What are Earthquakes? The Earth Shakers!

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Hey kids! Welcome back to KidsCast! Did you hear that many people lost their lives, and a lot of property was damaged in Türkiye, Syria, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan? Do you know why? It was because of an Earthquake. But what is that? Let's see.

What are Earthquakes?

The destruction caused by an Earthquake


Earthquakes are natural disasters or phenomena that occur when the Earth's tectonic plates move and shift against each other. The Earth's crust is made up of several large, rigid plates that float on top of the hot and soft mantle layer beneath. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other, but the boundaries between them can get stuck and build up pressure over time. When this pressure is released suddenly, it causes the ground to shake and can lead to an earthquake.

How are Earthquakes caused?

Earthquakes can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Tectonic plate activity: This is the most common cause of earthquakes. As the tectonic plates move, they create friction and pressure, which can cause the plates to slip and release energy in the form of an earthquake.
  • Volcanic activity: When magma rises up through the Earth's crust, it can cause the ground to shake and lead to an earthquake.
  • Human activity: Human activities like mining, drilling, and the construction of large dams can also cause earthquakes by altering the natural balance of pressure in the Earth's crust.
Extreme human activity like mining can disturb the natural balance, leading to 
earthquakes.

How is the energy of an Earthquake measured?

An instrument called Seismograph used to measure Earthquakes.

The strength or intensity of an earthquake is measured using the Richter scale, which assigns a numerical value based on the magnitude of the seismic waves generated by the quake. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with each increase in value representing a tenfold increase in the energy released by the earthquake. However, it is important to note that the scale is logarithmic, which means that an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 is 10 times stronger than one with a magnitude of 5, and 100 times stronger than one with a magnitude of 4. Pretty confusing right? Don't worry about memorising it. This is just for your information.

Effects of an earthquake:

Major earthquake caused this in Japan.

Earthquakes can have a range of effects depending on their size and location. Small earthquakes may go unnoticed by humans, while larger ones can cause widespread damage to buildings, bridges, and other structures. They can also trigger landslides, tsunamis, and other secondary effects that can further exacerbate the damage caused by the earthquake. In addition to the physical damage, an earthquake can also cause psychological and mental trauma to those who experience them.

How to get ready for an earthquake?


The worst thing is that Earthquakes cannot be directly predicted. However, there are several ways to protect yourself during an earthquake, including:

  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.

  2. Stay away from windows: Broken glass from shattered windows can cause serious injuries during an earthquake. If possible, move away from windows and seek cover under a sturdy table or desk.

  3. Stay indoors: If you are inside a building during an earthquake, stay there until the shaking stops. Trying to exit the building during an earthquake can be dangerous, as debris and falling objects can cause injuries.

  4. Stay away from hazardous areas: If you are near hazardous areas such as coastal areas (risk of tsunami), stay away from them during an earthquake.

  5. Plan ahead: Make sure to have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as water, food, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. Have a plan in place for where to meet your family or loved ones in case you are separated during the earthquake.

  6. Know your surroundings: Be aware of the potential hazards in your area, such as tall buildings, bridges, or power lines, and take precautions to avoid them during an earthquake.

  7. Practice earthquake drills: Conducting earthquake drills can help prepare you for an earthquake and ensure that you know what to do in case of an emergency.

So, kids, this was all for this long article. We hope you enjoyed learning about tremors which are mostly weak but when they turn strong, they can shatter an entire area. For some time we say goodbye, but we will be back with more articles. Till then...

HAPPY LEARNING!

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