WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?

• By definition, an earthquake is a sudden

and violent shaking of the ground caused by
a release of energy accumulated in the earth.
• 1. Tectonic earthquake. These occur when
the earth’s crust breaks due to geological forces
on rocks and adjoining plates.
• 2. Volcanic earthquake. A volcanic
earthquake is any quake that results from
tectonic forces in conjunction with volcanic
activity.
• 3. Collapse earthquake. These are small
quakes that take place in underground caverns
and mines and are caused by seismic waves
produced from the explosion of rock on
the surface.
• 4. Explosion earthquake. These quakes are
the result of the detonation of a chemical or
nuclear device.
 AL L E ART H QUAK ES OCCUR
AL ONG A FAULT.

• A fault is a fraction in the earth’s

surface where tectonic activity
occurs.
• 1. Normal Faults: These form when
the hanging wall drops down. The
forces that create normal faults are
pulling the sides apart.
• 2. Reverse Faults: These form when
the hanging wall moves up. The forces
that create reverse faults push the
sides together.
• 3. Strike-Slip (Transcurrent) Faults:
These faults have walls that move
sideways, not up or down.
 THE WASATCH FAULT

• The Wasatch Fault is a 240 miles long

‘normal’ fault that stretches from
Southern Idaho to Northern Utah. The
fault experiences a 7.0 magnitude
earthquake roughly every 1,300 years.
• It is not a matter of if, but when the
quake will hit and with the majority of
the Utah population living along the
Wasatch front, the devastation would
be immense.
 EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY IN UTAH

• The Wasatch Fault produces a major quake about every 350 years. The largest
measured earthquake of 6.7 on the Richter Scale occurred on October 6, 1909
in the Hansel Valley in northwestern Utah, which was felt over a 30,000 square
mile area. There were a number of strong quakes within the Salt Lake City area
during May 1910. The largest earthquake measured in Salt Lake County was
recorded on September 5, 1962, with the epicenter located in the Magna area.
This event was 5.2 on the Richter Scale. There was some minor damage from
this event.
• There is almost daily seismic activity within the state of Utah. According to the
Utah Geological Survey “During the period July 1, 1998 through September 30,
1998, the University of Utah Seismographic Stations located 260 earthquakes.”
Only one was in the magnitude of 4, three were in the rage of magnitude 3 and
the others were in the lower ranges. Based on this activity, it appears that
about 1200 seismic events occur annually within Utah.

• Hooton, L. W. (1999, May 25). The Wasatch Front: Earthquake Preparedness. Retrieved April 17, 2018,
from http://www.slcdocs.com/utilities/NewsEvents/news1999/news5251999.htm
 PREDICTION OF DAMAGE

• A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hitting Utah is

estimated to cost 86,000 people their
homes and 2,487 their lives. Another 36,000
are expected to be injured.
• “The shaking would result in hazardous
material spills, numerous landslides, scarps
(ledges that could be almost 10 feet high),
and even fluid-like land activity, or
liquefaction, in areas near water tables.”
~Keith Koper, Director of U of U’s
seismograph stations.

• McKellar, K. (2015, April 11). The startling projections of a

quake in Salt Lake City: What you need to know. Retrieved
April 17, 2018, from
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865626220/The-
startling-projections-of-a-quake-in-Salt-Lake-City-What-
you-need-to-know.html
 EARTHQUAKE
PREPAREDNESS
• While we cannot currently predict when an
earthquake will occur, being prepared for
one could mean the difference between life
and death. Research the earthquake hazards
in your area and practice what to do in
case an earthquake strikes your location.
• Emergency kits are also a great tool to have
on hand. Assemble an emergency kit
containing:
• 1. Enough food and water for 72 hours.
• 2. A first aid kit.
• 3. Any medications or toiletries you may
need.
• 4. A flashlight, matches, lantern etc.
During a quake drop, cover, and hold on.
Protect your head and torso and stay indoors
if possible.
After a quake, check yourself and others for
injuries and be prepared for aftershocks.