Earthquake Science

1. Lesson 1-Instructional Resource 1 What is an earthquake? Earthquake Science Whatcauses anearthquake? Where are earthquakeslocated? The facts you need to know about earthquakes 6

2. What is an earthquake? Earthquakes are the sudden sliding, rolling, or shaking of the earth’s surface. They can cause the earth’s surface to move in many directions, such as up, down, or sideways. graphic credit: FEMA 7

3. These movements occur along fault zones. These fault zones, or cracks in the earth’s surface, are caused by broken rocks sliding past each other. graphic credit: physicalgeography.net 8

4. The movement earthquakes produce can be felt over large areas, but often last less than a minute. Sometimes smaller earthquakes, called foreshocks can happen in the same place before a large or major earthquake, called a mainshockoccurs. Small earthquakes can also happen after this large earthquake, and are called aftershocks. These can continue for weeks, months, and even years depending on the strength of the mainshock. Main Shock Aftershocks Foreshocks 9

5. Earthquakes cannot yet be predicted by scientists, but their intensity, or strength, can be measured by a tool called a seismograph. To measure this intensity, a Richter scale is used. 10 times the amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of energy represents 1 point of movement on the scale. Richter Scale seismograph graphic and chart credit: http://at.blog.wetter.com/?tag=erdbeben & www.weatherwizkids.com 10

6. Fun Facts • Earthquakes can also be known as quakes, shakers, or seismic activities. • The location below the earth’s surface where an earthquake starts is called a hypocenter. The point on the earth’s surface that is directly above the earthquake is called an epicenter. • An earthquake may release 10,000 times the energy of the first atomic bomb. 11

7. What causes an earthquake? The Earth’s surface consists of about 20 plates. These plates, or large blocks of rock, are constantly moving past one another in different directions and speeds. 12

8. Hands on Activity Now, let’s relate what we know about earthquakes and how they are caused using a pencil in our classroom. Hold a pencil vertically (long ways) with both hands, one at each end. Now apply a force at both ends of the pencil, trying to push the ends together. You should see the pencil begin to bend. If you pushed with enough force, the pencil would eventually break, releasing the pressure. 13

9. Just as your pencil would break if the force was strong enough, so does the Earth’s surface. When the plates push against themselves and others, these cracks, or breaks in the plates are a way for the earth to relieve stress, or pressure. When this happens, the energy, or seismic waves we feel, is called an earthquake. graphic credit: Akrontaxhelp & JCP Geologist, INC. 14

10. When these plates slide against each other, the huge rocks are squeezed together causing a great force to build. When the force is great enough, the plates crack, causing an Earthquake. Several times a year, earthquakes are strong enough to really shake the earth and cause damage anywhere from knocking down buildings, to even breaking trees in half. People can even be killed in just a few minutes. graphic credit: lifevesting.com & news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/74211 995,stm 15

11. Fun Facts Cont. • The plates of the earth move at about the same rate as your fingernails grow. • Is there such a thing as “earthquake weather?” There is actually no known connection between the cause of an earthquake and weather patterns. Earthquakes actually happen very far away from the earth’s surface and its weather. • Can earthquakes occur on the moon? Moonquakes caused by stress from the ocean’s tides, do occur, although they have less energy and happen less often. 16

12. Where are earthquakes located? graphic credit: earthquake.biz You have learned that earthquakes occur along fault zones on the earth’s surface. These fault zones actually connect the earth and its continents like puzzle pieces. Anywhere these puzzle pieces can push together, an earthquake can occur. That means an earthquake can happen anywhere in the world at anytime. 17

13. Since about 71% of the earth is covered in water, earthquakes usually occur in the oceans and are unnoticeable. On land, 95% of the world’s earthquakes occur along active fault zones in places such as California, Alaska, Japan, South America, and the Philippines. Can you color a map of our country’s seismic activity risk? 18

14. Although our state is not one on the list, Kentucky does have an earthquake history and threat, likely to be added to in the future. In Kentucky, there are two major fault zones, located near the Eastern and Western portions of the state. graphic credit: uky.edu 19

15. An earthquake has happened as recently as September 26, 2009, here in Kentucky. But, the largest and strongest earthquake recorded within our state happened on July, 27, 1980. The 5.1 magnitude earthquake was felt over 15 states, even as far as Ontario, Canada. With an epicenter near Sharpsburg (Bath County) in East Central Kentucky, damage was estimated at 1 million dollars. 20 graphic credit: answers.com & usgs.gov

16. In Kentucky, our largest threat comes from the New Madrid SeismicZone (NMSZ). It crosses the five states of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and cuts across both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Because they are so close the NMSZ also effects Indiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. It is the highest earthquake risk in the United States after the West Coast. 21 graphic credit: yedda.com

17. In the years of 1811-1812, the Great New Madrid caused over 3,600 shocks lasting 5 months. Three of which were estimated at 7.8 or higher on the Richter scale. They caused church bells to ring along the Eastern coast, and damaged farm land so much it was unusable for years. graphic credit: tnguy.com & physorg.com 22

18. The New Madrid seismic zone is still active, and hundreds of small quakes occur annually. Some are large enough to be felt. Below shows a map of the recent earthquakes that have occurred in and around Kentucky. Graphic credit: folkworm.ceri.memphis.edu/recenteqs/ 23

19. Scientists predict earthquakes at a 7.5 or higher usually occur along the New Madrid every 200-500 years. An earthquake this size is likely to shock half of the United States and cause damage in over 8 states. 24

20. To prepare for this type of earthquake, Kentucky has joined with the eights states most vulnerable to the effects of earthquakes in the NMSZ region. These states form the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) and are working to increase awareness and education. You are learning this week about earthquake preparedness to help protect yourself and family from future earthquakes. 25

21. Slide Information Credits • Kentucky Division of Emergency Management • Weather Wiz Kids • USGS • University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information • Fema for Kids • St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management • History for Kids • The Green Frog News (Lisa Wald) • Boomerang Box • Library Thinkquest 26

22. Lesson 2-Instructional Resource 2 What really happens during an earthquake? Shake, Rattle, & Roll What possible dangers might occur during an earthquake? How might you feel during an earthquake? Are you prepared to help yourself and others? Graphic credit: tfd.metro.tokyo..gif 39

23. What happens during an earthquake? Pretend you have just gotten ready for school and you are enjoying a bowl of cereal. You add some sugar to your bowl and…KABOOM! The entire shelf of dishes collapses breaking dozens of plates, bowls, and cups; the painting on the wall slams to the floor sending shattered glass everywhere; and the ceiling fan above your head hangs down, dangling just above your head by only a cord. graphic credit: bloximages.com 40

24. An earthquake can happen in an instant, unexpectedly, and without any warning. When an earthquake occurs, it is important to know what to expect, how you may feel, what dangers may occur, and how to keep yourself and others safe. graphic credit: pep.bc.ca 41

25. What to Expect Most earthquakes last only 30 to 60 seconds, which means you must react quickly. Your senses will experience certain things that will help you to know an earthquake is happening. You will be better prepared the earlier you are able to recognize these signs. graphic credit: contest-timer.com 42

26. Hands on Activity Now, let’s see how well you can estimate the length of an earthquake using what you have learned. Break up into partners. One person will be the timekeeper and the other the earthquake. When your teacher gives the signal, timekeepers start keeping time and earthquakes start shaking. When the person representing an earthquake thinks he or she has shaken an appropriate estimate, stop shaking. The time keeper should stop time and both partners should record the length on the Notes & Sketches sheet. Switch roles and repeat, following all the steps listed above. Answer the questions that follow, and when all students are finished, share the results as a class. 43

27. During an earthquake you might feel the ground and other objects shaking or vibrating. You might see debris and objects falling, swaying, or wobbling. With loss of electricity, you may even experience complete darkness. Sounds such as rattling glass, a blowing or hissing, or even objects colliding might be heard. You might even smell gas or something burning. graphic credit: seismo.berkley.edu 44

28. How will I feel? Earthquakes can be frightening. It is okay to feel scared or anxious, but it is important to stay calm, not panic, or run. 45 graphic credit: tvlowcostnetwork.wordpress.com& edupics.com

29. Do’s and Don’ts Once you know an earthquake is happening, now what do you do? What could you have done before the earthquake ever happened to be prepared? What are you supposed to do afterwards? There are certain do’s and don’ts that can help you stay safe during an earthquake. Most of the damage caused is also predictable and preventable. graphic credit: timbossie.com 46

30. Before an Earthquake Before an earthquake happens, you and your family should create a Family Communication Plan, organize a Home Survival Kit, and arrange your home for safety. You will learn more about these items in following lessons, but keep in mind it is very important to plan for an earthquake. Then you can be prepared to stay safe when one actually occurs. 47 graphic credits: usgs

31. During an Earthquake Now you know what to do before, let’s pretend again an earthquake is happening. This time, let’s focus on what you should do, not what is happening around you. First, protect yourself with the “Drop A, Cover B, & Hold On C” method. 48 graphic credits: usgs

32. Drop • If you are indoors, stay where you are. Drop to the floor. • If you are outdoors, move out into the open or to a clear area. Avoidtrees, buildings, large signs, power lines, or any other objects that might fall. • If you are in a car, have the person driving safely pull the car over and stay inside your vehicle. Avoid overpasses, bridges, or power lines. 49 graphic credits: iceoe..org, wfrc.org, & leinbach.org

33. Cover When indoors, find a sturdy (strong) piece of furniture like a table, desk, or bed to get underneath for Cover. If there is no strong furniture, then find an interior (middle) wall to move to. Coveryour head and neck with your hands. Avoid large mirrors, hanging objects, shelves, or other objects that may fall over. graphic credits:odpem.org & humboldt.edu 50

34. Hold On Last, Hold On to what is covering you, that way if it moves you can stay with it, safely covered. Be sure to also attempt to Cover your head and neck with your hands. graphic credits: usgs, scec, & ehow.com 51

35. After an Earthquake Be careful and wait until the shaking stops. Afterwards, check yourself and then your family members for injuries. Don’t move seriously injured people unless they are at risk where they are located. If telephones are working, dial 911 or an emergency number for first aid. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials. Next, If you were using any fire or heat sources, turn them off immediately. Turn on your portable radio to hear instructions and news reports. Finally, find a secure exit. Be careful of broken glass and fallen debris. Tell an adult to turn off the water, electricity, and gas before exiting. After knowing you and your family are safe, check on others and neighbors. graphic credits: tmd.metro.tokyo.jp 52

36. Once an earthquake has occurred, it is important to still be prepared for aftershocks. These will likely be less strong, but can still cause damage. Following the do’s and don’ts of this PowerPoint will help you, your family, and the community you live in to stay safe and be better prepared for earthquakes. 53

37. Slide Information Credits Kentucky Division of Emergency Management FEMA Ready…Set…Prepare! USGS California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Davis School District Emergency Preparedness eHow Earthquake Safety for Kids-MichelleN www.disastercenter.com geology.com Kids Discover 54

38. Lesson 3-Instructional Resource 3 Watch Out for Hazards! What changes can be made to a classroom or home environment to decrease possible hazards? What are possible hazards in a classroom or at home? The tips you should know to prepare for disasters Graphic Credit: cmcdenver.com 73

39. What causes the most damage andinjury during an earthquake? During an earthquake, the main cause of damage or injury comes from fallen debris, or parts of damaged buildings. 74

40. You can decrease possible damage from falling objects by being prepared. You can do this by searching your classroom and home for possible hazards. Hazards can be any object or structure that may cause injury or harm during an earthquake or other natural disaster. * How might each of the items below cause injury or harm during the shaking of an earthquake? Tall Bookshelf Piano on Rolling Wheels Fish Tank Display Hanging Plant TV on Rolling Wheels 75 Graphic Credits: carefreegreen.com & kcgov.us/departments/disaster/familyplan.asp & avtg.com & webweaver.nu/clipart/music/piano.shtml & ardeaprints.com

41. Classroom Hazard Search Today we are going to search our classroom to identify possible hazards that may cause harm in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. We will search for objects or structures that may break, fall, or catch fire in the classroom. 76 Graphic Credit:easternct.edu/career/webresources.htm

42. Watch out for these possible hazards! • Shelves, bookcases, cabinets, or other furniture that are free-standing, or not attached to the wall • Heavy objects located on shelves above student seating • Aquariums located near student seating • TV monitors not properly fastened to a stable platform or not attached to a rolling cart with lockable wheels • Piano not secured, or is able to move. • Unsecured wall mountings • Hanging items that are heavy, breakable, or not fastened to closed hooks 77

43. What hazards did you find? Together we can correct many of these hazards in our classroom, but some we will not be able to correct without help. By working to correct most of these classroom hazards we will be able to lower our chances of injury in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Graphic Credit: clker.com 78

44. What changes can be made to our classroom to decrease possible hazards? We can work together to make our classroom a safer place in the event of an earthquake. Changes may be needed including moving, replacing, or securing objects. 79 Graphic Credit: istockphoto.com

45. List Changes Changes we can make Changes we need help with 80

46. What are possible hazards in your home and what changes could be made to make your home safer? Now that you have found and corrected our classroom hazards, I want you to think about possible hazards in your home. Tonight you will search your home and identify any possible hazards that may cause your family harm during the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Graphic Credit: imageenvision.com 81

47. Graphic Credit: scemd.org 82

48. Home Hazard Search You will use a checklist tonight to locate possible hazards in your home. This checklist will include many possible home hazards, but you may also find others that aren’t listed. Make a tally for all possible hazards on your checklist. Graphic Credit: sll.sdsu.edu/studentsorgs/dev-pass-baton.html 83

49. Include your Family Encourage your family to help you in your search for possible hazards at home. Work together to make changes that will make you and your family safer. Discuss with your family the importance of being aware of possible hazards in order to better prepare yourself for an earthquake or other natural disaster at home. Graphic Credit:divinecaroline.com 84

50. Written Slide Credits • www.kyem.ky.gov • FEMA • www.boonecountyky.org • American Red Cross 85