Process
Sampler
Earthquake and its Effects
Introduction:
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon. The top plates of the earth are in constant motion, but generally move so slowly as to be imperceptible to humans. Occasionally, however, these plates, which have jagged edges, catch on each other. When they become unstuck, the built-up energy is released and is experienced as an earthquake, which can range from so mild that it is noticed only by scientific instruments to so devastating that it causes severe and widespread damage. When large earthquakes occur, the results can be catastrophic, with terrible loss of human lives and untold economic cost.
According to the United States Geological Survey each year there are more than 10,000 earth quakes and in many years the number reaches above 30,000. That's a lot of movement! The good news is that most of those earthquakes measure 4.9 or less in magnitude and aren't really felt by humans.
Follow these links and resources that will offer you a variety of opportunities to learn more about earthquakes. I hope you will find them useful. You may complete the following activities alone or by working in a group. You may complete all or only some of the activities, depending on your goals for studying the topic. Try to answer all the questions and have fun learning!
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-an-earthquake-definition-history.html
What Is An Earthquake?
What Causes Earthquakes?
What is seismograph used for?
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Continents.shtml
What are tectonic plates?
What are the earth’s major plates?
How many types of plate movements occur? What are they?
http://earthsci.org/processes/geopro/seismic/seismic.html
What is the Richter scale? How does the measurement scale work?
How are buildings affected during earthquakes?
What can people do to protect themselves and stay safe during an earthquake?
http://www.geography-site.co.uk/pages/physical/earth/cause.html
What is an epicenter?
How many types of shockwaves are there? What are they?
What are Tectonic Earthquakes and what are Volcanic Earthquakes?
http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PLATETEC/RotationQk2004.HTM
What effect did this earthquake have on the rotation of the earth?
What did the 2004 Indonesian earthquake help scientists discover?
What would happen if another earthquake distributed more mass to the Equator?
What was the experience of the writer during the Nepal Earthquake?
What were the effects of the earthquake and its aftershock at the city of Kathmandu?
What types of structural damage resulted?
Conclusion
Imagine that an earthquake has hit your town, causing a downtown building to collapse. Describe the destruction process, starting with the initial tremor and its resulting waves and ending with the collapse of the building. Discuss the ways in which people can work together to make sure that their neighborhood is as safe as possible in the event of an earthquake.