Earthquake 🫨 Flashcards
(17 cards)
Define earthquake
An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth’s crust caused by the movement of tectonic plates. This movement happens when plates slip past each other
Define fault lines
which are deep cracks in the Earth’s crust where two tectonic plates meet where earthquakes occur
Define focus
The focus is the point beneath the Earth’s surface where the earthquake starts.
Define epicentre
The epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus. This is where the shaking is usually strongest
Example of fault line
San Andreas Fault. This is a passive plate boundary in the US which has frequent earthquakes.
What are earthquakes measured with
A seismograph is an instrument used to detect and record the vibrations of earthquakes
Define Richter scale
The Richter scale measures the strength or magnitude of an earthquake.
This scale ranges from 1 to 10, with each increase of one unit meaning the earthquake is 10 times more powerful.
What is a tsunami
A tsunami is a large, powerful wave that forms after an underwater earthquake. It moves rapidly towards the shore and can cause severe damage and loss of life.
Give an example of an tsunami
the 2011 tsunami in Japan
Tsunami formation
or more on the Richter scale.
When the tectonic plates suddenly shift, they displace a massive amount of water, which leads to the formation of a tsunami.
As these tsunami waves reach shallower water, they grow in height, sometimes reaching up to 30 metres. When the wave finally reaches the shore, it floods the area, causing destruction to buildings, infrastructure, and loss of life, depending on the strength and size of the tsunami.
Name three affects of earthquakes
• There is loss of life.
• Buildings are damaged or collapse.
• When an earthquake occurs under the sea, water can be displaced, making a huge wave called a tsunami. This may eventually crash onto the coastline, causing devastation.
Example of an earthquake
Japan on 11 March, 2011
What was the Japan earthquake on the Richter scale
8.9
3 short term response for Japan earthquake
• Temporary camps were set up for the people left homeless.
• The clear-up of the debris from the destroyed buildings began.
• Other countries offered emergency aid.
3 long term responses of Japan earthquakes
• Electricity and water supplies were restored.
• Roads and airports were repaired.
• Houses and other buildings were repaired or rebuilt.
Estimated cost of Japan earthquake
The total cost was estimated at around €230 billion.
What happened during Japan earthquakes
it caused a powerful tsunami that reached heights of over 40 metres. More than 130,000 buildings collapsed and a further million buildings were damaged. Fifteen thousand people died and 4.4 million households in northern Japan were left without electricity and water.
