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Earthquakes
By: Ramon Verduzco
What is an Earthquake?
• An earthquake is what
happens when two blocks
of the earth suddenly slip
past one another. The
surface where they slip is
called the fault or fault
plane. The location
below the earth’s surface
where the earthquake
starts is called the
hypocenter, and the
location directly above it
on the surface of the
earth is called the
epicenter.
What causes earthquakes and
where do they happen?
•
The earth has four major layers: the inner
core, outer core, mantle and crust. (figure 2)
The crust and the top of the mantle make up
a thin skin on the surface of our planet. But
this skin is not all in one piece – it is made
up of many pieces like a puzzle covering the
surface of the earth. (figure 3) Not only that,
but these puzzle pieces keep slowly moving
around, sliding past one another and
bumping into each other. We call these
puzzle pieces tectonic plates, and the edges
of the plates are called the plate
boundaries. The plate boundaries are made
up of many faults, and most of the
earthquakes around the world occur on
these faults. Since the edges of the plates
are rough, they get stuck while the rest of
the plate keeps moving. Finally, when the
plate has moved far enough, the edges
unstick on one of the faults and there is an
earthquake.
What to do during an Earthquake
•
1. If you are indoors, duck or drop
down to the floor. Take cover under a
sturdy desk, table or other furniture.
Hold on to it and be prepared to move
with it. Hold the position until the
ground stops shaking and it is safe to
move. Stay clear of windows,
fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy
furniture or appliances that may fall
over. Stay inside to avoid being injured
by falling glass or building parts. If you
are in a crowded area, take cover
where you are. Stay calm and
encourage others to do likewise.
•
2. If you are outside, get into the open,
away from buildings and power lines.
What to do during Earthquake (continue)
•
3. If you are driving, stop if it is
safe, but stay inside your car. Stay
away from bridges, overpasses
and tunnels. Move your car as far
out of the normal traffic pattern as
possible. If possible, avoid
stopping under trees, light posts,
power lines, or signs.
•
4. If you are in a mountainous
area, or near unstable slopes or
cliffs, be alert for falling rock and
other debris that could be
loosened by the earthquake.
•
5. If you are at the beach, move
quickly to higher ground or several
hundred yards inland.
What does an earthquake feel like?
•
•
•
The way an earthquake feels
depends on where you are, where
the earthquake is, and how big the
earthquake is:
A large earthquake nearby will feel
like a sudden large jolt followed
quickly by more strong shaking
that may last a few seconds or up
to a couple of minutes if it's a rare
great event. The shaking will feel
violent and it will be difficult to
stand up. The contents of your
house will be a mess.
A large earthquake far away will
feel like a gentle bump followed
several seconds later by stronger
rolling shaking that may feel like
sharp shaking for a little while.
7.9 Quake Hits Peru
•
•
The following is a release by the
United States Geological Survey,
National Earthquake Information
Center: An earthquake occurred NEAR
THE COAST OF CENTRAL PERU,
about 45 km (25 miles) west-northwest
of Chincha Alta or about 145 km (90
miles) south-southeast of Lima at 5:40
PM MDT, Aug 15, 2007 (6:40 PM local
time in Peru).
At least 650 people killed and 1600
injured in the Ica-Lima-Pisco area.
Extensive damage at Chincha Alta, Ica
and Pisco. Widespread
communications and power outages
occurred in the area. Relief efforts
were hindered by cracks in the
Panamerican Highway.
Peru’s Earthquake Pictures
What is a safe place to be during
an earthquake?
A) Take cover under a
sturdy desk.
B) Stand in the middle
of the room.
What is an earthquake?
A) An earthquake is
what happens when
two blocks of the
earth suddenly slip
past one another.
B) When a house
shakes when you fall
out of bed.
Correct !!!!!!!
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• Internet Activity
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Interactive Activity
• Forces of Nature--Science, Maps, Photos,
Video (National Geographic)
The End (Be Safe)