1 Major earthquake: Introduction, types, rescue, warning, history

Earthquake: How does an earthquake occur? And what are its harmful effects? Here the main information about earthquake and its complete history has been described.

1 Introduction to Earthquake

In simple language, the vibration of the ground is an “earthquake”. The literal meaning of the word “earthquake” is “shaking of the ground”. Geologists also use it widely. Other names of earthquake ( temblor ) are quake, tremor, temblor etc. The word tremor is also used for non-seismic, seismic rumble etc. That is, the branch of science where temblor are studied is called seismology. 

The place below the surface of the earth from where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter. The place directly above it where the surface of the earth is is called the “epicenter”. Usually temblor are small. Most of the ground motion of earthquake lasts only for 10 to 30 seconds. 

Earthquake is such a wonderful and huge event. Which is a natural phenomenon without any warning. Which includes the shaking of the ground fiercely.  Or in this the surface (layer, structure) of the earth is badly affected. That is, this process happens due to the end of the structural pressure of the moving lithospheric and crustal plates. ( In simple language, in this energy is generated from within the earth which gets converted into waves and these waves propagate through the earth. )

During this movement in the ground, three types of sound waves are generated. These are P waves (primary waves), S waves (secondary waves), and L waves (Love waves). The slow sounds (thunder) that occur in the initial stages are of P waves. The average speed of this wave is 8 km per second. The arrival of S waves can mean a huge explosion. The average speed of this wave is about 4 km per second. Getting affected by L waves is considered to be highly destructive. The average speed of this wave is about 1.5 km per second. However, sound is also produced by temblor and people often hear it as well. 

The world has been divided into three seismic zones. (1) 16% earthquake occur in the mid-Atlantic belt. (2) 21% in the mid-continental belt. (3) 63% earthquake occur in the Pacific Oceanic belt.

2 Types of temblor

2.1 Tectonic

Tectonic earthquakes are earthquake caused by the movement of the Earth’s plates. The energy released due to these Earthquake is considered very powerful and can cause widespread damage. A tectonic earthquake is certain to occur when 

1 Two plates collide with each other. 

2 Under this, one plate slides under the other. 

3 The plate is forced to move due to the movement of the mantle. 

Tectonic earthquake are common around the world. Most of their impact is seen in the areas around the boundaries of tectonic plates. Usually, these earthquake are even bigger than volcanoes. Most of the destruction around the world is seen due to this tectonic earthquake. That is, these temblor can also trigger other natural disasters like landslides and tsunamis.

2.2 Volcanic

Sudden shaking (change) of the ground is called earthquake. The part of the ground where magma is stored under the ground. And a way is made towards the exit. This process is called volcano. In short, earthquake is one of the sudden events. Where the ground of all places or special land starts trembling with some speed. And volcano is called that place. Where magma is under the ground. 

Volcanic earthquakes. Long-term temblor are caused due to vibrations generated by the movement of magma or other fluids inside the volcano. The pressure inside the system increases. And the surrounding rocks get destroyed.

2.3 Fall

Collapse temblor Collapse temblor Formation of Blast earthquake Blast temblor are directly related to volcanoes and are often associated with volcanic eruptions. i.e. Vesuvian and Strombolian. An eruption produces an earthquake. Often the seismic record is usually accompanied by an acoustic signal.

Blast temblor are usually caused by the explosion of volcanic rocks. However, they can be caused by a variety of reasons, including construction, mining or warfare. Effects: Blast Earthquake are usually very small in magnitude. But if they enter populated areas, they can cause extensive damage.

Underground explosions cause induced pressure waves to propagate through the ground. However, theory also tells us that nuclear explosions can rupture faults and cause a major earthquake up to 10 km from the point of explosion.

3 Defenses

If there is a danger of disasters like earthquake, storm and hurricane around us, then we should have the courage to face them boldly without being afraid of them. If you are travelling in a vehicle or you are in a house, office, shopping mall, complex etc. then you should definitely get out of these places and enter any long or open space and go there and sit or lie down on the ground on your knees. If you are in a group of more people then hold each other’s hands and sit or lie down in the open space.

Remember: During such disasters you should keep a distance from buildings, trees, plants, overpasses, electricity/telephone, bridges, ramps etc. because there will be a greater risk of the given places getting damaged. Once the disaster is over, then only continue with your future goal.

If you are at your home then you should stay away from your glass, windows, doors and walls i.e. any object or thing that can fall.  Keep a distance from things like lighting, fixtures or furniture. If the effect of the earthquake is less, then go out of your house to an open space.

4 Benefits

Started billions of years ago when this crustal recycling created the atmosphere and oceans and continents. Earthquakes, which lead to the formation of new mountains. Enriches the soil. Controls the temperature of the planet. Maintains the chemical balance of the oceans. Concentrates other metals like gold. Volcanoes are very helpful in knowing the history of the earth. 

And with volcanic eruption, many types of minerals come out from the hot earth and come up (on the ground surface). 

Earthquakes push the ground upwards. As a result, vegetation gets help to flourish. That is why it is an integral part of giving a new shape to the earth. It loosens and churns the soil. Due to which minerals and nutrients get deposited evenly. Due to which very fertile soil is formed.

5 warning, signs

An earthquake is certain when the underground rocks suddenly break and there is a high speed along the fault. This sudden release of energy produces seismic waves which shake the ground. During and after an temblor, the blocks or rock plates start moving and their movement continues until they stick together again.

How is the epicenter of an temblor found? Actually, the epicenter of an earthquake is the place just below which geological energy is released due to the movement of plates. This is the place where the effect of an earthquake is considered to be the highest and the strongest vibration occurs. The epicenter of an earthquake is found from this strong vibration.

Sudden increase in temperature in the environment before an temblor. Sudden change in the weather. The water level of the well starts increasing or decreasing before an earthquake. The radio signal starts malfunctioning 20 hours before.  Along with this, we will also see signs of bad results in TV signals. 

When a storm of steam and hot dust comes during a volcanic eruption, it destroys all life around it. Apart from this, the burning lava, in the direction in which it comes out, the cities, humans, animals and waving fields etc. get completely destroyed on that side. In this way, the volcano will destroy life and property in a very short time.

6 Harmful effects of temblor, adverse effects

6.1 Organisms, Human Impact

In simple language, earthquake are considered as a curse for human civilization due to their destructive consequences. However, due to extremely strong earthquakes, most of the people can be seriously injured or even killed. Its effect can be seen more in highly populated areas, within which it can cause death to most of the people. 

temblor can cause loss of life, general property damage, high insurance premiums, big buildings can be destroyed or weakened (cracked). Apart from this, railway tracks, bridges, roads etc. will be destroyed due to big temblor. 

temblor can cause serious damage to the economy of any country, within which more and more people are required to restore services and infrastructure, during which there is a decrease in the workforce. Also, it can bring devastation to most of the cities. 

Earthquake can also cause extreme damage to gas lines and electricity and fires can also occur due to breakage and loss of pressure in water lines.  Once a fire has started, preventing it from spreading may prove difficult.

6.2 Floods

Due to earthquake, the land may slide and collide with the dam in the river. After which, breaking of big dams is certain due to earthquake. Due to which there is a danger of floods.

Rivers can change their paths due to temblor. Due to which the danger of floods can increase.

There is a danger of a landslide due to earthquake. Due to which severe floods are possible.

6.3 Tsunami

Due to an earthquake in the sea, there can be a danger of a tsunami, during which the coastal areas may have to suffer huge damages. 

Tsunami waves (severe tsunami) can be generated from powerful earthquakes originating inside the sea. Tsunami can destroy coastal areas and settlements. Most people also call tsunami as “tidal wave”. However, it is different from the sea tide. Tsunamis are huge waves that occur under the sea. When these waves hit the coast, they can be ten feet high.

6.4 Landslides And Avalanches

Landslides and avalanches are natural disasters related to earthquake. Which are successful in affecting the land part of the earth. Here we will know about landslides and avalanches. Difference between landslides and avalanches. Under landslides we can see soil, rocks, mud. On the other hand, avalanches contain only snow. Landslides and avalanches occur. When a large piece (part) of soil or snow rolls, slides or falls down the slope during the gravity of the earth. What is an avalanche, avalanche which we can see as a “large piece of snow”. 

Landslide: – Although landslides mean the fall of debris or rocks etc. down the slopes. It can be due to human activity, volcanic activity, earthquake or heavy rain.  Under landslides, we may see the result of breaking of railway tracks, obstruction of water vessels or closure of roads. Due to landslides, the paths of rivers may change. After which floods are involved. In India, about 12.6 percent of the land area, excluding snow-covered areas, is prone to landslides. 

Avalanche: – Avalanche means the flow of debris and snow down the slopes or mountains. We can usually see this in mountainous areas with long slopes or in areas of heavy snowfall. However, avalanche is also called “snowslide”. Avalanche “snowslide” can be initiated due to earthquake, rainfall or snowpack.

7 History

7.1 The Process Of An Earthquake From Beginning To End

We all know that the shape of the earth is round. And its focus point (center point) is only one. Which is located at a distance of about 6,371 kilometers from the ground level (surface) of the earth. There are 3 layers between the focus point and the surface of the earth. 1. Crust layer 2. Mantle layer and 3. Core layer. Where the crust layer is in the “solid” state. The mantle is found in the “semi-liquid” state. And the upper part of the core is found in the “liquid” state and the inner part is found in the “solid” state. 

After this, huge rocks are present below the surface of our earth. Whenever these huge rocks break. Then a high speed is generated along the fault. Due to this sudden release of energy, seismic waves are born. 

From here three types of waves are formed. Which we know as P waves, S waves, and L waves.  Which can hit any layer or part of the entire earth. The layer or part of the earth on which these waves collide is called the “epicenter”. Now we understand these three waves during the generation of an earthquake.

P wave:- During the occurrence of an earthquake, the number of P waves is more. And the distance between them is less. And the height of these waves is also the lowest. 

S wave:- During the occurrence of an temblor, the number of S waves is less than that of P. However, the distance between them is more. And the height is also more than that of P. 

L wave:- During the occurrence of an temblor, the number of P waves and S waves is more than that of P and S waves. Where the distance between them is more than that of P and S waves. And the height is also more than that of P and S. 

During the formation of seismic waves. Before and after an earthquake, the plates or layers of rocks start moving. And their movement continues until they stick together again. During this process of movement, destructive incidents are often seen among us humans.

7.2 Instruments For Measuring Earthquake And Their Effects

Here the earthquake impact is mentioned including Richter scale.

periodic table

A mathematical scale to measure the intensity of earthquakes waves. Which is called “Richter scale”. It can record the intensity of an earthquake on a scale of 1 to 10. Seismograph and seismometer are machines (instruments) that measure earthquake.

7.3 Mentions in religion and mythology

According to Hindu religious texts, the importance of earthquake can be understood in different ways. The reason for earthquake is the increase in the burden of human sins and not behaving in a way that suits the environment. 

Besides this, according to Hindu religious texts, Shesh Naag has taken the entire weight of the earth on his head. After the increase in sins on earth, the shaking of the earth by Shesh Naag’s head is said to be the reason for earthquake, flood, storm, cyclone etc. 

The first story in mythology is of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, which is related to Earth and Mars. According to the scriptures, when Hiranyas had pushed the Earth to the bottom of the sea, then Lord Vishnu, taking the Varaha avatar, had pulled the Earth out of the bottom of the sea. After that, on the request of Earth, Lord Vishnu stayed with Earth for a few days and a son was born to them, who was named Mangal, which we all know today as Mars.  

It is said that Mars is angry by nature and is a destructive planet. However, when the inauspicious effect of Mars starts in someone’s horoscope, he always remains troubled. Whenever the sharp gaze of Mars falls on the earth, various types of obstacles like earthquake, storm and tsunami arise.

7.4 Important Events in History

India 2001: this is of January 26, 2001. When an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 occurred in Gujarat, the border of India and Pakistan. About 150,000 people were seriously injured and 22,000 people died. 

Kashmir 2005: this is of October 8, 2005. When an temblor of magnitude 7.6 affected Pakistan administered Kashmir. About 79,000 people died in this temblor. 

Chile 1960: this is of May 22, 1960. When a massive earthquake of magnitude 9.5 occurred in Valdivia, Chile. This earthquake caused a tsunami of about 30 feet height. During which many villages were destroyed. Due to this, about 61 people died in Hawaii.  

Japan 2011: this incident happened on 11th March, 2011. In the city of Honshu in Japan, a terrible temblor of magnitude 9.1 occurred. Due to this earthquake, very powerful tsunami waves were generated. However, on the contrary, about 500 square kilometer coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean were flooded. About 4 lakh buildings were destroyed in this earthquake and 22,000 people lost their lives.

8 Information related to earthquake

Fish is one such creature which gets to know about the earthquake before it occurs.

According to a report, rats, mongooses, snakes and centipedes etc. leave their homes and go to a safe place many days before a devastating earthquake. However, there are many stories about the strange behavior of birds, reptiles, insects, fish and animals from a few weeks before the earthquake to a few seconds before it.

The origin of earthquake is tectonic activity, volcanic activity, isostatic adjustment and subduction factors.

The amount of radon gas increases in the atmosphere before an temblor.

A major earthquake is formed when two plates of the earth collide with each other.

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