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.

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