pull myself to standing, sensations and images swarm my mind. I realize I'm whimpering. I don't consciously think that I won't see my husband and sons again. I just sense this, profoundly.

I careen my way to the bathroom and steady myself under the door frame. Isn't this what one is supposed to do? But the building is writhing and this doesn't feel safe.

Hauling open the door of my room, I expect to find people. The lights have burst on and it's blinding in the still-quaking hallway. Incredibly, there's no one about. My mind is screaming, but I don't even call for help.

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My room is at the end of the corridor. I brace my door open with one leg so it doesn't lock behind me, and push the stairwell door. Beyond it I see chunks of ceiling plaster pelting down, white dust clouding the air and coating the steps. Someone tell me what to do.

I go back into my room. Now the quake is subsiding. Furniture is askew, and the floor is littered with objects. Two large lamps have fallen, one just inches from where I pulled on my clothes. I realize nothing I'm doing makes sense, but grabbing my backpack containing passport and wallet, I run out again.

A middle-aged man is approaching, his face impassive. He says, "We should go down." I say, "Okay," and follow him to the stairs, but I lose sight of him. I take the landings too fast, feeling light-headed, sandals skidding on plaster.

On a lower floor I merge with a river of people in various stages of undress. We wend our way outside to the tennis courts, where a crowd of several hundred are gathering, comforting one another. Some are crying; all are dazed. A woman looks like she is about to faint and I steady her. Seeing frightened children in parents' arms, my selfish thought is thank God my kids aren't here.

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Soon hotel staff are setting up chairs and passing around bottled water. They offer us tablecloths to wrap around ourselves against the night chill, and slippers for those who are barefoot. They seem remarkably calm. They too must be afraid.

We drift about in tablecloths like ghosts in a school play. A kind man finds me a chair and we talk. My expression feels blank, but my heart is hammering. The staff order us to move away from the building - what do they know? - and 20 minutes after the big quake, we feel the first of many aftershocks. I have to remind myself to breathe.

I wander, and after a while there's a tap on my shoulder and I turn to feel arms wrapping around me. It's Mary, a warm Chilean-Canadian woman I'd met last night. She and her husband, who live in Toronto, would have been on my flight. She kisses my cheek and I kiss her back.

"Thank goodness," she says. "I told Victor, 'We have to find her. She's all alone.' " She rubs my arms.

"Are you okay?" I ask, and she nods. It's all I can do not to cry.

We all feel lucky to be alive, but our relief is tinged with survivor's guilt. Farther south, we soon learn, the 8.8-magnitude earthquake has left many dead and others homeless, and tsunamis may be on the way.

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In some hotel rooms ceilings collapsed; TVs and mirrors and glassware shattered; water pipes burst. But at least we have electricity, water, food. Outside the hotel, many do not. Some of us suffer cuts and bruises, but none are seriously injured. Still, dozens refuse to return to their rooms for the next few nights, turning the hotel grounds into a refugee camp. Why I return to mine, I'll never know.

For four anxious days we await news of when and how we'll be transported home. I e-mail my family and friends, and two writers I met at the retreat visit - but here, Mary and Victor, who stay by me, are my lifelines.

A minute and a half. That's how long the quake lasted, they say. But those who experienced it will never forget that eternity of adrenalin-charged panic. And that soul-deep, if fleeting, sense of finality.

Five sleepless nights later, a rescue flight carries us home.

Allyson Latta lives in Toronto.

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Earthquake Essay

Download the Earthquake Essay Available on Vedantu’s Website.

Earthquakes are some of the most devastating natural disasters. Millions of dollars worth of property are damaged and a hundred die every time a big magnitude of eater quake strikes. It is in this regard that everyone must read and know about earthquakes and be prepared to mitigate the damage. Furthermore, the topic of earthquakes is quite often asked in exams. Preparing for this topic will enable them to have an edge and score more marks in the English paper.

To serve the above-mentioned purpose, Vedantu has come up with the Earthquake essay. This essay is prepared by the experts who know what exactly is required to know and weeding out points that are not important. The essay is very precise and would surely allow students to successfully claim marks in the essay question and even stay prepared when an earthquake actually strikes.

What is an Earthquake?

When the earth’s surface shakes, the phenomenon is referred to as an earthquake. Precisely, the sudden trembling of the earth’s surface is the cause of an earthquake. Earthquakes are regarded as one of the deadliest natural disasters. Huge damage and loss of property are caused by earthquakes. There are various types of earthquakes. Some of them are severe in nature. The most dangerous thing about an earthquake is that it is quite unpredictable. It can cause several damages without any previous indication. The intensity of an earthquake is measured by the Richter’s scale. Generally, earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates under the earth’s surface.

Types of Earthquake

There are four kinds of earthquakes namely

Tectonic Earthquake,

Volcanic Earthquake,

Collapse Earthquake and

Explosive Earthquake.

Tectonic Earthquake

It is caused due to the movement of the slab of rocks of uneven shapes that lie underneath the earth’s crust. Apart from that, energy is stored in the earth’s crust. Tectonic plates are pushed away from each other or towards each other due to the energy. A pressure is formed because of the energy and movement as time passes. A fault line is formed due to severe pressure. The center point of this dispersion is the epicenter of the earthquake. Subsequently, traveling of the waves of energy from focus to the surface causes the tremor.

Volcanic Earthquake

The earthquake caused by volcanic activity is called a volcanic earthquake. These kinds of earthquakes are of weaker magnitudes. Volcanic earthquakes are categorized into two types. In the first type, which is called volcano-tectonic, shaking happens due to input or withdrawal of Magma. In the second type, which is termed as Long-period earthquake, tremors occur due to changing of pressure among the earth’s layers.

Collapse Earthquake

Collapse Earthquake is the third type of earthquake that occurs in the caverns and mines. This is another example of a weak magnitude earthquake. Mines collapsed due to underground blasts. Consequently, seismic waves are formed due to this collapsing. Earthquakes occur because of these seismic waves.

Explosive Earthquake

The fourth type of earthquake is called an explosive earthquake. This is caused due to the testing of nuclear weapons.

Effects of Earthquake

The effects of earthquakes are very severe and deadly.

It can cause irreparable damage to property and loss of human lives. The lethality of an earthquake depends on its distance from the epicentre.

Damage to establishments is the direct impact of an earthquake. In the hilly areas, several landslides are caused due to earthquakes.

Another major impact of an earthquake is soil liquefaction. Losing the strength of water-saturated granular material is the cause behind this. The rigidity of soil is totally lost due to this.

Since the earthquake affects the electric power and gas lines, it can cause a fire to break out.

Deadly Tsunamis are caused due to earthquakes. Gigantic sea waves are caused by the sudden or abnormal movement of huge volumes of water. This is called an earthquake in the ocean. When tsunamis hit the sea coasts, they cause a massive loss of lives and properties.

Earthquake is termed as one of the most huge and lethal natural disasters in the world. It proves the fact that human beings are just nothing in front of nature. The sudden occurrence of earthquakes shocks everyone. Scientists are working rigorously to prevent the damage of earthquakes, but nothing fruitful has been achieved yet.

Examples of Devastating Earthquake

The city of Kobe in Japan witnessed a devastating earthquake on January 17, 1995, killing more than 6,000 and making more than 45,000 people homeless. The magnitude of the quake was 6.9 at the moment which caused damage of around 100 million dollars. The governor of Kobe spent years on reconstruction and made efforts to bring back fifty thousand people who had left home. Japan geologically is a highly active country. It lies upon four major tectonic plates namely, Eurasian, Philippine, Pacific, and North American which frequently meet and interact.

The second incident is in Nepal where an earthquake struck on April 25, 2015. About 9000 people were killed and almost 600,000 structures were destroyed. The magnitude of the quake was 7.9 and the repels were felt by neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, China and India. The disaster caused severe damage of millions of dollars. All the countries across the world including India garnered to help Nepal by sending monetary aid, medical supplies, transport helicopters and others.

FAQs on Earthquake Essay

1. How to download the Earthquake Essay?

The Earthquake essay is available on Vedantu's website in PDF format. The PDF could be downloaded on any device, be it android, apple or windows. One just has to log on to www.vedantu.com and download the document. The document is totally free of cost and a student does not need to pay any prior registration fee.

2. How to protect oneself during an earthquake?

Earthquakes could be very disastrous and can cause a lot of collateral damage. During an earthquake you can look for the corners to hide. Another safe place to hide is under the table or under the bed. If one is sitting in a multistory building, avoid taking a lift and only use the stairs. In this kind of situation, one should never panic and stay calm. Let the earthquake pass until then keep hiding in the safe spot. Once over, come out to evaluate the situation and take appropriate actions.

3. How to mitigate the effects of an earthquake?

Prevention is better than cure. It is always a better idea to take necessary actions before an earthquake has struck. In the first place, send a copy of all your documents to someone reliable. In case of an earthquake that destroys your important documents, there would always remain a facility to retrieve them. Research and know if your city is in a seismic zone. One should also take note of earthquakes during the construction of a house and lay emphasis on a seismic-proof house.

4. How can one teach people about the effects of an earthquake?

There are many ways one can raise awareness about the effects of earthquakes. There is Youtube and Instagram which could be used to disseminate all the knowledge about the earthquake and its impact on humans. You can also go to schools and colleges to conduct a seminar whereby the students could be told about the mitigation and steps to take when an earthquake strikes. However before that, one must thoroughly research the topic. For this, visit www.vedntu.com and download the earthquake essay for free.

5. Who has written the Earthquake essay?

The earthquake essay provided by Vedantu is prepared by expert teachers who invest a good amount of time and effort to come up with an essay that is highly useful for the students in their personal lives as well as for their academic performance. The students can use this essay to maximize their abilities to cope with the questions on earthquakes and the earthquake itself. The essay is totally reliable and one mustn’t doubt its credibility at all.

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Major historical earthquakes

Why is an earthquake dangerous?

What are earthquake waves, how is earthquake magnitude measured, where do earthquakes occur.

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Table Of Contents

Over the centuries, earthquakes have been responsible for millions of deaths and an incalculable amount of damage to property. Depending on their intensity, earthquakes (specifically, the degree to which they cause the ground’s surface to shake) can topple buildings and bridges , rupture gas pipelines and other infrastructure, and trigger landslides , tsunamis , and volcanoes . These phenomena are primarily responsible for deaths and injuries. Very great earthquakes occur on average about once per year.

Earthquake waves, more commonly known as seismic waves , are vibrations generated by an earthquake and propagated within Earth or along its surface. There are four principal types of elastic waves: two, primary and secondary waves, travel within Earth, whereas the other two, Rayleigh and Love waves, called surface waves, travel along its surface. In addition, seismic waves can be produced artificially by explosions.

Magnitude is a measure of the amplitude (height) of the seismic waves an earthquake’s source produces as recorded by seismographs . Seismologist Charles F. Richter created an earthquake magnitude scale using the logarithm of the largest seismic wave’s amplitude to base 10. Richter’s scale was originally for measuring the magnitude of earthquakes from magnitudes 3 to 7, limiting its usefulness. Today the moment magnitude scale, a closer measure of an earthquake’s total energy release, is preferred.

Earthquakes can occur anywhere, but they occur mainly along fault lines (planar or curved fractures in the rocks of Earth’s crust ), where compressional or tensional forces move rocks on opposite sides of a fracture. Faults extend from a few centimetres to many hundreds of kilometres. In addition, most of the world’s earthquakes occur within the Ring of Fire , a long horseshoe-shaped belt of earthquake epicentres , volcanoes , and tectonic plate boundaries fringing the Pacific basin .

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earthquake , any sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic waves through Earth ’s rocks. Seismic waves are produced when some form of energy stored in Earth’s crust is suddenly released, usually when masses of rock straining against one another suddenly fracture and “slip.” Earthquakes occur most often along geologic faults , narrow zones where rock masses move in relation to one another. The major fault lines of the world are located at the fringes of the huge tectonic plates that make up Earth’s crust. ( See the table of major earthquakes.)

Little was understood about earthquakes until the emergence of seismology at the beginning of the 20th century. Seismology , which involves the scientific study of all aspects of earthquakes, has yielded answers to such long-standing questions as why and how earthquakes occur.

About 50,000 earthquakes large enough to be noticed without the aid of instruments occur annually over the entire Earth. Of these, approximately 100 are of sufficient size to produce substantial damage if their centres are near areas of habitation. Very great earthquakes occur on average about once per year. Over the centuries they have been responsible for millions of deaths and an incalculable amount of damage to property.

The nature of earthquakes

Causes of earthquakes.

Earth’s major earthquakes occur mainly in belts coinciding with the margins of tectonic plates. This has long been apparent from early catalogs of felt earthquakes and is even more readily discernible in modern seismicity maps, which show instrumentally determined epicentres. The most important earthquake belt is the Circum-Pacific Belt , which affects many populated coastal regions around the Pacific Ocean —for example, those of New Zealand , New Guinea , Japan , the Aleutian Islands , Alaska , and the western coasts of North and South America . It is estimated that 80 percent of the energy presently released in earthquakes comes from those whose epicentres are in this belt. The seismic activity is by no means uniform throughout the belt, and there are a number of branches at various points. Because at many places the Circum-Pacific Belt is associated with volcanic activity , it has been popularly dubbed the “Pacific Ring of Fire .”

The video thumbnail image shows a woman trying to break a bundle of pasta strands as part of a scientific demonstration.

A second belt, known as the Alpide Belt , passes through the Mediterranean region eastward through Asia and joins the Circum-Pacific Belt in the East Indies . The energy released in earthquakes from this belt is about 15 percent of the world total. There also are striking connected belts of seismic activity, mainly along oceanic ridges —including those in the Arctic Ocean , the Atlantic Ocean , and the western Indian Ocean —and along the rift valleys of East Africa . This global seismicity distribution is best understood in terms of its plate tectonic setting .

Natural forces

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy within some limited region of the rocks of the Earth . The energy can be released by elastic strain , gravity, chemical reactions, or even the motion of massive bodies. Of all these the release of elastic strain is the most important cause, because this form of energy is the only kind that can be stored in sufficient quantity in the Earth to produce major disturbances. Earthquakes associated with this type of energy release are called tectonic earthquakes.

The surface of the Earth is made up of tectonic plates that lie beneath both the land and oceans of our planet. The movements of these plates can build mountains or cause volcanoes to erupt. The clash of these plates can also cause violent earthquakes, where Earth’s surface shakes. Earthquakes are more common in some parts of the world than others, because some places, like California, sit on top of the meeting point, or fault, of two plates. When those plates scrape against each other and cause an earthquake, the results can be deadly and devastating.

Learn more about earthquakes with this curated collection of classroom resources.

Geology, Geography, Physical Geography

Essay on Earthquake

Students are often asked to write an essay on Earthquake in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Earthquake

What is an earthquake.

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface. It happens when the Earth’s tectonic plates move and clash with each other. This movement releases energy, causing the ground to shake.

Causes of Earthquakes

Earthquakes mainly occur due to the movement of tectonic plates. Sometimes, they can also be caused by volcanic eruptions or landslides.

Effects of Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, landslides, and tsunamis. They can lead to loss of life and property.

Preventing Earthquake Damage

We can’t prevent earthquakes, but we can reduce their impact by building earthquake-resistant structures and planning for emergencies.

250 Words Essay on Earthquake

Introduction.

Earthquakes, a natural phenomenon, are the shaking, rolling, or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. They are among the most powerful and terrifying events on earth.

Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. When these plates move past each other, they sometimes get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that we feel.

Impacts of Earthquakes

The impact of earthquakes can be devastating, leading to loss of life and massive damage to infrastructure. They can trigger landslides and tsunamis, further escalating the destruction. The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, Japan, which triggered a destructive tsunami, is a stark reminder of their potential devastation.

Earthquake Preparedness

Knowledge and preparedness are key to minimizing the effects of earthquakes. Seismology, the study of earthquakes, has enabled us to understand their behavior and, to a certain extent, predict their occurrence. Building codes and emergency response strategies can also be developed to mitigate their impacts.

While we cannot prevent earthquakes, understanding their causes and effects can help us to prepare and mitigate their impacts. As we advance in technology and knowledge, we hope to improve our ability to predict and respond to these powerful natural phenomena.

500 Words Essay on Earthquake

The science behind earthquakes.

The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates. These plates are continually moving, albeit very slowly, due to the convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere. When these plates interact at their boundaries, they may either move apart (divergent boundary), move towards each other (convergent boundary), or slide past each other (transform boundary). The majority of earthquakes occur along these plate boundaries.

The energy that causes an earthquake is stored in rocks as elastic strain energy. When the stress on the rock exceeds its strength, it breaks, releasing this stored energy as seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth, causing the ground to shake.

Measuring Earthquakes

The immediate effect of an earthquake is ground shaking, which can cause buildings to collapse, landslides, and even tsunamis if the earthquake occurs under the ocean. These can result in significant loss of life and property.

In the long term, earthquakes can change the Earth’s surface, causing changes in the landscape, altering river courses, and creating new landforms. They can also have significant socio-economic impacts, disrupting communities, economies, and infrastructure.

Earthquake Preparedness and Mitigation

Mitigation measures include land-use planning, adopting earthquake-resistant construction practices, and improving early warning systems. Moreover, understanding the science of earthquakes is key to predicting them, which can help in minimizing their impacts.

Earthquakes are a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet. Despite their destructive potential, they play a crucial role in shaping the Earth’s landscape. Understanding the science behind earthquakes and implementing effective preparedness and mitigation strategies can significantly reduce their devastating impacts. As we advance in technology and knowledge, we continue to find ways to coexist with this inevitable natural phenomenon.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Essay On Earthquake For Kids – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On Earthquake For Lower Primary Classes

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Essay writing is a vital skill to be acquired by children, requiring them to research topics to increase their knowledge. Essay writing also improves their communication skills. Earthquakes are a natural disaster that most students are familiar with. Writing an essay on earthquakes in English allows them to know many things like why earthquakes happen, how are they measured on the Richter scale, and most importantly, their after-effects. Some earthquakes have been so disastrous that they have caused considerable losses to life and property. Below are some points that will help your kid write a good essay on earthquakes for classes 1, 2 and 3 kids.

Earthquake is an excellent essay topic because it teaches children about various geographical elements. However, specific considerations should be made when writing an earthquake essay in English, such as:

Begin with an introductory paragraph that provides general information about earthquakes, such as what they are and what causes them.
The body should be divided into paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect. You can include information such as types of earthquakes. its causes, and effects.
Conclude the essay with a final paragraph that summarises the entire essay in a few lines.

An essay on earthquakes is a very interesting topic for kids as it increases their knowledge and makes children aware of the world around them. The following 10 lines on earthquakes can guide students as to how to write clear sentences and make a good essay for classes 1 and 2:

An earthquake is a natural disaster.
They occur when some tricks move under the Earth’s surface, causing vibrations or seismic waves.
Due to this, we can feel the entire ground shaking below our feet. This can cause buildings, trees and other tall structures to break and fall.
The strength or intensity of an earthquake is called its magnitude and it is measured on the Richter scale from 1 to 10.
Earthquakes can be measured using a seismograph.
Earthquakes of 6 or 7 magnitude are very strong and can cause massive loss of life and property.
The exact spot where an earthquake originates is called its epicentre. This place faces the maximum effect of the disaster.
People living in earthquake-prone areas must always be prepared to face the danger and have a disaster management strategy as it is difficult to predict an earthquake.
The best way to ensure safety during an earthquake is to run to open fields.
If there is no open space nearby, you can duck under a strong and sturdy table.

Short paragraphs on earthquakes help students to weave their essays around them. They guide the children on how to form sentences. A short paragraph on earthquakes is given below for the reference of the kids:

Earthquakes are caused by the shaking of the earth, which occurs when two of the earth’s tectonic plates slide over each other. These can be caused by natural factors such as volcanic eruptions or man-made factors such as mining or the construction of various structures. Some earthquakes have little or no effect, while others cause widespread devastation. There have been numerous earthquakes in the past that have resulted in significant loss of life and property. During an earthquake, it is recommended that we run out of our home and move to an open and safe location. We cannot predict earthquakes, but we can ensure safety with proper precautions.

Learning how to write a short essay on natural disasters like an earthquake helps students gain awareness of various geographical phenomena and enhances their knowledge. Since earthquakes are a common phenomenon, knowing about them is crucial. Given below is an example of a short essay for classes 1, 2 and 3:

An earthquake is a natural disaster which is caused by the shaking of the earth. The main reason for this is the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are fragments of the earth’s surface plates that float in the core. When these plates begin to drift away from each other or begin to slide towards each other, tremors occur, resulting in earthquakes. An earthquake can also be induced by a volcanic eruption or man-made factors such as mining and the construction of concrete structures. It can also cause fires, tsunamis, and other natural disasters.

Areas closer to the continental shelf, such as Mumbai, Srinagar, Kolkata, and Chennai, are more vulnerable to earthquakes. The impact of an earthquake on a location is determined by how far it is from the epicentre. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale. Higher magnitude events are less common but cause more damage to people and property.

Earthquakes sometimes cause a huge loss of life and property, making it essential for children to learn about them. Writing an essay on earthquakes makes them aware of its causes, effects and even precautions that one should take. Given below is a long essay for class 3 that can help students learn more about this natural calamity:

What Is An Earthquake?

An earthquake is the movement within the earth’s crust due to the sudden release of energy from the earth’s interior. It results in massive loss of lives and affects that area’s infrastructure. The damage caused depends on the intensity of the earthquake.

What Are The Types Of Earthquakes?

Earthquakes can be categorised into four types based on the cause of occurrence:

Tectonic Earthquakes: These earthquakes occur when the floating tectonic plates on the earth’s core either move away from each other or slip towards each other, causing friction. As a result, pressure from the ground is released, causing tremors.
Volcanic Earthquakes: Volcanic eruptions cause these earthquakes. Magma movement causes pressure and changes in the rock surrounding the magma, resulting in earthquakes.
Collapse Earthquakes: These are low-intensity earthquakes caused primarily by mining. Underground blasts in mines are a major cause of mine collapse, resulting in collapse earthquakes.
Explosive Earthquakes: These earthquakes are typically caused by explosions caused by nuclear bomb testing.

What Are The Causes Of Earthquakes?

An earthquake is a natural disaster; hence, it is generally caused naturally. However, there are undoubtedly other reasons too that can cause earthquakes like:

Volcanic Eruptions: Volcanic earthquakes are the result of volcanic eruptions. It’s a common cause of earthquakes, and areas with active volcanos are more vulnerable to such earthquakes.
Human Activities: Natural and man-made activities can both cause earthquakes. Human activities that can cause earthquakes include the construction of concrete structures, mining, and nuclear bombing.
Geological Factors: These occur when tectonic plates shift away from their original position, causing friction and, as a result, earthquakes.

What Are The Effects Of Earthquakes?

An earthquake has numerous effects, such as:

Death and property destruction is one of the effects of an earthquake. On the other hand, the magnitude of the destruction is determined by the magnitude of the earthquake and its distance from the epicentre.
Earthquakes can also spark fires in electric and gas pipelines, resulting in huge losses.
Tsunamis are sometimes caused by an earthquake, causing even more damage to people and property.
Earthquakes can also cause large structures and monuments to collapse, causing irreparable damage.
Landslides are another significant impact of earthquakes. Landslides, which result in the fall of large rocks, are common in hilly areas. They can also cause traffic congestion.

Precautions To Be Taken During An Earthquake

Even though earthquakes are not predictable, there are certain precautions that we can take to lessen their impact, such as:

Avoid enclosed spaces: Get out of your building as soon as you feel a tremor and find an open space.
Avoid using the lift: It is always advisable to avoid using the lift while evacuating the building during an earthquake because it can be dangerous.
Avoid trees and lampposts: If you’re driving, never park your car and stand beneath a tree or a lamppost because the earthquake could cause it to fall.
If you cannot move, try crouching beneath a sturdy table or bed to protect yourself from falling objects.

This earthquake essay will give your child a general understanding of the subject while also making them aware of their surroundings. It will also help kids learn about the precautions to take during an earthquake, so they know what they should to if it happens again.

Some of the interesting facts about earthquakes for children are:

Earthquakes can occur for natural or man-made reasons.
An earthquake cannot be predicted in advance.
Seismology is the study of earthquakes. The Richter scale is a device used to measure earthquake intensity.
The greater the intensity on the Richter scale, the more severe the damage.
Earthquakes can be so devastating that they can cripple an entire economy.

1. Can We Forecast Earthquakes?

No. No such technology has allowed seismologists to predict an earthquake in advance.

2. How Is Earthquake Measures?

The intensity of an earthquake is measured on a Richter scale.

3. Which Are The Earthquake Prone Areas In India?

Several earthquake-prone areas in India include Srinagar, Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Pune, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Earthquakes are major natural disasters that have caused irreparable damage in the past and will do so in the future. We cannot prevent them, but we can aim to mitigate their effects with proper precautions.

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Essay on “I Experience an Earthquake” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

I Experience an Earthquake

Outline: Introduction – my strange experience – we rushed out – the havoc caused by the earthquake – man’s control over nature is incomplete.

Who can forget what happened in the small hours of the 30th September 1993? On the previous day I had gone to bed, expecting tomorrow to be like the so many tomorrows that had followed one another in weary succession. But the day, which dawned on 30th September 1993 proved to be different and brought to me a new and horrible experience. I was suddenly awakened at about 4 a.m. by a strange experience which I did not understand at first. I was aware that its main ingredients were a peculiar movement and a peculiar sound. I was rocked for a few seconds. as though I was in a cradle. I heard strange sounds in which I could identify the tinkling of pots, the rattling of windows, and certain muffled rumbling noise issuing from the earth. After a few moments I realized, to my horror, that it was the earthquake.

Others too in my house and locality must have realized it at the same time or a little earlier, as we all sprang up from our beds in a trice and rushed out of our houses, carrying sleeping babes and flabbergasted children. The tremor of the earth had ceased; yet we stood in the open for an hour, dreading another tremor. There was nip in the air that early morning, and the electric lights had gone off. People stood in darkness, talking about the earthquake and praying to God that it might not be repeated.

The tremors of the earth caused no damage in Mumbai. For several hours next morning we thought, with gratitude to Nature, that it had been, on the whole, harmless. But at about noon, news came that the earthquake had played havoc in Latur. All the houses in parts of Latur had been razed to the ground and hundreds of human lives lost.

The destruction wrought by the earthquake at Latur proved the helplessness of man in the face of an unexpected natural calamity. It shows how incomplete is man’s vaunted control over the forces of Nature. He has much to achieve yet in this respect. Is it not a pity that he is frittering away his resources and energies in petty animosities, squabbles and wars?

Difficult Words:Small hours -early hours. ingredients -elements. muffled -subdued, low. flabbergasted – bewildered, amazed. tremor – trembling. razed -destroyed, leveled to the ground. wrought – worked, caused. vaunted – boasted. frittering – wasting.

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Earth Science — The Science of Earthquakes

The Science of Earthquakes

Categories: Earth Science Earthquake

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Words: 1178 |

Published: Mar 1, 2019

Words: 1178 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

What is an earthquake, what causes earthquakes and where do they happen, why does the earth shake when there is an earthquake, how are earthquakes recorded, how do scientists measure the size of earthquakes, how can scientists tell where the earthquake happened, can scientists predict earthquakes.

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Essay on earthquakes: top 5 essays on earthquakes | geography.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Earthquakes’ for class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Earthquakes’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Earthquakes

Essay Contents:

Essay on the World Distribution of Earthquakes

Essay # 1. Introduction to Earthquake:

An earthquake is a major demonstration of the power of the tectonic forces caused by endogenetic thermal conditions of the interior of the earth. ‘An earthquake is a motion of the ground surface, ranging from a faint tremor to a wild motion capable of shaking buildings apart and causing gaping fissures to open in the ground.

The earthquake is a form of energy of wave motion transmitted through the surface layer of the earth in widening circles from a point of sudden energy release, the focus’. ‘An earthquake is a vibration or oscillation of the surface of the earth caused by a transient disturbance of the elastic or gravitational equilibrium of the rocks at or beneath the earth the surface.’

The magnitude or intensity of energy released by an earthquake is measured by the Richter Scale devised by Charles F. Richter in 1935. The number indicating magnitude or intensity (M) on Richter scale ranges between 0 and 9 but in fact the scale has no upper limit of number because it is a logarithmic scale.

It is estimated that the total annual energy released by all earthquakes is about 10 25 ergs, most of this is from a small number of earthquakes of magnitude over 7. The 1934 Bihar earthquake measuring 8.4 and Good Friday Earthquake of March 27, 1964 in Alaska (USA) measuring 8.4 to 8.6 on Richter scale are among the greatest earthquakes of the world ever recorded.

The place of the origin of an earthquake is called focus which is always hidden inside the earth but its depth varies from place to place. The deepest earthquake may have its focus at a depth of even 700 km below the ground surface but some of the major Himalayan earthquakes, such as the Bihar-Nepal earthquake of August 21, 1988, have their focus around 20- 30 km deep.

The place on the ground surface, which is perpendicular to the buried ‘focus’ or ‘hypocentre’, recording the seismic waves for the first time is called epicentre. The waves generated by an earthquake are called ‘seismic waves’ which are recorded by an instrument called seismograph or seismometer at the epicentre. The science, that deals with the seismic waves, is called seismology.

Essay # 2. Causes of Earthquakes :

Earthquakes are caused mainly due to disequilibrium in any part of the crust of the earth. A number of causes have been assigned to cause disequilibrium or isostatic imbalance in the earth’s crust such as volcanic eruptions, faulting and folding, up-warping and down-warping, gaseous expansion and contraction inside the earth, hydrostatic pressure of man-made water bodies like reservoirs and lakes, and plate movements.

If we look at the world distribution of earthquakes (fig. 10.2) it appears that the earthquake belts are closely associated with the weaker zones and isostatically disturbed areas of the globe. It was generally believed that isostatically balanced and old and stable rigid masses were free from seismic events but the devastating earthquake of Koyna on 11 December, 1967, in Satara district of Maharashtra, Latur-Kilari earthquake of Sept. 30, 1993 of Maharashtra, dis proved this old connotation and made us believe that no part of the earth is immune from seismic events. A host of possible causes have been suggested to cause disequilibrium in the earth’s crust which trigger earth tremors of various sorts.

i. Vulcanicity:

Volcanic activity is considered to be one of the major causes of earthquakes. In fact, vulcanicity and seismic events are so intimately related to each other that they become cause and effect for each other. In other words, each volcanic eruption is followed by earthquakes and many of the severe earthquakes cause volcanic eruptions.

In fact, earth tremors are major precursor events of possible volcanic eruption in immediate future in any region. The explosive violent gases during the process of vulcanicity try to escape upward and hence they push the crustal surface from below with great force and thus is caused severe earth tremor of high magnitude.

Whenever these gases become successful in breaking the weak crustal surface they appear on the earth’s surface with violent explosion and great force causing devastating volcanic eruption which causes sudden disequilibrium in the crustal surface to invite severe earth tremors. It may be pointed out that the magnitude of such earthquakes depends upon the intensity of volcanic eruptions.

The violent eruption of Krakatoa volcano (between Java and Sumatra) caused such a severe earthquake the impact of which was experienced as far away as Cape Horn (some 12,800 km away). The devastating earthquake generated 30 to 40 m high tsunamis waves which killed 36,000 people in the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra.

ii. Faulting and Elastic Rebound Theory :

The horizontal and vertical movements caused by endogenetic forces result in the formation of faults and folds which in turn cause isostatic disequilibrium in the crustal rocks which ultimately causes earthquakes of varying magnitudes depending on the nature and magnitude of dislocation of rock blocks caused by faulting and folding. In fact, sudden dislocation of rock blocks caused by both tensile and compressive forces triggers immediate earth tremors due to sudden maladjustment of rock blocks.

The 1950-earthquake of Assam was believed to have been caused due to disequilibrium in crustal rocks introduced by crustal fracture. The 1934-earthquake of Bihar was also considered to have been triggered by faulting activity underneath. Underground active fault zone was suggested as one of the possible causes of Koyna earthquake (Maharashtra) of December 11, 1967.

The occurrence of severe devastating earthquake of San Francisco (USA) in 1906 led H.F. Reid, one of the official investigators of the San Fransisco earthquake disaster, to advance his famous and much appreciated elastic rebound theory to explain the mode and causes of earthquakes mainly caused by fractures and faults in the earth’s crust and upper mantle.

According to Reid the underground rocks are elastic like rubber and expand when stretched and pulled. The stretching and pulling of crustal rocks due to tensile forces is slow process. The rocks continue to be stretched so long as the tensile forces do not exceed the elasticity of the rocks but as the tensile forces exceed the rocks elasticity, they are broken and the broken rock blocks try immediately to occupy their previous positions so that they may adjust themselves. All these processes occur so rapidly that the equilibrium of the concerned crustal surface is suddenly disturbed and hence earth tremors are caused.

Reid’s elastic rebound theory very well explains the occurrences of seismic events in Californian valley which is very much frequented by faulting activity. The famous earthquake of 1872 of California was caused due to creation of a massive fault in the Oven Valley. Similarly, the Californian earthquake of April 18, 1906, was caused due to the formation of 640 km long San Andreas Fault. The 1923 earthquake of Sagami Bay of Japan was also believed to have been triggered by big fault.

N. Krishna Brahman and Janardhan G. Niyogi, the two scientists of the National Geophysical Research Institute, have opined that the seismic events near Bhatsa Dam and Koyna Dam are very much active due to active faulting beneath the Deccan Traps. They have claimed to have identified two active rift faults in Maharashtra beneath the Deccan Traps viz. Kurduvadi rift and Koyna rift.

According to them Koyna rift begins from Kaladgi in Karnataka and runs for a distance of 540 km through Koyna and terminates 40 km west of Nasik. The 390 km long Kurduvadi rift begins from 40 km south-west of Solapur and after running through Kurduvadi it merges with the Koyna rift to the north of Pune. According to them Bhatsa Dam is located at the junction of Tawi and Koyna faults.

They are of the opinion that gradual increase in the seismic events in Bhatsa Dam area since 1983 is because of active faulting beneath the basaltic crust. The 1950 Assam earthquake, 1934 Bihar earthquake and 2001 Bhuj earthquake (Gujarat) of India were caused mainly by faulting.

iii. Hydrostatic Pressure and Anthropogenic Causes :

Though the earthquakes are natural phenomena and are caused by the endogenetic forces coming from within the earth but certain human activities such as pumping of groundwater and oil, deep underground mining, blasting of rocks by dynamites for constructional purposes (e.g., for the construction of dams and reservoirs, roads etc.), nuclear explosion, storage of huge volume of water in big reservoirs etc. also cause earth tremors of serious consequences.

The introduction of additional artificial superincumbent load through the construction of large dams and impounding of enormous volume of water in big reservoirs behind the dams cause disequilibrium of already isostatically adjusted rocks below the reservoirs or further augment the already fragile structures due to faults and fractures underneath.

Many major seismic events have been correlated with dams and reservoirs all over the world such as earthquake of 1931 in Greece due to Marathon Dam constructed in 1929; initiation of earth tremors since 1936 around Hoover Dam (USA) due to creation of Mead Lake in 1935; Koyna earthquake of 1967 (in Satara district of Maharashtra) due to Koyna reservoir constructed in 1962; other examples of earthquakes caused by dams and reservoirs are of Monteynard and Grandvale in France, Mangla in Pakistan, Kariba in Zambia, Manic in Canada, Hendrick Verwoerd in South Africa, Nourek in earst-while USSR, Kurobe in Japan etc.

It may be pointed out that the intensity of earthquake has been positively correlated with the levels of water in the reservoirs. The earthquakes caused by hydrostatic pressure of reservoirs are called ‘reservoir-induced earthquakes’.

iv. Plate Tectonic Theory :

Recently, plate tectonic theory has been accepted as the most plausible explanation of the causes of earthquakes. As per theory of the plate tectonics the crust or the earth is composed of solid and moving plates having either continental crust or oceanic crust or even both continental-oceanic crust.

The earth’s crust consists of 6 major plates (Eurasian plate, American plate, African plate, Indian plate, Pacific plate and Antarctic plate) and 20 minor plates. These plates are constantly moving in relation to each Other due to thermal convective currents originating deep within the earth.

Thus, all the tectonic events take place along the boundaries of these moving plates. From the stand point of movement and tectonic events and creation and destruction of geomaterials the plate boundaries are divided into:

(i) Constructive plate boundaries,

(ii) Destructive plate boundaries, and

(iii) Conservative plate boundaries.

Constructive plate boundaries represent the trailing ends of divergent plates which move in opposite directions from the mid-oceanic ridges, destructive plate boundaries are those where two convergent plates collide against each other and the heavier plate boundary is sub-ducted below the relatively lighter plate boundary and conservative plate boundaries are those where two plates slip past each other without any collision.

Major tectonic events associated with these plate boundaries are ruptures and faults along the constructive plate boundaries, faulting and folding along the destructive plate boundaries and transform faults along the conservative plate boundaries. All sorts of disequilibrium are caused due to different types of plate motions and consequently earthquakes of varying magnitudes are caused.

Normally, moderate earthquakes are caused along the constructive plate boundaries because the rate of rupture of the crust and consequent movement of plates away from the mid-oceanic ridges is rather slow and the rate of upwelling of lavas due to fissure flow is also slow. Consequently, shallow focus earthquakes are caused along the constructive plate boundaries or say along the mid-oceanic ridges.

The depth of ‘focus’ of earthquakes associated with the constructive plate boundaries ranges between 25 km to 35 km but a few earthquakes have also been found to have occurred at the depth of 60 km. It is, thus, obvious that the earthquakes occurring along the mid-Atlantic Ridge, mid- Indian Oceanic Ridge and East Pacific Rise are caused because of movement of plates in opposite directions (divergence) and consequent formation of faults and ruptures and upwelling of magma or fissure flow of basaltic lavas (fig. 10.1).

Earthquakes of high magnitude and deep focus are caused along the convergent or destructive plate boundaries because of collision of two convergent plates and consequent subduction of one plate boundary along the Benioff zone. Here mountain building, faulting and violent volcanic eruptions (central explosive type of eruptions) cause severe and disastrous earthquakes having the focus at the depth up to 700 km.

This process, convergence of plates and related plate collision, explains the maximum occurrence of earthquakes of varying magnitudes along the Fire Ring of the Pacific or the Circum-Pacific Belt (along the western and eastern margins of the Pacific Ocean or say along the western coastal margins of North and South Americas and thus the Rockies to Andes Mountain Belt and along the eastern coastal margins of Asia and island arcs and festoons parallel to the Asiatic coast).

The earthquakes of the Mid-Conti- nental Belt along the Alpine-Himalayan chains are caused due to collision of Eurasian plates and African and Indian plates. The earthquakes of the western marginal areas of North and South Americas are caused because of subduction of Pacific plate beneath the American plate and the resultant tectonic forces whereas the earthquakes of the eastern margins of Asia are originated because of the subduction of Pacific plate under Asiatic plate.

Similarly, the subduction of African plate below European plate and the subduction of Indian plate under Asiastic plate cause earthquakes of the mid-continental belt. The severe earthquake of Bhuj of Jan. 26, 2001 (Gujarat, India) was caused due to reactivated subsurface faults due to subduction of Indian plate below Asiatic plate.

Creation of transform faults along the conservative plate boundaries explains the occurrence of severe earthquakes of California (USA). Here one part of California moves north-eastward while the other part moves south-westward along the fault plane and thus is formed transform fault which causes earthquakes.

Essay # 3. Classification of Earthquakes :

It has become apparent after the discussion of the causes of seismic events that there is wide range of variation in the nature and magnitude of earthquakes. Each earthquake differs from the other and thus it becomes difficult to classify all the earthquakes into certain categories.

Inspite of these limitations earthquakes are classified on the basis of common characteristics as given below.

i. Classification on the basis of Causative Factors :

(A) Natural earthquakes are those which are caused by natural processes i.e., due to endogenetic forces.

These are further divided into four subcategories:

(i) Volcanic earthquakes are caused due to volcanic eruptions of explosive and fissure types. Generally, volcanic earthquakes are confined to volcanic areas. The intensity and magnitude of such earthquakes depend on the intensity and magnitude of volcanic eruptions. Examples, severe earthquakes caused by violent explosions of Krakatao volcano in 1883 and Etna volcano in 1968.

(ii) Tectonic earthquakes are caused due to dislocation of rock blocks during faulting activity. Such earthquakes are very severe and disastrous. Examples, 1872 earthquake and 1906 earthquake of California (USA), 1923 earthquake of Sagami Bay (Japan), 2001 earthquake of Gujarat etc.

(iii) Isostatic earthquakes are triggered due to sudden disturbance in the isostatic balance at regional scale due to imbalance in the geological processes. Generally, the earthquakes of active zones of mountain building are included in this category.

(iv) Plutonic earthquakes are infact deep-focus earthquakes which occur at greater depths. The centres (foci) of these earthquakes are generally located within the depths ranging from 240 km to 670 km.

(B) Artificial or man-induced earthquakes or anthropogenic earthquakes are caused by human activities such as pumping of water and mineral oil from underground aquifers and oil reserves respectively, deep underground mining, blasting of rocks by dynamites for constructional purposes (e.g., for the construction of dams and reservoirs, roads etc.), nuclear explosion, storage of huge volume of water in big reservoirs etc.

Examples, 1931 earthquake of Greece due to Marathon Dam, 1936 earthquake of Hoover Dam (USA) due to Lake Mead, Koyna earthquake (Maharashtra, India) of 1967 due to Koyna reservoir etc.

ii. Classification on the basis of Focus :

Guttenberg has divided the world seismic centres on the basis of the depths of their foci into 3 types viz.:

(i) Moderate earthquakes—foci are located at the depths from the ground surface (0 km) to 50 km,

(ii) Intermediate earthquakes-seismic foci at the depths between 50 km and 250 km and

(iii) Deep focus earthquakes-seismic foci at the depths between 250 km and 700 km. Moderate and intermediate earthquakes are also called as shallow focus and intermediate focus earthquakes respectively.

iii. Classification on the basis of Human Casualties:

Earthquakes are grouped into 3 categories on the basis of their hazardous impacts in terms of human casualties:

(i) Moderately hazardous earthquakes- When human deaths caused by severe seismic tremors are below 50,000 mark. Examples, Kamakura earthquake of Japan of 1293 A.D. (22,000 deaths), Tabas earthquake of Iran of 1978 A.D. (25,000 deaths), Armenian earthquake of erstwhile USSR of 1988 (26,000 deaths), Lisbon earthquake of Portugal in 1531 A.D. (30,000 deaths), Chile earthquake of 1939 A.D. (40,000 deaths), Quito earthquake of Ecudador in 1797 A.D. (41,000 deaths), Calabria earthquakes of Italy in 1783 A.D. (50,000 deaths), North Iranian earthquake of 1990 A.D. (50,000 deaths) etc.

(ii) Highly hazardous earthquakes causing human deaths ranging between 51,000 and 1,00,000 occurred in 1268 (in Silicia, Asia Minor, death toll, 60,000), in 1667 (in Shemaka, Caucasia, death toll 60,000), in 1693 (Catania, Italy, 93,000 deaths), in 1693 (Naples, Italy, 93,000 deaths), in 1932 (Kansu, China, human deaths, 70,000), in 1935 (Quetta, Baluchistan, death toll, 60,000), in 1970 (Chimbote, Peru, 67,000 deaths), in 2001 (Bhuj, Gujarat, 50,000-1,00,000 death) etc.

(iii) Most hazardous earthquakes causing human casualitis above 1,00,000 mark occurred in the year 1290 (in Chihli, China, 1,00,000 deaths), in 1556 (in Shen-Shu, China, 8,30,000 deaths), in 1737 (Kolkata, India, 3,00,000 deaths), in 1908 (in Messina, Italy, 1,60,000 deaths), in 1920 (in Kansu, China 1,80,000 deaths), in 1923 (in Tokyo, Japan, 1,63,000 deaths), in 1967 (in Tang-Shan, China 7,50,000) deaths etc.

Essay # 4. Hazardous Effects of Earthquakes:

It may be pointed out that the intensity of earthquakes and their hazardous impacts are determined not on the basis of the magnitude of seismic intensity as determined by Richter scale but are decided on the basis of quantum of damages done by a specific earthquake to human lives and property.

An earthquake becomes hazard and desaster only when it strikes the populated area. The direct and indirect disastrous effects of earthquakes include deformation of ground surfaces, damage and destruction of human structures such as buildings, rails, roads, bridges, dams, factories, destruction of towns and cities, loss of human and animal lives and property, violent devastating fires, landslides, floods, disturbances in groundwater conditions etc.

i. Slope Instability and Failures and Landslides:

The shocks produced by earthquakes particularly in those hilly and mountainous areas which are composed of weaker lithologies and are tectonically sensitive and weak cause slope instability and slope failure and ultimately cause landslides and debris falls which damage settlements and transport systems on the lower slope segments.

The shocks generated by Peruvian earthquake of May, 1970 triggered off the collapse of ice caps seated on the peak of high mountain called Huascaran of 6654 m height near the town of Yungay in Peru.

The huge masses of falling ice dislodged thousands of tonnes of rock mass from the said mountain and thus was generated a gigantic debris flow down the slope of Huascaran mountain travelling at the speed of 320 km per hour. The enormous mass of debris flow covered a distance of 15 km within few minutes and buried many buildings and human structures of Yungay town and killed about 25,000 people.

ii. Damage to Human Structures:

Earthquakes inflict great damage to human structures such as buildings, roads, rails, factories, dams, bridges, and thus cause heavy loss of human property. It may be pointed out that in the ground surface composed of unconsolidated geomaterials, such as alluvium, colluvium, artificially infilled and levelled depressions, swamp deposits reclaimed through the dumping of coarse sands and city garbages the vibrations of earthquakes last longer and the amplitudes of seismic waves are greater than in the structures of consolidated materials, and bedrocks. Thus, the earthquakes cause more damages in the areas of unconsolidated ground than their counterparts in the regions of solid structures and bedrocks.

Two major earthquakes of Bihar-Nepal border in 1934 and 1988 can explain the impact of earthquake disasters on human structures and human lives. The damage caused by the Bihar earthquake of 15 January, 1934, measuring 8.4 on Richter scale, include 10,700 human deaths, landslides and slumping in an area of 250 km length and 60 km width, ruptures and faults in the ground surface etc. which caused irreparable damage to human structures.

The Darbhanga (Bihar) earthquake of 21 August, 1988 measuring only 6.5 magnitude on Richter scale (1000 times smaller than the great earthquake of 1934 in intensity) damaged 25,000 houses due to unconsolidated Gangetic alluvium which in fact acted as a seismic amplifier. The disastrous earthquake of Mexico city of 1985 (September) caused total collapse of 400 buildings, damage to 6,000 buildings and moderate damage to 50,000 buildings.

Besides, the infrastructures of the city were seriously damaged, for example, water pipes were broken, telecommunication lines and systems were severely damaged, power and water supplies were disrupted, inner vehicular transport was halted etc.

The severe earthquake of 9 February, 1971 in the San Fernando valley, located to the north-west of Los Angeles (USA) caused total collapse of Olive New Hospital in Sylmar. This damage shocked everybody because this building was constructed in conformity with the earthquake resistance standards. Uttar Kashi (Uttaranchal) earthquake of 1991 and Latur-Kilari quake (Maharashtra) of 1993 (India) flattened many buildings.

iii. Damages to the Towns and Cities:

Earthquakes have their worst effects on towns and cities because of highest density of buildings and large agglomerations of human populations. The earth tremors of higher magnitudes shake the ground to such an extent that large buildings collapse and men and women are hurried under large debris and rubbles of collapsed structural materials of buildings, ground water pipes are bent and damaged and thus water supply is totally disrupted, electric poles are uprooted and electric and telephone wires and cables are heavily damaged causing total disruption of electric supply, obstruction and destruction of sewer systems causes epidemics, road blocks throw the transport systems out of gear etc.

Kolkata city was severely damaged due to severe earthquake of 11 October, 1737 as thousands of buildings were severely damaged and 3,00,000 people were killed. The sad tale of the destruction of Mexico city due to the earthquake of 1985 has already been described. Recent Bhuj earthquake of Gujarat (Jan. 26, 2001) flattered towns of Anjar and Bhuj destroying more than 90 percent buildings.

iv. Loss of Human Lives and Property:

It may be pointed out that it is not the intensity (magnitude of Richter scale) of earthquake alone which matters more as regards the human casualities but it is the density of human population and houses which matter more in terms of human deaths and loss of property.

For example, the Kangra earthquake of India in 1905 recorded 8.6 magnitude on Richter scale but it could cause deaths of only 20,000 people whereas 1976 Tang-Shan earthquake of China measuring 7.8 to 8.1 on Richter scale killed 7,50,000 people.

More than 40,000 people lost their lives in the devastating earthquake of Turkey (August 17,1999) which recorded 7.4 on Richter scale. The loss of human lives caused by earthquakes has been enumerated in the preceding section on the classification of earthquakes based on human casualities (see also tables 10.1, 10.2, 10.3).

The strong vibrations caused by severe earthquakes strongly shake the buildings and thus strong oscillations cause severe fires in houses, mines and factories because of overturning of cooking gas cylinders, contact of live electric wires, churning of blast furnaces, displacement of other electric and fire- related appliances. For example, the house wives were cooking their lunches in the kitchens when disastrous killer earthquake struck in the vicinity of Tokyo and Sagami Bay in 1923.

Consequently, severe fire broke out which claimed the lives of 38,000 people out of total fatalities of 1,63,000 caused by the earthquake through various processes. This earthquake resulted into total loss of property worth 2,500 million US dollars. The severe earthquake of San Fransisco (USA), which occurred on April 18, 1906, caused widespread fires in several parts of the city.

No water could be made available immediately to extinguish the fire because water pipes were also broken and displaced by the earthquake. Two biggest oil refineries of Turkey were completely devastated due to fire caused by the killer earthquake of August 17, 1999 (7.4).

vi. Deformation of Ground Surface:

Severe earth tremors and resultant vibrations caused by severe earthquakes result in the deformation of ground surface because of rise and subsidence of ground surface and faulting activity. For example, the Alaska (USA) earthquake of 1964 caused displacement of ground surface upto 10-15 metres.

The 1897-Assam earthquake caused a large fault measuring 10.6 m (35 feet) wide and 19.3 km (12 miles) long. Several faults were created in the mouth areas of the Mississippi river because of the earthquakes of 1811, 1812 and 1813 in the Mississippi valley. The alluvial-filled areas of the flood plains of the Mississippi were fractured at many places which forced ground surface at few places to collapse. This process resulted in the formation of lakes and marshes.

The ground surface was greatly deformed in the delta area of the Indus River (in Pakistan) due to the earthquake of 1819 as an area of 4,500 square kilometres was submerged beneath sea water and this land area disappeared for ever. It may be pointed out that subsidence in one area is followed by emergence of the land in other area.

This also happened in the Indus delta area as a large area measuring 80 km in length and 26 km in width was raised by 3 m from the surrounding area. Similarly, the coastal land of Chile was raised from 6m to 13 m because of the earthquake of 1835. The seafloor of Sagami Bay of Japan was subsided from 305 m to 457 m because of the earthquake of 1923.

vii. Flash Floods:

Strong seismic events result in the damages of dams and cause severe flash floods. Severe floods are also caused because of blocking of water flow of rivers due to rock blocks and debris produced by severe tremors on the hill slopes facing the river valleys. Sometimes, the blockade of the rivers is so immense that even the main course of the river is changed.

The 1950 earthquake of Assam produced barrier in the Dihang river, the tributary of the Brahmaputra River, due to accumulation of huge debris caused by landslides triggered by earth tremors and thus caused severe flash floods in the upstream sections. Similarly, the dam on Subansiri River broke in and resultant flash flood submerged an area of 770 square kilometres.

viii. Tsunamis:

The seismic waves, caused by the earthquakes travelling through sea water, generate high sea waves and cause great loss of life and property. Since the Pacific Ocean is girdled by the ring of earthquakes and volcanoes tsunamis are more common in the Pacific with a minimum frequency of 2 tsunamis per year. The Kutch earthquake of June 16, 1819 generated strong tsunamis which submerged the coastal areas and inflicted great damage to ships and country-made boats of the fishermen.

The land area measuring 24 km in length was raised upward because of tectonic movement triggered by the said earthquake which provided shelter to the stranded and marooned people. This is why the people called this raised land as Allah’s Bund (bund created by the God). The great tsunamis caused by the Lisbon earthquake of the year 1755 (in Portugal) generated about 12 m high sea waves which damaged most parts of Lisbon city and killed 30,000 to 60,000 people.

The impact of this earthquake was so enormous that the waters of inland lakes like Looh Lomond and Looh Ness continued to oscillate for several hours. The strong tsunamis triggered by Lisbon earthquake also caused 3.5 m to 4.5 m high waves as far away as the West Indies. The earthquake caused by violent volcanic eruption of Karakatoa in 1883 caused enormous tsunamis which generated 36.5 m high sea waves which ravaged the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra and killed 36,000 people.

Tsunami: Historical Perspective:

The waves generated in the oceans triggered by high magnitude earthquakes in the ocean floors (exceeding 7.5 on Richter scale), or by violent central volcanic eruptions, or by massive landslides of the coastal lands or of submerged continental shelves and slopes or in deep oceanic trenches, are called tsunami, which is a Japanese word meaning thereby harbour waves.

The tsunamis are long waves (with longer wavelengths of 100 km or more) which travel at the speed of hundreds of kilometers per hour but are of shallow in depth in deeper oceans and seas. As these waves approach coastal land, the depth of oceanic water decreases but the height of tsunamis increases enormously and when they strike the coast, they cause havoc in the coastal areas.

The best example of tsunami induced by violent volcanic eruption is from Krakatao eruption which occurred in 1883. Severe earthquake caused by Krakatao eruption generated furious tsunami waves ranging in 30 to 40 meters in height (average being 120 feet or 36.5 m). These waves were so violent that they ravaged the coasts of Java and Sumatra and killed 36,000 people.

Since the Pacific Ocean is girdled by convergent plate boundaries and the ring of earthquakes and volcanoes, tsunamis are more common in the Pacific with a minimum frequency of 2 tsunamis per year. The great tsunamis caused by the Lisbon earthquake (Portugal) of the year 1755 generated about 12 m high sea waves which damaged most parts of Lisbon city and killed 30,000 to 60,000 people.

The Kutch earthquake of June 16, 1819 generated strong tsunamis which submerged the coastal areas. The land area measuring 24 km in length was raised upward because of tectonic movements. The raised land was called as Allah’s Bund (bund created by the God).

The following are the significant tsunamis in the second half of the 20th century and 21st century:

(1) Aleutian tsunami:

April 1,1946, generated by Aleutian earthquake of the magnitude of 7.8 on Richter scale, the resultant tsunami with a height of 35 m killed many people in Alaskan and Hawaiian coastal areas.

(2) Kamchatka tsunami:

Nov. 4,1952, earthquake of the magnitude of 8.2, generated Pacific-wide tsunami with a wave height of 15 m.

(3) Aleutian tsunami:

March 9, 1957, earthquake of the magnitude of 8.3 on Richter scale, generated a Pacific-wide tsunami of 16 m height and adversely affected Hawaii islands.

(4) Chilean tsunami:

May 22, 1960, a strong earthquake of the magnitude of 8.6 on Richter scale, generated Pacific-wide tsunamis and claimed 2,300 human lives in Chile.

(5) Alaskan tsunami:

March 28,1964, a strong earthquake of the magnitude of 8.4 on Richter scale, generated 15 m high tsunami and killed more than 120 people in Alaska.

(6) Papua New Guirea tsunami:

July 17, 1998, a moderate intensity (7.00n Richter scale) submarine earthquake followed by massive submarine landslides generated 30m high tsunami killing thousands of people living along the lagoon.

(7) Sumatra tsunami:

December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake of the magnitude of 9 on Richter scale, off the coast of Sumatra with its epicenter at Simeulue in the Indian Ocean occurred at 00:58:53 (GMT), 7:58:53 (Indonesian Local Time) or 6.28 a.m. (Indian Standard Time, 1ST) and generated a powerful tsunami with a wavelength of 160 km and initial speed of 960 km/hr. The deep oceanic earthquake was caused due to sudden subduction of Indian plate below Burma plate upto 20 meters in a boundary line of 1000 km or even more (2000 km upto southern China).

This tectonic movement caused 10 m rise in the oceanic bed which suddenly displaced immense volune of water causing killer tsunami. This earthquake was largest (highest on Richter scale) since 1950 and the 4th largest since 1900 A.D. The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands were only 128 km (80 miles) away from the epicenter (Simeulue) and the east coasts of India were about 1920 km (1200 miles) away from the epicenter.

The furious tsunami with a height of about 10 m adversely affected 12 countries bordering the Indian Ocean; worst affected areas included Tamil Nadu coast and Andman-Nicobar Islands of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. The strong tsunami took about 3 hours to strike Tamil Nadu coast. The killer tsunami claimed more than200,000 human lives in the affected countries wherein Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the number of human casualties.

Japan Tsunami, 2011 :

Date : March, 11, 2011; time : Japan time = 2.46 A. M., 1ST = 6.15 A. M.; undersea earth quake of 8.9 magnitude; epicenter 130 km off the coast of Sendai City near Lameng Village and 380 km north-east of Tokyo, at the depth of 10 km on sea bed; tsunami wave height 10m; more than 10,000 people killed; many cities like Miyako, Miyagi, Kesennuma were flattened; Sendai airport was inundated with heaps of cars, trucks, buses and mud deposits; aircrafts including fighter planes standing on airport were washed out by gushing tsunami waves; rotation speed of the earth increased by 16 microseconds; day length decreased by 1.6 microseconds; Honshu island was displaced by 2.4 m due to monstrous quake; earth rotational axis was displaced by 10 centimeters; 2100 km stretch of eastern coastlines having several villages, cities and towns were battered by killer tsunami; nuclear power plants in Fukushima severely damaged resulting into leakage of killer radiactive radiation; more than 5 lakh people in the radius of 20 km from Fukushima power plants were evacuated and shifted to safer places.

Essay # 5. World Distribution of Earthquakes :

If we look at the world distribution map of earthquakes (fig. 10.2) it appears that the seismic centres are closely related to certain zones of the globe. Earthquakes are, in fact, associated with the weaker and isostatically disturbed areas of the globe.

Most of the world earthquakes occur in:

(i) The zones of young folded mountains,

(ii) The zones of faulting and fracturing,

(iii) The zones representing the junction of continental and oceanic margins,

(iv) The zones of active volcanoes, and

(v) Along different plate boundaries.

The world map of the distribution of earthquakes prepared by the seismologists on the basis of computer analysis and simulation of 30,000 earthquakes that occurred between 1961 and 1967 very much coincides with the traditional map of world distribution of earthquakes (fig. 10.2) e.g.,

(1) Circum- Pacific Belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean,

(2) Mid- Continental Belt representing epicentres located along the Alpine-Himalayan Chains of Eurasia and northern Africa and epicentres of East African Fault Zones, and

(3) Mid-Atlantic Belt representing the earthquakes located along the mid-Atlantic Ridge and its offshoots. ‘The high-quality seismicity maps showed that narrow belts of epicentres coincide almost exactly with the crest of mid-Atlantic (Ridge).

The east Pacific, and the other oceanic ridges, where plates separate. Earthquake epicenters are also aligned along the transform faults, where plates slide past each other. But the earthquakes that occur at depths greater than about 100 km typically occur near margins where plates collide. It is a basic tenet of the theory of plate tectonics that these deep earthquakes actually define the positions of sub-ducted plates which are plunging back into the mantle beneath an overriding plate.

(1) Circum-Pacific Belt includes the epicentres of the coastal margins of North and South Americas and East Asia representing the eastern and western margins of the Pacific Ocean respectively. This belt accounts for about 65 per cent of the total earthquakes of the world.

This belt presents 4 ideal conditions for the occurrences of earthquakes viz.:

(i) Junction of continental and oceanic margins,

(ii) Zone of young folded mountains,

(iii) Zone of active volcanoes, and

(iv) Subduction zone of destructive or convergent plate boundaries.

The western marginal zones of North and South Americas are represented by Rockies and Andes folded mountain chains respectively. These zones are isostatically very sensitive zones because they are also the zones of convergent plate boundaries where the Pacific Oceanic plate is being continuously subducted below the American plates. Besides, these zones are also the areas of strong volcanic activity.

The earthquakes associated with the eastern coastal margins of Asia and the island arcs and festoons (Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Japan, Philippines) are caused due to the collision of the Pacific and Asiatic plates and consequent vulcanicity. Japan records about 1500 seismic shocks every year.

The recent earthquake of Mexico city in 1985 reveals the impact of collision of convergent (destructive) plate boundaries on the occurrences of earthquakes. The damage done by the devastating earthquake included death of 5,000 people, disappearance of 2,000 persons, injuries to 40,000 people, destruction of 4000 buildings, damages to 6,000 buildings, lesser damage to 50,000 buildings etc.

(2) Mid-continental belt is also known as Mediterranean Belt or Alpine-Himalayan Belt which represents the collision or subduction zones of continental plates. About 21 per cent of the total seismic events of the world are recorded in this belt.

This belt includes the epicentres of the Alpine mountains and their offshoots in Europe, Mediterranean Sea, northern Africa, eastern Africa and the Himalayan mountains and Burmese hills. This belt represents the weaker zones of folded mountains where isostatic and fault-induced earthquakes are caused due to subduction of African and Indian plates below Eurasian plate.

The Indian seismic foci are grouped into 3 zones viz.:

(i) Himalayan region,

(ii) Plain region, and

(iii) Plateau region.

The Himalayan region is a zone of maximum intensity in terms of the magnitude of seismic tremors because this zone is located in the subduction zones of the Asiatic and Indian plates where the process of mountain building is still in progress. Uttar Kashi earthquake of October 20, 1991 and Chamoli earthquake of 29 March, 1999 (all in Uttaranchal of India) are latest examples. The plain seismic region is a zone of comparatively moderate intensity.

Even the earthquakes of Assam are also included in this zone. The significant earthquakes recorded in the past in this region are 1934 earthquakes of Bihar, Assam earthquake of 1950, Kolkata earthquake of 1737 and Darbhanga earthquake (Bihar) of 1988. The peninsular Indian region is considered to be a zone of minimum intensity.

The Indian earthquakes along the Himalayas and foothill zones may be explained in terms of plate tectonics. The Asiatic plate is moving southward whereas the Indian plate is moving northward and hence the northern margin of the Indian plate is being subducted below the Asiatic plate.

The collision of Asiatic and Indian plates and resultant subduction of Indian plate and consequent folding and faulting and gradual rise of the Himalayas at the rate of 50 mm per year cause earthquakes of northern India, Tibet and Nepal.

According to J.G. Negi, P.K. Agrawal and O.P. Pandey (as reported in Hindu, September 8, 1988) the Indian subcontinent has deformed at places due to the Indian Ocean floor spreading process. India folds at places and when the energy reaches the elastic limit the rocks break up and trigger strike-slip and thrust fault earthquakes. The Himalayan fault zone is not actually one fault but a broad system of interactive faults. It consists of a complex grid of faults extending all along this colliding zone.

The earthquake belt extends through Sulaiman and Kirthar shear zones in the west, the Himalayas in the north and Burmese arc in the east. These tectonic events caused by plate movements cause earthquakes in the northern and north-eastern parts of India. Even the earthquakes of Peninsular India have been related to the active faults below deccan traps.

On the basis of magnitude of damage risk India is divided into five damage risk zones:

1. Zone I of least damage risk includes the places of some parts of Punjab and Haryana, plain areas of Uttar Pradesh, portions of plains of Bihar and west Bengal, delta area of the Godavari, coastal plain areas of Maharashtra and Kerala, desert areas of Rajasthan and most areas of Gujarat except Kutch area.

2. Zone II of low damage risk includes southern Punjab and Haryana, southern parts of plains of Uttar Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan, coastal districts of Orissa, Tamil Nadu etc.

3. Zone III of moderate damage risk represents the areas of southern and south-eastern Rajasthan, most of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, southern Bihar(Jharkhand), northern and north-western Orissa etc.

4. Zone IV of high damage risk covers Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, northern Punjab and Haryana, Delhi, eastern Uttar Pradesh, ‘tarai’ and ‘bhabar’ regions and Himalayan regions of Uttaranchal and Bihar and Sikkim areas.

5. Zone V of very high damage risk includes parts of Jammu and Kashmir, some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, western north Bihar (including Munger-Darbhanga), entire north eastern India and Kutch areas of Gujarat.

Though the plains of west Bengal comes under the zone of least damage risk but the devastating severe earthquake of Kolkata of 11 October, 1737, killing 300,000 people, puts a question mark against this concept. The zone of very high damage risk of Kutch region of Gujarat registered most devastating killer earthquake on Jan. 26, 2001 in its seismic history of past 182 years killing 50,000 to 100,000 people. The epicenter was located near Bhuj town.

Bhuj Earthquake (2001):

While the people of India were busy in celebrating the first republic day on Jan. 26, 2001 of the new century in different parts of the country and the programme of display of might of armed forces of the country was in progress in New Delhi, the nature demonstrated its might by rocking Kutch region of Gujarat when a severe earthquake struck at 8.45 A.M. and shook the region for almost a minute.

Within no time the villages and towns were flattened, high rise buildings collapsed, many villages and towns became heaps of debris, communication and power lines were completely disrupted, transport system was thrown out of gear and settlements became ruins. This was the second most devastating quake in the earthquake history of India after 1737 killer earthquake of Kolkata (300,000 people dead). The epicentre of this earthquake was located near Bhuj town (population, 150,000).

A moderate quake measuring 4.2 on Richter scale was registered on 24 December, 2000. The epicentre of this precursor quake was located only 22 km away from Bhuj town but no attention was paid to this precursor seismic event either by experts or by govt., agencies. The Bhuj quake of Jan. 26, 2001 was measured 6.9 on Richter scale by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) while the quake was measured 7.9 which was subsequently upgraded to 8.1 by the U.S.A. France and China.

National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) of India and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) also confirmed the American measurement (8.1). According to Indian Meteorological Department the main reason for the difference in the magnitude of the quake was the application of different methodologies for the measurement of seismic magnitude by different countries and organizations.

It may be pointed out that the IMD uses body wave for the measurement of seismic magnitude while the USA uses shock waves for this purpose. This severe devastating earthquake killed 50,000 to 100,000 people and adversely affected 5,000,000 people. Bhachau and Anjar towns were totally flattened, 90, 60 and 50 per cent houses collapsed in Bhuj, Rajkot and Ahmedabad respectively.

If we look at the past seismic history of Gujarat, it appears that a severe earthquake occurs every 30 years e.g., Bhawnagar earthquake, 1872; Kutch earthquake, 1903; Dwarka earthquake, 1940; Broach earthquake, 1970 and Bhuj earthquake, 2001. Between 1845 and 1956 sixty six moderate earthquakes were registered in Kutch area but no one was killed, five severe and one very severe earthquakes rocked the area.

In fact, the sequence of destruction of Kutch began with the severe earthquake of June 19, 1819 (7.1 on Richter scale) when 2000 people were killed, Bhuj town was destroyed, famous mosquake of Ahmedabad was damaged, a 100 km long ridge known as Allah Bund was created (most of which is now in Sind of Pakistan, only 15 km ridge is in India) was formed etc.

The main reasons for the recent Bhuj earthquake of2001 are: sea floor spreading of Indian Ocean at the rate of 5 cm per year, gradual northward movement of Indian plate and reactivated faults below the surface. Two major connecting faults have been located in Kutch region. A 200 km long and 100 km wide fault runs east-west between Bhuj and Ahmedabad.

The second fault measuring 500 km in length and 100 km in width runs in north-south direction through Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Baroda and is known as Combay Graben. These subterranean faults intersect each other near Viramgam, Santhalpur and Radhanpur towns and become the pivot of seismic events whenever these are activated due to plate movement.

(3) Mid-Atlantic Ridge Belt includes the epicentres located along the mid-Atlantic Ridge and several islands nearer the ridge. This belt records moderate and shallow focus earthquakes which are essentially caused due to the creation of transform faults and fractures because of splitting of plates and their movement in opposite directions. Thus, the spreading of sea floor and fissure type of volcanic eruption cause earthquakes of moderate intensity.

It may be pointed out that the earthquakes that occur along the plate margins (boundaries) are well explained on the basis of plate tectonic theory but the earthquakes originating within the plates are difficult to be explained on the basis of this revolutionary theory.

For example, the earthquakes of New Madrid, Charleston, Boston, Tang-Shan, Koyna etc. are a few examples of intraplate earthquakes. Similarly, ‘the seismicity of the Indian Shield as revealed from Kutch (1819), Koyna (1967), Bhadrachalam (1969) and Broach (1970) cannot be explained easily by plate tectonics since they occurred away from plate boundary’.

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Earthquake Essay for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay on Earthquake. Simply speaking, Earthquake means the shaking of the Earth's surface. It is a sudden trembling of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes certainly are a terrible natural disaster. Furthermore, Earthquakes can cause huge damage to life and property.
Narrative on Earthquake: an Earth-shattering Experience
In conclusion, the experience of living through an earthquake was a defining moment in my life. It taught me the importance of being prepared for unexpected disasters and the value of community in times of crisis. It was a harrowing experience, but it also served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Earthquake Essay
Crafting an earthquake essay is a task that requires meticulous research, a strong grasp of geophysical concepts, and an understanding of human elements such as social behavior, policy planning, and community resilience. ... The country's experience with significant seismic events has driven advancements in earthquake prediction, building ...
Essay on Earthquake Experience
250 Words Essay on Earthquake Experience What is an Earthquake? An earthquake is when the ground shakes suddenly because of movements in the earth's crust. Imagine holding a cracker and breaking it in half; that snap is like the forces that cause an earthquake. These shakes can be small and gentle or big and violent. Feeling the Tremors
Earthquake and Its Devastating Effects: [Essay Example], 2036 words
Narrative on Earthquake: An Earth-Shattering Experience Essay. It was a typical day in my hometown, the sun was shining, and the birds were chirping. ... Analysis Of The Economic Impacts Of Haiti Earthquake Essay. The Haiti earthquake caused many geomorphic changes to the city of Haiti. The earthquake itself caused many ruptures in the ground ...
143 Earthquake Essay Topics & Examples
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The earthquake was accompanied by a great tsunami given the high magnitude of the earthquake that reached 9. The third disaster was the meltdown of a number of nuclear plants following the tsunami. The Sumatra Earthquake of 26 December 2004: Indonesia Tsunami.
Earthquake Essay in English
500 Words Essay on Earthquake. An earthquake can cause damage to buildings and bridges; interrupt gas, electrical, and telephone services; and occasionally trigger landslides, avalanches, flash flooding, wildfires, and massive, destructive waves of water over oceans (tsunamis). The Dangers Associated With Earthquakes.
How to Write an Essay About Earthquakes
Earthquakes cover as much ground in essay writing as they do in the real world. You can relate a personal earthquake experience, describe the steps to become a seismologist, narrate the earthquake history of a certain location or compare earthquakes to other natural disasters. Then you can choose to describe your ...
Narrative Essay on Earthquake [Edit & Download], Pdf
This narrative essay delves into the profound impact of an earthquake, exploring the emotional, physical, and psychological dimensions of this natural disaster. Through the lens of those who experienced it firsthand, we embark on a journey to understand the might of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. The Prelude.
Essay on Earthquake for Students and Children in English
Earthquake Essay: Earthquake Essay is an important topic for students to learn about. It educates the students about what an earthquake is and its repercussions. From a geological perspective, earthquakes (Magnitude 2 and smaller) occur several hundred times a day worldwide. These earthquakes occur in very remote places and its aftereffects are nearly imperceptible. Earthquakes […]
My earthquake experience
Trying to cross the rolling floor toward my suitcase at the foot of the bed, I curse myself for having slept naked. I am tossed against the corner of the desk and then to the ground. Lying on my ...
The natural disaster: Earthquake: [Essay Example], 477 words
Earthquake is a natural disaster, always threatening the lives of people. On May 12th, 2008, a terrible earthquake took place in Sichuan. Most houses fell down. Thousands of people were killed or injured and the whole cities were destroyed. This earthquake is like nature reminds us that although the science and technology have greatly improved.
Earthquake Essay
Download the Earthquake Essay Available on Vedantu's Website. Earthquakes are some of the most devastating natural disasters. Millions of dollars worth of property are damaged and a hundred die every time a big magnitude of eater quake strikes. It is in this regard that everyone must read and know about earthquakes and be prepared to mitigate ...
Earthquake
earthquake, any sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic waves through Earth 's rocks. Seismic waves are produced when some form of energy stored in Earth's crust is suddenly released, usually when masses of rock straining against one another suddenly fracture and "slip.". Earthquakes occur most often along geologic ...
Earthquake
Earthquake. The surface of the Earth is made up of tectonic plates that lie beneath both the land and oceans of our planet. The movements of these plates can build mountains or cause volcanoes to erupt. The clash of these plates can also cause violent earthquakes, where Earth's surface shakes. Earthquakes are more common in some parts of the ...
Essay on Earthquake
500 Words Essay on Earthquake Introduction. Earthquakes, a natural phenomenon, are the sudden shaking or trembling of the Earth's surface. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's crust. These movements release energy stored in the rocks causing the ground to shake, often resulting in significant damage and ...
Essay On Earthquake For Kids
Since earthquakes are a common phenomenon, knowing about them is crucial. Given below is an example of a short essay for classes 1, 2 and 3: An earthquake is a natural disaster which is caused by the shaking of the earth. The main reason for this is the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are fragments of the earth's surface plates ...
Essay on "I Experience an Earthquake" Complete Essay for Class 10
I Experience an Earthquake. Outline: Introduction - my strange experience - we rushed out - the havoc caused by the earthquake - man's control over nature is incomplete. Who can forget what happened in the small hours of the 30th September 1993? On the previous day I had gone to bed, expecting tomorrow to be like the so many tomorrows that had followed one another in weary succession.
Earthquake Experience Essay
Earthquake Experience Essay. Decent Essays. 1043 Words. 5 Pages. Open Document. My experience with massive earthquake. 3 years ago, I had experience of massive and repeated aftershock and tremor. It was Saturday in the morning, it was official holiday of our nation. I and my family were living at the heart of Kathmandu, a city full of ...
Essay on Earthquake: Top 10 Essays on Earthquake
Essay # 1. Introduction to Earthquake: We know that various forces of nature are responsible for changes in the crust of the earth. Earthquake is a movement of tremor of the earth's crust. It originates naturally and below the surface. It sometimes causes a permanent change of level at the surface of the earth.
My Earthquake Experience
The Loma Prieta Earthquake In California. In 1989, it cost $6 billion dollars to fix the damaged caused by the Loma Prieta earthquake in California. Many things happen when there an earthquake, not just the ground shaking and people becoming terrified. It affects earth, people and property.
The Science of Earthquakes: [Essay Example], 1178 words
An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane. The location below the earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called theepicenter.
Essay on Earthquakes: Top 5 Essays on Earthquakes
May 22, 1960, a strong earthquake of the magnitude of 8.6 on Richter scale, generated Pacific-wide tsunamis and claimed 2,300 human lives in Chile. (5) Alaskan tsunami: March 28,1964, a strong earthquake of the magnitude of 8.4 on Richter scale, generated 15 m high tsunami and killed more than 120 people in Alaska.

Earthquake Essay for Students and Children

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Earthquake Essay | Essay on Earthquake for Students and Children in English

What is an Earthquake?

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My earthquake experience

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