Earthquake Presentation Notes

1.Types of Earthquakes

• Primarily caused by tectonic plates moving against each other
• Nuclear explosions
• Volcanic eruptions

2. Earthquakes and earth plates

• Earthquakes are caused when the earths plates build up enough friction and eventually snap.
• This release of energy is an earthquake and the waves released from it are what cause the effects we see.

3. Faults

4. Elastic rebound theory

• The elastic rebound theory states that as plates move against each other at faults they build up energy as they strain due to friction and eventually will break.

5.Focus and epicenter

• Focus is the point on the fault where the earthquake originated.
• Epicenter is the point directly above the focus on the surface .
• Sometimes the epicenter is not above the fault on the surface.

6. Triangulating earthquakes

• You need to have three seismographic stations set up to get an exact position.

7. Earthquake hazards

• Natural
  • Liquefaction
  • Ground motion
  • Landslides
• Man-made
  • Fire
  • Parapets
  • Unstable structures
  • Masonry

8. Earthquake building technology

• Shear walls
• Base Isolation
  • Rubber Blocks
  • Wheels
• Solid ground floor
  • No parking garage or empty space

9. Federal/CA Policy

• 2004 California Earthquakes
• More Than $20.1 Million Approved In San Simeon Earthquake Aid, Mar 17
• Earthquake Disaster Officials Recommend California Residents Have Access To Information After Earthquakes, Other Disasters, Mar 16
• Protect Propane Tanks And Gas Cylinders From Earthquake Damage, Mar 12
• Post-Quake Safety, Mar 11
• Earthquake Planning, Preparation Can Save Lives, Property, Mar 11

10. CEA

• “In 1996, the California Legislature established the California Earthquake Authority as a privately financed, publicly managed entity.”
• “The California Earthquake Authority is a publicly managed, largely privately funded organization that provides catastrophic residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss.”
• The CEA distributes over 3.5 Million earthquake booklets for several different California locations in English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese
• Education is important to safety, since prevention is impossible.

11. What to do?

• Before:
  • Check for Hazards in the Home
  • Secure large furniture.
  • Secure Water Heater
  • Identify Safe places and educate family.
  • Have disaster supplies ready.
  • Set up out of state contact
• After
  • Expect aftershocks
  • Use the telephone only for emergency calls
  • Stay away from damaged areas
  • Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas.
  • Inspect utilities (Gas, Electric, Sewer)