Essays on Earthquake

Earthquakes and other natural disasters are common occurrences in the world since historic times. There are several methods that different civilizations use to avert the consequences of the disasters. In particular, earthquake is one such disaster that is not predictable, yet its impacts are great in the property and human life. Due to this phenomenon, the construction of house had to include earthquake resistant techniques. There are several methods that traditional societies use in constructing house that are earthquake resistant. Most of these methods utilize locally available materials. These include the following.
- Construction technology that use ductile construction Continue reading...

In New Zealand, people lie at the interface of the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. According to history, these two plates have been grinding against each other for millions of years. Nonetheless, the outcomes for these collisions have three distinct outcomes which vary according to the specific location within New Zealand. In between these two tectonic zones, lies the Alpine fault which extends to the south of New Zealand from Greymouth and disappears into the ocean approximately 12 km from Milford. The alpine fault reportedly has fractured four times since its formation at intervals of about 150-350 years (Van Continue reading...

Comment and Response of a Research Problem Purpose

In this research, the overall research problems as it regards the National Helping hand, has been dealt with in the following ways.
The researcher took an example of the Chinese earthquake. It had led to massive destruction of property and entitlements to non-profit organizations. In the approach taken by the writer, the study problem has been identified. The impact of the earthquake to non-profit organizations is what is of major concern in this context. In the evaluation of the effects of the earthquake especially to non-profit organizations proper solution can be found.
The research takes the form of identifying Continue reading...

Tsunamis

Introduction
A tsunami (“a wave in port” in Japanese) are the marine gravity waves that are extremely large in length and height, and are the result of the up or down shift of ocean bottom areas with strong underwater and coastal earthquakes, occasionally, though, are the result of volcanic eruptions and other tectonic processes. Tsunamis are among those few natural disasters that are capable of causing huge numbers. First chapter of this research is dedicated to the causes of tsunami, wave formation mechanism, and waves’ various characteristics. The topic of the conducted research is highly relevant to our area Continue reading...

Page

Introduction 3
Geological Environment and Processes Responsible 4
Geological and Topographical Features of the Plate Margin 6
Human and Environmental Impacts 8
Discussion 10
Conclusions 11

Introduction

On 11 April 2012 two huge earthquakes occurred beneath the floor of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of North Sumatra. Registering a magnitude of 8.6, the first was followed by another of 8.2 magnitude, which scientists subsequently identified as an aftershock. Neither triggered a large scale tsunami, which scientists attribute to the movement being of the “strike-slip” type, rather than the “thrust” type. However, strike-slip earthquakes are normally of a much lesser Continue reading...

Japan is a mountainous region where arable land is scarce and therefore Japan is far from food self-sufficiency, importing 60% of its annual grains consumed (McDonald, 2011). Rice is a national crop in Japan, and the government has put subsidies and support means to encourage its farmers to produce rice in large quantities for its population. Once the earthquake hit Japan and consequently by the tsunami, the country was left with destroyed land and infrastructure. Lands were flooded therefore, agricultural activities couldn’t take place and, even after flooding the land could not be used because of the salt Continue reading...

1. How do continents grow and how are they modified
Continents arise due to movement of plates causing boundaries within the earth surface. Plates move through the oceanic crust along narrow zones between each other leading to the development of plate-tectonic forces. As a result, this forces leads to development of boundaries between the plates. This plates becomes the continents. Generally, continents arise because of continental drift that forces a single land mass on the earth surface to split and drift hence forming a continent. Their modification arises due to various plate boundaries that develop within the earth surface. Continue reading...

Earthquakes may have varied effects on the ways in which they affect the human settlement and activities that are conducted on a daily basis. The natural disasters that result from the geographical activities of earthquakes affect the settlement patterns and the human activities that might be of use when it comes to earning a daily life. Earthquakes have adverse effects on the housing and settlement of people. They are forced to change the way they were initially structured which makes it difficult to cope with the new ways of life. They are also driven into hard economic situations where Continue reading...

Earthquakes are vibrations of the Earth that are caused by the rupture and sudden movement of rocks along faults or breaks within the earth's crust. The elastic-rebound theory is a model used to explain the origin of earthquakes. It illustrates the buildup of elastic strain from stresses within the earth's crust and the abrupt release of energy along faults as the rocks return or rebound to their initial state (Ristau 249; Hamblin and Christiansen 510). The point within the Earth where the earthquake's energy is generated by the initial slippage or movement is called the focus. The epicenter is Continue reading...

Abstract

Natural disasters have always happened and will continue to happen. Unfortunately, there is a major difference in how developed countries prepare for and respond to natural disasters, compared to developing countries. When a disaster hits a developing country, the death rates are much higher than in a developed country, the recovery period takes longer and the long term economic impact is more severe. This paper looks at the causes for the differences and addresses steps a developing country can take to be better prepared for and respond against potential natural disasters.
There is a distinct difference in the terminology Continue reading...

Geography is one of the ancient earth science. The word ‘Geo’ meaning ‘Earth’ and ‘graphy’ meaning ‘to describe’ was first used by Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar in third century B.C. Geography is basically the study of the earth’s surface and associated changes and impacts associated with it. It is the study of the interactions of all physical and human phenomena and also the landforms created during these interactions. Physical geography is one of the main discipline of geographical science. It is mainly concerned with the study of the spatial patterns of weather and climate, soils and vegetation, water Continue reading...

Interpretative essay on “UFO in Kushiro” by Haruki Murakami and “The swimmer” by John

Cheever.
Haruki Murakami’s “U.F.O. in Kushiro” and John Cheever’s, “The Swimmer” are two fictional accounts with a similar message on the significance of tragedies in life on our perspectives and decisions. Based on the relationships and communications between the different characters, the conversations in the two texts seem ominous to reality but are in essence a keen explanation of the relationship between reality and the inner personal reactions to tragedies like loss. Komura and Neddy are the two main characters that are stylistically used to communicate how tragedies expose both the vulnerability and the consequent rediscovery of Continue reading...

2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

Introduction

The Tohoku earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean on 11th March, 2011 at a shallow depth of 32 kilometers is by far the largest earthquake ever recorded in the Japanese history and the fifth largest in the world. The earthquake was of 9.0 magnitude with its epicenter located 130 kilometers off Sendai, Honshu, the largest city in the Tohoku region. This earthquake set off devastating tsunami waves travelling like a jet plane at the speed of 700 kilometers an hour (Sorkhabi, 2011). The waves that reached the altitude of 40.5 meters travelled up Continue reading...

The decision for Royal Caribbean International to determine whether to continue to make stops in the devastated Island Nation of Haiti and its Labadee beach is certainly one that has deep implications associated with it.
In the wake of the utterly devastating Haiti Earthquake, even though research states that there will be no effect on the number of reservations made for the cruise liner, the company still has a moral and social obligation which is far greater than the profit motive. Although the Labadee beach has remained untouched by the earthquake, having guests stay in the same area where Continue reading...

Summary of the geotechnical and structural problems of the I-495 Bridge

The I-495 Bridge in Wilmington, Delaware experienced geotechnical and structural problems leading to its closure. According to structural engineers, the closure of the bridge was following an external force that caused the four pillars of the bridge to tilt. The 11-mile long bypass through the bridge remains closed for an unknown time. The tilting pillars were because of a shifting force on the earth surface, but the engineers had not yet identified the source. Engineers and workers are using shovels, and high-powered sensors to discover the main cause of the shifts on the ground (Nann, and Jeff 1).
After Continue reading...

Imagine a typical day doing the usual chores of gathering supplies like water, cloth or food. The market is busy with bartering for things taken for granted in northern continents. Children were running and playing among refuse materials on dirty streets. Conditions were poor. Then suddenly, the entire ground and every standing structure began to shake and fall. At that moment, it seemed as if the whole world was crumbling around the people of a nation that was already hurting. A devastating 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January of 2010. Four years later, a helicopter tour would reveal that Continue reading...

Theb Great 1964 Alaska Earthquarke

Introduction
The Prince William Sound region in Alaska went down in North American books of history on March 27, 1964 for experiencing a fatal earthquake. The magnitude of the earthquake rated on various scales, but the moment magnitude rated it at 9.2mm. The epicenter was located approximately 10km to the east of college Fiord, Valdez 90km to the west of the epicenter and anchorage 120 Km to the east as fig 1.1 shows. The bearing of the epicenter was Lat. 61.04N, Long. 147.73W with an estimated depth of 25KM (American Society of Civil Engineers & Schiff 1991). At the time Continue reading...

The incidences of landslides and earthquake in the areas around Washington Bay Area have been on the rise due to the nature of the rocks that make up the structures around these places. The torrential rains and the earthquakes have instilled fear among the residents from the regions within and around the weak fault line areas. It has, therefore, taken the interest of the risk analysts to create awareness on the looming risks that the residents around this place may encounter. Despite the fact that national standards for tracking landslide hazards are non-existent, ABAG has generated local maps that Continue reading...

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[Submission Date]

Volcanic Disasters in Modern and Ancient Times: A Comparison

This essay will address social issues concerned with the volcanic eruptions. As it is an interesting topic, I will be writing about two volcanic disasters. Firstly, I will discuss the A.D. 79 Eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Secondly, I will talk about the 2013 Eruption of Sumatra Volcano. Later, I will be making a comparison between the mentioned volcanic eruptions and the damage they caused.
The question is what causes volcanoes to erupt? An eruption starts when there is a pressure on magma chamber. This pressure forces magma to rise up through the conduit and come out Continue reading...

QUESTION 1

Function – A function is the relationship that exists between an input and output such that one input has only one possible output. This implies that a function takes an input and produces an output based on the input (Cheney & Kincaid, 2012).

Examples

Linear function
y = 2 x

Quadratic function

y = 2 x2

Third degree polynomial

y = 2 x3

Exponential function

y = e2x

Logarithmic function

y = log 2 x

Periodic function

y = sin x
Domain of a function - The domain of a function is the set of inputs for which the output of the function exists (Cheney & Kincaid, 2012).The domain of linear function is (- ∞ to ∞), quadratic function is (- ∞ Continue reading...

QUESTION I

Function
This is an equation or expression that shows the relationship between input and output variables. It transforms each input value into one output value. For instance, a function f(x) = 3x multiplies each input value by three to give the output value

Domain

Set of all possible input values. For instance, the domain of f(x) = 1/x is any real number apart from zero

Range

Set of all possible output values. For instance the range of f(x) = Sin x is -1, +1.

Linear Function

Also known as first degree function
Maximum power of input variable is 1
Written in the form Continue reading...

Understanding of Pompeii about Mount Vesuvius eruption in AD 79

When the Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it caught the population of Pompeii by surprise and utterly unprepared. Though we know now that all the signs of possible volcano were there in AD 79 but the residents of those times had no idea of the warning signs. We only get to know about the tyranny through the preserved letters from Younger Pliny who was an eye-witness to the disaster. Through him and his account we have gained insight of the reactions and effect on the people caught in the natural disaster.
Younger Pliny’s letters leave no shadow of Continue reading...

Introduction

Fire Fighting or Fire Services in United States date back to 17th century due to conflagrating inferno of 1631 in Boston, a colony of Massachusetts Bay passed legislation for no smoking in public accommodations. In 2012, 1,129,250 firefighters worked in United States, 31% of them were career fire fighters and 69% of them were volunteers. Currently there are 30,100 Fire Departments in United States alone and these departments have 6,900 aerial apparatus, 66,900 pumpers, 52,650 fire stations and 74,000 suppression vehicles. In 2012, 68% of the responses from fire departments were for Continue reading...

The Powerful Ocean

The Powerful Ocean
A great disorder Tsunami is composed of two words from Japanese namely "Kanji" and "harbor" meaning waves. It is the series of the water waves caused due to the dislocation of large volume of water. The wavelength of these waves is longer than the normal waves called rising tidal. The period ranges from minutes to hours called wave train. There are many reasons for this disorder to occur as landslides, volcanic eruption, Earthquake, underwater explosions and due to the disturbances above or below the water in the oceans. On entering into shallow water, their velocity decreases Continue reading...

Introduction

This research paper discusses the phenomenon of earthquakes – the geography and distribution of where they occur, and the explanations of the forces and processes involved. The theory explains why they occur more in some places than others and describes related phenomena including volcanic activity.

The Research

The accepted theory of the cause of most earthquakes cites the continuous movements of huge sections of the earth’s crust (known as the lithosphere), which comprises tectonic plates (Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics” 1977), which are further classified as either oceanic or continental plates, dependent on their location on the Earth’s surface: beneath the Continue reading...

Preparing for an earthquake is an important training which everyone should be aware of in order to save lives. “Earthquakes are one of the most frightening natural calamities that carry destructive aftereffects” (James 31). It is a sudden movement of the earth that is being caused by unexpected release of strain that has being accumulated over a long period of time. This causes a sudden slipping or movement on the crust of the earth that is accompanied by a series of vibrations. There are also instances when aftershocks are felt later on also. Due to this there have been Continue reading...

Introduction

This research paper discusses the phenomenon of earthquakes – the geography and distribution of where they occur, and the explanations of the forces and processes involved. The theory explains why they occur more in some places than others and describes related phenomena including volcanic activity.

The Research

The accepted theory of the cause of most earthquakes cites the continuous movements of huge sections of the earth’s crust (known as the lithosphere), which comprises tectonic plates (Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics” 1977), which are further classified as either oceanic or continental plates, dependent on their location on the Earth’s surface: beneath the Continue reading...

Abstract

The city of San Francisco experienced two earthquakes in 1906. This caused firestorms which lasted for days destroying life and property worth billions. The city residents were shocked at the sudden turn of events. This is because they could not come to terms with the massive loss they had suffered as a result of the earthquake. People lived in fear as they lost hope in their livelihood since they did not expect such a catastrophe to befall them. However, they quickly recovered and embarked on the reconstruction of their city. There were various causes of the earthquake. As much Continue reading...

Introduction

There are many reasons which have made up the modern day Haiti. The racial caste systems are what have made the mulattos consider themselves superior to the blacks. The Haitian revolution which occurred in 1791 to 1804 help make the republic to be the first to ever be ruled by black people. The settlement done between the French and Haiti is what started to make the country be in debt with other countries. The occupation of US brought about the formation of good roads, housing and health care. During the earthquake the US were the ones who provided more Continue reading...

English

Preparing for an earthquake is an important phenomenon that everyone should be aware of in order to save lives. Earthquakes are one of the most frightening natural calamities that carry destructive aftereffects (Schaefer-Jones 31). It is a sudden movement of the earth that is being caused by sudden release of strain that has been accumulated over a long period of time. This causes a sudden slipping or movement on the crust of the earth that is accompanied by a series of vibrations. There are also instances when aftershocks are felt during the earthquake. There are steps that should be Continue reading...

The book, city of heroes is a fine, mind capturing, nonfiction count of the past events at Charleston city, South Carolina. Graced with a video game to match its exciting nature, the writer illustrates how Charleston bore the brunt of the massively destructive effects of the earthquake of 1886.
Led by the then Mayor, William A. Courtenay, residents of the city engineered a touching process of rebuilding of the city and taking care of the victims. The federal government and the state refused to support them in rebuilding. They were almost desperate. The fallen city was on the verge Continue reading...

Introduction

Over years, engineers strive to construct structures that have conventional designs and are capable of fulfilling the designed jobs effectively and safely. Even with all these design factors adhered to, accidents and unexpected loads caused by things like earthquakes, explosions, tornados, moving machine impacts and many other things make a well constructed building suffer damages. Because of such unforeseen accidents and abnormal loads are capable of causing many damage and loss of lives, engineers should provide an effective structural integrity to structures. Structural integrity could be achieved through proper judgment and sharing of ideas and opinions on how to Continue reading...

Earthquakes

Earthquakes produce vibrations that are recorded, detected and measured with the use of the seismographs. Seismographs amplify the ground motions by a million times more than the motions beneath making a zigzag transcribes that are known as the seismograms. This data is relevant for the determination of the focal depth of an earthquake the time and the epicenter of the phenomena. In addition, approximations can be complete with relative sizes and amounts of force it produced. The focus hypocenter of the earthquake is the origin of the fault where rapture initiates. The depth in kilometers and map locations in Continue reading...

An earthquake results from a sudden energy release in the earth’s crust that causes a seismic wave which in turn causes shaking of the ground and leads to devastating occurrences.

Areas with greatest concentration of earthquakes:

Although limits do not exist to the probable magnitude of earthquakes, the largest in historic times as noted by: Debora, 2012 was slightly above a magnitude of 9.0 which occurred in Japan in 2011. Areas with greatest concentration of earthquakes in the US include: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Oregon

Reasons for greatest concentration of earthquakes in these areas:

Aftershocks: areas which have previously experienced earthquakes are more prone to earthquakes because Continue reading...

Recent Earthquakes

How many earthquakes are over 6.0? Over the past one week, only one earthquake had a magnitude over 6.0.
How many between 4.5 and 6.0 over the week?There were sixty-nine earthquakes which had a magnitude of between 4.5 and 6.0.
What country outside the U.S. had the most earthquakes during this time? Provide details.Moreover, outside of the United States, the British virgin Island had the highest number of earthquakes during this period with a total of 12 earthquakes. All the earthquakes occurred within a 150km radius of Road Town in the British Virgin Islands. The earthquakes ranged in magnitude Continue reading...

Question 1

You have volunteered to be a member of an AUSMAT team. An 8.5 magnitude earthquake has struck Papua New Guinea causing massive destruction to the capital of Port Moresby. A state of disaster has been declared and call made for international aid. You have been asked to join the team. In no more than 400 words, describe the dangers would may be exposed to at the site, the precautions you would need to take prior to leaving and the follow-up you would receive after the event. Use the information provided to support your discussion and provide references.

Answer

As a Continue reading...

Introduction

Natural disasters tend to have significant implications. These include collapsing of buildings, which translate to loss of life and destruction of property worth a lot of money. Natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, and extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, lighting, storms, and mass movements. Each of these natural disasters requires the design of the building to incorporate an element or a factor, which avoid or reduce the impact of the natural disaster or how it will resist the natural disaster. In the design of buildings, earthquakes are of significant importance since they result to a lot of damage Continue reading...

- Background
Several of the Asia and Pacific developing countries are located in the world’s hazard belts and are subject to occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, windstorms, tidal waves and landslides, etc.
The major natural disasters that happen at times in this region are mostly due to climatic and seismic causes. Weather become increasingly unpredictable, communities and local governments are beginning to recognize the risks associated with the occurrence of increasing number of natural disasters and have begun to ask more questions.
We all need to know what we can do to minimize Continue reading...

Way back in the medieval period the tribal’s presumed that earthquakes were considered to be god’s anger which was caused due to his dissatisfaction. In the current times, however, the real explanation behind the cause of earthquakes has been found and today scientists understand the cause earthquakes and know how to deal with it. Scientists use different kinds of equipments to predict earthquake by detecting the seismic activity before it happens. The predictions might be based on various data – for example, research has proved that just before an earthquake a number of male toads abandon the place Continue reading...

Earthquakes are destructive natural phenomenon caused by tectonic activity occurring along plate edges and faults. They generally have a trail of destruction owning to the large areas affected, as well as the suddenness and unpredictability. The higher the magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter Scale, the greater the destruction it is likely to cause. Damages include the destruction of property, loss of life, disruptions in vital infrastructural services such as power and water supply, transportation and communications. Earthquakes can also have a major economic impact.

What is an Earthquake?

In simple terms, vibrations moving across the Earth’s crust, felt in the Continue reading...