What is an earthquake and When does it occur?
Earthquakes occur due to seismic waves. When rock breaks down the earth surface, a seismic wave is generated. These Seismic waves are the reason for earthquakes. There is a sudden release of energy when the rock breaks and this energy results in the seismic waves. The two blocks of rock or the two plates may also rub against each other. They do not slide smoothly, causing friction between the plates. Hence, these rocks push against each other and do not move. Pressure is created, causing the rocks to break. As the rocks break, the breaking results in an earthquake. The point where the rock breaks is called the focus of the earthquake. The land right above the focus is known as the epicenter of the earthquake. Various explosions also cause an earthquake. If there is some sort of explosion used for making tunnels, railroads, subways or mines, then, an earthquake might occur as many seismic waves are generated during the process.
Where do earthquakes occur?
Sometimes the roof or walls of a mine might fall and cause an earthquake. People around the mines feel the quake due to this explosion. Nuclear tests may also result in an earthquake and such regions meant for nuclear testing are prone to earthquakes during the tests. These are only some of the reasons behind earthquakes. Others include glaciers, rock belts, etc. There are various zones that are under the earthquake belt. New Zealand and Japan are the two countries that have over the year’s registered maximum number of earthquakes. In these regions, there is a periodic movement between the two plates of the rock, and this repeats at certain intervals after a few years or a few hundred years. There are various live volcanoes all over the world, and these regions are prone to earthquakes.
How do earthquakes happen?
There is one test that can help you learn the actual Earthquake process. There are two types of plates inside the earth crust. They are the oceanic plate and the continental plate. These plates move over each other at a speed that is comparable with growing of fingernails. In addition, earthquakes occur at the edges of these plates, though, they also occur at the faults. There are various types of faults, which are also known as cracks as mentioned in first paragraph. Various types of faults are a Normal fault, Reverse fault, and Strike-slip faults.
How Earthquakes are Studied and Controlled
The study of an earthquake is done under seismology and seismic waves, the epicenter. The Richter scale plays an important role in the study of Earthquakes. Various disaster management programs are currently operating. Having management programs in place, allows further notice to be given to residents that could be affected by the earthquake. More time allows for safe evacuation, fewer deaths, and a more stable protocol.
More information on earthquakes
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