180 likes | 346 Views
Earthquake Safety. How Earthquakes Cause Damage. Shaking from seismic waves can do severe damage to buildings S waves cause the most severe damage. Local Soil Conditions. Loose soil shakes more violently than rock The thicker the layer of soil, the more violent the shaking. Liquefaction.
E N D
How Earthquakes Cause Damage • Shaking from seismic waves can do severe damage to buildings • S waves cause the most severe damage
Local Soil Conditions • Loose soil shakes more violently than rock • The thicker the layer of soil, the more violent the shaking
Liquefaction • Liquefaction happens when shaking turns loose soil into mud • This causes building to sink and may cause landslides
Aftershocks • Aftershocks are earthquakes that happen in the same area as larger earthquakes • They can happen hours, days, or months later
Tsunamis • Tsunamis are started by an earthquake on the ocean floor • Water is pushed out of the way of the rising ocean floor
Tsunamis • The wave starts out low • The wave gets taller as the ocean gets more shallow
Making Buildings Safer • New buildings have to be strong and flexible to resist violent shaking. • Old buildings have to be changed to be stronger.
Choice of Location • Houses on a steep slope are in danger of landslide. • Houses on filled land could sink due to liquefaction. • Build far away from a fault.
Construction Methods • Buildings on soft ground should be anchored to the rock below the soil. • Base-isolated buildings reduce the energy of seismic waves during an EQ
Construction Methods • Base-isolated buildings can sway back and forth. • Fixed-base building absorb the energy of seismic waves
Construction Methods • Gas and water pipes should be flexible so they don’t break open.
Protecting Yourself • Drop, cover, and hold • Cover your head and things that could break or fall over.
Protecting Yourself • When outdoors, move to open areas without trees and sit down. • Put together an earthquake kit with food and first aid supplies.