A look at earthquakes from the beginning of man's first writings to the present, including how scientists over history have measured, predicted and mapped earthquakes.
1,675 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 10 sources, 2001, $ 54.95
Abstract This paper analyses earthquakes from the beginning of man's first writings on the topic to today's time. The paper starts with Greek philosopher's notes on them and continues all the way to today's scientists, who have broken down earthquakes to seismic waves. The paper also discusses the history of scientists tracking ability of the earthquake, detailing the birth of the Richter scale. The paper goes into great scientific detail about how earthquakes are measured, predicted and mapped.
Abstract Much as the science has progressed, it cannot, to this day, predict earthquakes with accuracy. This ten-page paper discusses earthquakes in general, the origins of its predictions, methods of predictions and any new technologies that might be associated with them. The paper concludes by discussing the impact of earthquakes on the real estate business of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Abstract An analysis of how both minor and major faults can lead to earthquakes. The paper includes a summary of the background of the Bay Area and explains how not all the earthquakes are found in the regions where the major faults lie and notes there are also unmapped faults. The paper discusses how the area not only demonstrates historical significance with regard to earthquake activity, but it is a region of the nation that has recurring earthquakes on a daily basis, though small in scale.
From the Paper "There are seven major faults in the San Francisco Bay Area. These faults become active through the "strike slip motion" of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates ("Working"). Research contends that, Although most of the present-day seismicity in Bay Area generally follows the major faults (San Andreas, Hayward-Mission Creek, Concord-Calaveras, and Antioch faults), a significant fraction occurs in the large (8 km) right-step-over region between the Calaveras and Concord faults and along the Mt. Lewis seismic zone. In addition, numerous earthquakes locate in the regions between the major faults and seismic zones and appear to lie on either the minor faults or on unmapped faults ("Bay Area"). Although these major faults have historically played a role in the major earthquakes that have affected the San Francisco Bay Area, scientists now conclude that at any time minor faults could create..."
Abstract The paper provides a report for the people of Fairbanks Alaska regarding earthquakes. The paper looks at why Alaska has so many earthquakes and concludes that another is inevitable It also looks at options for minimizing the damage caused by earthquakes.
From the Paper "Earthquakes are usually connected with fault lines. Fault lines are areas in which tectonic plates are moving more frequently then other areas(Hobbs 272). Although techonic plates are moving everywhere they are usually not moving fast enough for anyone to realize. Earthquakes occur when techonic plates achieve a high enough velocity to cause the ground to actually shake."
Abstract This paper presents a review of historical accounts of the 1750 London earthquakes. It looks at issues that must be considered in reading the original reports of the earthquakes and the differences in interpretations in the reports.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most significant distinction that can be made between thes econdary reports of Lecky and Langford and that of Speck is that the former attribute the prediction of the third earthquake to a crazy soldier and a lunatic trooper ..."
Abstract This paper gives a detailed first person account of the earthquake in Santa Clarita, California from the eyes of a public information officer. It describes the policies such as: activating the Emergency Alert System, restoring power and more. It details the responses that were received by disaster relief personnel and how several organizations of emergency workers were able to deal with this crisis.
From the Paper "On Thursday the 15th of last month, at 7:31 a.m., an earthquake of 5.9 Moment Magnitude struck Southern California. The epicenter was near Santa Clarita, a small suburban community about twenty miles north of Los Angeles along the I-5 freeway. I am the Public Information Officer for the Emergency Response Office for the City of Santa Clarita. The following is an account of the five days following that earthquake."
Abstract This paper discusses how Alaskans are used to numerous earthquakes, but the 2002 disaster in Fairbanks' hinterland pointed to the necessity of attending to immediate human results then quickly repairing road infrastructure. The state's insurance industry works collaboratively with state emergency planning towards properties rebuilt according to regulations meant to fortify structures.
From the Paper "Earthquakes in the area of Fairbanks, Alaska represent an important case in terms of how the dangers of earthquakes are evaluated, in responses to their accompanying losses, and also the intended response to future earthquakes. For instance, the March 1964 'Great Alaska Earthquake' had a strong impact on groundwater thousands of miles distant, in more than 700 ground wells in the continental United States to show water-level changes including one of 12-feet in a well in South Dakota; a well in Australia, for that matter, fluctuated by more than 2 feet after the same disaster. "
Abstract This paper discusses the causes of volcanoes, the different types and how they contribute to acid rain. The paper emphasizes the dangers inherent in this force of nature and looks at the active volcanoes in the United States and the major disasters of the past. The paper also looks at the San Andreas Fault and how it is a likely candidate for a major earthquake in the next few decades. Also discusses are San Francisco Bay and its environs, which are likely to sustain a moderate sized earthquake, accompanied by severe damage and loss of life.
From the Paper "A volcano is a rupture in the surface of the earth which penetrates the crust and permits the escape of molten matter, rock and gases. The details of how this comes about are a quite elaborate. Such ruptures on the surface of the planet can change the face of the world over time, forming new land masses. They also pollute the air and change the climate, when active in great numbers or volume. It's believed they have brought on nuclear-winter type conditions, blotting out the sunlight. They could end civilization."
Abstract This paper discusses specific examples of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It discusses the latest eruptions and the latest earthquakes occurrences. The paper then describes the environmental and societal impacts that they caused both locally and around the world. Where possible, the paper also classifies the natural disaster and ranks it in history against other similar occurrences.
From the Paper "Mexico City quake of 1985 - This quake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale, and killed at least 9,000 people, but many Mexico City residents believe the real number was far higher, perhaps as high as 100,000. Nearly 500 buildings were destroyed, and 100,000 homes were lost. It also collapsed most of the area hospitals, leaving little health care for victims of the quake. This quake is probably the most devastating of all those on the North American continent discussed here."
"Shensi, China earthquake - Occurred in 1556, the worst killing an estimate 830,000 people, which was about 60 percent of the entire nation's population. It destroyed a 520-square mile area, and affected ten provinces. It was rated an 8 on the moment magnitude scale, and is known as the worst earthquake in history, and the fourth worst natural disaster of all time."
Abstract This paper examines how Emily Dickinson is one of the most revered American poets of all time and how her tightly written verse, her perceptions of nature, love and death and her own reclusive lifestyle combine to make her life as fascinating as her poetry. It explores one element of her work which stands out above all the rest as a metaphor for her tightly bound passions, the volcano. It analyzes how although they aren?t mentioned nearly as often as birds, bees and flowers, volcanoes are a natural phenomenon that appear with notable frequency in Dickenson's poetry. It looks at how for women who lived during Dickinson's time, passion ? be it anger or sexual feelings ? were considered so taboo that the release of these feelings was as explosive as a volcano: Trapped just beneath a calm exterior, ready to burst at any moment and possibly destroy anything it touches. It evaluates how in Dickinson's works, the volcano becomes a way of expressing a feeling of fiery dissatisfaction inside a reserved, often mysterious exterior.
From the Paper "Poem 601, ?A Still ? volcano ? life? begins by likening the mighty flickering of a volcano to an intense secret routine. After the speaker associates the still volcano to a living being in the first line, line two mentions that the person ?flicker(s)? at night. The next two lines point out the covertness as well as the habitual nature of the life ? only being able to go about its normal business ?when it was dark enough to do / without erasing sight.? (3-4) The fact that the being knows to shimmer at night to avoid causing blindness suggests that "she" has done it before, and has perhaps already blinded (or otherwise permanently injured) someone by burning too brightly during the day."
Abstract This study provides a geographical description of the Tungurahua Volcano of Ecuador and describes the nature of its volcanic activity. The paper also explores the risks to inhabitants living in close proximity to the volcano and some of the measures taken to protect them. The paper concludes by examining what is being done to assist those affected by the volcano and probable solutions to the threat it poses.
From the Paper "The Tungurahua volcano is categorized as a strato-volcano reaching a height of 5016 meters. With a nickname of "The Black Giant", the mountain has a 600 feet wide crater, with most of the mountain covered in snow. Its geographical status shows that it lies some 25 kilometers east of Ambato, Ecuador's 4th largest city. The slopes of the Tungurahua volcano are primarily used for the local agriculture sector and a number of small villages including a town called Banos which cradles the mountain from both the western and northern sides."
Tags: eruptions, explosions, lava, flows, hazard, ashes, rock, strombolian, magma
Abstract This paper examines the causes and predictors of earthquakes in the earth's surface. It discusses various factors and examines which of the factors act as the most reliable predictor of earthquakes. The paper then looks at how to measure earthquake strength and particularly discusses the advantages of the Richter scale and the Mercalli scale.
Table of Contents:
Earthquake Causes and Predictors
The Most Reliable Predictor of Earthquakes Measuring Earthquake Strength
From the Paper "If the concern is strictly over the amount of damage a quake can cause, and that is truly the goal of early prediction of earthquakes, then the Mercalli scale would be more effective. Unfortunately, this data is only available after the fact. A consistent Mercalli reading over time can provide a more effective means of protecting against an earthquake, or against damage to humanity. The magnitude of the quake provided by the Richter scale is more effective in building up over time recordings of the occurrence of major quakes for the sake of data and catastrophic protection."
Abstract Western British Columbia is situated near an active subduction zone. The most densely populated part, the Lower Mainland, is actually sitting on the subduction zone. This paper explains that this dynamic geological setting subjects the region to frequent seismic activity and is, in large part, responsible for a higher risk of destructive earthquakes in comparison to other parts of Canada. While the principal city of Vancouver and its surroundings have not experienced a damaging earthquake so far, large earthquakes with nearby epicenters have been strongly felt, and there is paleoseismic evidence for very large earthquakes in the late Holocene. Hazards associated with earthquakes are discussed in detail, and recommendations are given on how to minimize the impacts of a megathrust earthquake and its accompanying hazards. Paper contains 6 figures and charts.
From the Paper "Western British Columbia is situated at a dynamic geological setting which causes it to be the most seismically active in Canada and makes it one of the few sites around the world capable of producing a megaquake of a magnitude of ~9. While such a quake has not hit the region in settled time, paleoseismic evidence, oral history traditions and Japanese records date such a quake as having occurred in 1700. There is also evidence which point to these megathrust events as happening at irregular intervals which range from 200 to 800 years. Vancouver lies at the north end of a seismically active region which extends down into Washington State and has its end south of the Puget Sound. Areas directly off the coast of Vancouver Island and all along the Juan de Fuca plate and Cascadia Subduction Zone are very seismically active. The impact of an earthquake over 6 in magnitude with an epicenter near the Lower Mainland would be devastating on the region, if it occurs off the coast of Vancouver Island, even greater damages would be incurred by tsunami. While new building codes to increase safety structures are due to be released in 2005, it may be too late, as a large quake could hit the region any time, and we have no way to predict such quakes."
Abstract This paper discusses the Northridge earthquake that hit the San Fernando Valley area of Greater Los Angeles on January 17, 1994. The paper specifically reviews the economic impact of the earthquake, as well as the psychological aftermath for the residents of the area. It also discusses the news coverage of the earthquake and general related information.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Economic Impact
Northridge Earthquake General Information
Northridge Earthquake News Coverage
Suicides Due to the Northridge Earthquake Psychological Distress Following the Northridge Quake
From the Paper "While the earthquake itself didn't result in an increased rate of suicides, the same publication (Prehospital and Disaster Medicine) with mostly the same authors (Bourque, Shoaf, et al, 2002) shows that there was additional psychological distress on the day of the quake. On an average day in LA County there are an estimated 60-80 deaths associated with "cardiovascular events" (IHD, "ischemic heart disease" - heart attacks - and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ACD). Meanwhile, in the 16 days preceding the January 17 Northridge quake deaths associated with IHD and ACD averaged 73 per day; on the day of the quake, 125 IHD / ACD death occurred. But for the rest of the month of January following the 17th, the average dropped to 57 deaths per day attributed to IHD and ACD."
Abstract The paper reveals that one earthquake is felt on our fragile planet every thirty seconds! The paper then describes how earthquakes happen, their costly and destructive results and how they are measured. The paper relates that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, it is possible for us to limit the damage and impact they have, by building structures using earthquake resistant designs and ensuring that the interiors of our buildings are safe from falling objects. The paper concludes that ultimately, what is important is to educate people about earthquake safety.
From the Paper "One earthquake is felt on our fragile planet every thirty seconds. There is a 100% chance that somewhere, today, an earthquake is shaking the ground. We have no way of predicting how and when an earthquake will strike. We can only say that it might. No one can say for sure if the tremors that are felt will be enough to kill and wreak havoc. What we can be sure of is that earthquakes are perhaps the most powerful and destructive forces of nature. We should all know the facts and what if anything we can do to be prepared for such a catastrophe."
