What is earthquake its causes and prevention in long
Answers
Answer:
Earthquake
An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.
Causes
- Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They don't just slide smoothly; the rocks catch on each other. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving. After a while, the rocks break because of all the pressure that's built up. When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs. During the earthquake and afterward, the plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they get stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the focus of the earthquake. The place right above the focus (on top of the ground) is called the epicenter of the earthquake.
- Earthquake-like seismic waves can also be caused by explosions underground. These explosions may be set off to break rock while making tunnels for roads, railroads, subways, or mines. These explosions, however, don't cause very strong seismic waves. You may not even feel them. Sometimes seismic waves occur when the roof or walls of a mine collapse. These can sometimes be felt by people near the mine. The largest underground explosions, from tests of nuclear warheads (bombs), can create seismic waves very much like large earthquakes. This fact has been exploited as a means to enforce the global nuclear test ban, because no nuclear warhead can be detonated on earth without producing such seismic waves.
Prevention
Earthquakes are natural disasters that many people face every year. Unfortunately people often fail to prepare themselves or their homes from earthquake damage. Being prepared will save you time and money in the event of an earthquake. Here are some easy steps to help prevent earthquake damage.
Step 1
Secure your belongings. The largest financial loss you can incur during an earthquake will be from falling objects and overturned furniture. Fasten objects that are fragile, costly or heavy to fixed furnishings. Anchor your heavy and tall furniture to the wall or floor to prevent them from turning over.
Step 2
Put latches on cabinet doors and file cabinets. During an earthquake doors and drawers can come open. Place strong latches on your cabinet's door and file cabinets to keep them from opening and spilling their contents on the floor causing damage.
Step 3
Fasten your water heater and other appliances. Secure your water heater to wall studs. Anchor your appliances to the wall or floor to prevent them from sliding or falling over. Make sure that any appliance connected to a gas pipe has pliable tubing.
Step 4
Store hazardous materials in a sturdy place. Mixing or spilling chemicals can be dangerous. Make sure that any hazardous products are in their proper containers and stored in a cabinet secured to a wall with a strong latch.
Step 5
Keep fire extinguishers. Place them throughout your home in the event you need them. If a fire starts during an earthquake having a fire extinguisher nearby will help minimize the damage.