2.

3 earthquake damage can be reduced

Earthquakes can cause severe damage and loss of life

Every year, an extremely powerful earthquake, one with a magnitude of 8 or higher strikes somewhere on Earth. [just a few days ago, an earthquake hit the Philippines. It measured 7.1!] Obviously, if an earthquake happens near metropolitan areas where there are a lot of people, more people will die

Earthquake magnitude

The first scale of earthquake magnitude was developed in California by Charles Richter and Beno Gutenberg.
According to the Richter scale, an earthquakes magnitude is based on how fast the ground moves at a seismic station. TODAY, scientists prefer to use the more accurate scale: the moment magnitude scale. This scale is based on the total amounts of energy released by earthquakes. On both scales, an increase of one whole number indicates an increase of 32 times more energy

Mercalli Scale is another scale we use. It measures the effects of an earthquake

Damage from Earthquakes

Aftershock smaller earthquake that follows a more powerful earthquake in the same area Earthquakes can cause major damage by affecting the soil and other loose materials Ex. Landslides, liquefaction [shaking causes soil to act like liquid]

 Tsunami a water wave triggered by an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or a landslide

Damage from Tsuamis

Sometimes called tidal waves Can travel quickly without weakening

Because many earthquakes occur near the edges of the Pacific Ocean, coastal areas are likely to be hit with tsunamis [Japan, Hawaii]

Tsunami

Scientists work to monitor and predict earthquakes

Its still difficult for scientists to be able to predict the day or year when an earthquake will happen To learn more about earthquakes and to find ways of predicting them, scientists all over the world study seismic activity along faults. They monitor stress buildup along these faults. These signs include:
Tilts or changes in the elevation of the ground Slow movements or stretching in rock The development of small cracks in the ground

 An increase in small earthquakes can be a sign that stress is building up along a fault

Scientists work to monitor and predict earthquakes

Scientists also look at areas where earthquakes have no occurred along active faults Sometimes there is an area that has few or no earthquakes, but is surrounded by many earthquakes This area is called a seismic gap A seismic gap can indicate a location where a fault is stuck It would be unfathomable to think what would happen if this fault were to get unstuck.

 In Japan and California, there are many earthquakes.

Structures can be designed to resist earthquake damage

Planners are always looking for new ways to better safeguard buildings and structures from earthquakes

The walls need to be strong, supports need to be strong

A special type of steel is commonly used for supports because it is strong and able to bend and return to its original shape Isolators that are placed between the building and its foundation [base] absorb much of the ground motion A building may have an open space, or moat around it this lets the building shake more gently Shear walls add strength to a structure

Braces form an X shape and help a structure keep its shape while it is being shaken

Structures can be designed to resist earthquake damage