EarthquakesEarthquakes

Global Earthquake LocationsGlobal Earthquake Locations

EarthquakesEarthquakes• Shaking of earth due to movement of rocks along a fault.

• Rocks under stress accumulate strain energy over time.

• When stress exceeds strength of rocks, rock breaks.

• Strain energy is released as seismic waves. The longer that energy is stored up and is maintained without release, the more likely that a strong earthquake will occur.

Types of seismic wavesTypes of seismic waves

1. Body waves -- travel through interior

2. Surface waves -- travel on surface of earth

 

 

Surface or "Love" (“L”) WavesSurface or "Love" (“L”) WavesCause vertical & horizontal shaking

Travel exclusively along surface of earth  

Specific Body WavesSpecific Body Waves

Primary or "P" Waves: Primary waves Highest velocity. Causes compression and expansion in direction of wave travel.

Secondary or "S" Waves: Secondary or shear waves Slower than P waves but faster than surface waves. Causes shearing of rock perpendicular to direction of wave propagation. Cannot travel through liquids

 

Primary or Primary or “P” Wave“P” Wave

SecondarySecondary or or “S” Wave“S” Wave

SeismographsSeismographs

Seismogram Seismogram PrintoutPrintout

Determining the location of an earthquakeDetermining the location of an earthquakeFirst, distance to earthquake is determined.

1. Seismographs record seismic waves 2. From seismograph record called the seismogram, measure time delay

between P & S wave arrival 3. Use travel time curve to determine distance to earthquake as function

of P-S time delay   

Determining the location of an earthquakeDetermining the location of an earthquake Now we know distance waves traveled, but we don't know the

direction from which they came.

We must repeat the activity for each of at least three (3) stations to

triangulate a point (epicenter of quake). Plot a circle around seismograph location; radius of circle is

the distance to the quake.

Quake occurred somewhere along that circle. Do the same thing for at least 3 seismograph stations; circles

intersect at epicenter. Thus, point is triangulated and epicenter is located.

 

Focus and Epicenter of Focus and Epicenter of EarthquakeEarthquake

Time-Travel Time-Travel CurveCurve

TriangulatiTriangulation of 3 on of 3 stations to stations to locate locate earthquake earthquake epicenterepicenter

Determining the magnitude of an earthquakeDetermining the magnitude of an earthquakeMagnitude -- measure of energy released during earthquake. There are several different ways to measure magnitude. Most common magnitude measure is Richter Magnitude, named for the

renowned seismologist, Charles Richter.  Richter MagnitudeRichter Magnitude• Measure amplitude of largest S wave on seismograph record. • Take into account distance between seismograph & epicenter.  Richter ScaleRichter Scale• Logarithmic numerical (NOT a physical) scale• Increasing one whole unit on Richter Scale represents 10 times

greater magnitude. • Going up one whole unit on Richter Scale represents about a 30

times greater release of energy.Intensity Intensity • Intensity refers to the amount of damage done in an earthquake• Mercalli Scale is used to express damage

Hazards associated with QuakesHazards associated with Quakes • Shaking:

Frequency of shaking differs for different seismic waves. High frequency body waves shake low buildings more. Low frequency surface waves shake high buildings more. Intensity of shaking also depends on type of subsurface material. Unconsolidated materials amplify shaking more than rocks do. Fine-grained, sensitive materials can lose strength when shaken. They lose strength by liquefaction. Buildings respond differently to shaking depending on construction styles, materials Wood -- more flexible, holds up well Earthen materials -- very vulnerable to shaking.

Hazards associated with QuakesHazards associated with Quakes • Ground displacement:

Ground surface may shift during an earthquake (esp. if focus is shallow). Vertical displacements of surface produce fault scarps.

• Tsunamis (NOT tidal waves)Tsunamis are huge waves generated by earthquakes undersea or below coastal areas. If earthquake displaces sea surface, wave is generated that can grow as it moves over sea surface.

• FiresUsually occurs from shifting of subsurface utilities (gas lines)

Tsunami Tsunami MovementMovement

Tsunami Movement: Tsunami Movement: ~600 mph in deep water~600 mph in deep water

~250 mph in medium ~250 mph in medium depth waterdepth water

~35 mph in shallow ~35 mph in shallow waterwater

Earthquake Prediction (?)Earthquake Prediction (?)

How can scientists predict an earthquake?

Currently, that is not possible.

Future technology will monitor subsurface seismic waves and periodic shifting indicative of future slippage.

Tracking organic movement is also a source of future study.

Parkfield, CAParkfield, CA

““Earthquake Capital of the Earthquake Capital of the World”World”

Earthquake Hazard Potential Earthquake Hazard Potential MapMap

World’s Largest Earthquake: 1964 Anchorage, World’s Largest Earthquake: 1964 Anchorage, AlaskaAlaska

Registered 8.6 on Richter Scale Registered 8.6 on Richter Scale