why earthquake is devastating
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Every year, earthquakes cause thousands of deaths, either directly or due to the resulting tsunamis, landslides, fires, and famines. Quakes occur when a fault (where Earth's tectonic plates meet) slips, releasing energy in waves that move through the ground.
Scientists measure the strength of tremors on the Richter scale, which assigns magnitude in numbers, like 6.0 or 7.2. A 5.0 tremor is equivalent to a 32-kiloton blast, nearly the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945! Going one whole number higher -- such as from 5.0 to 6.0 -- reflects a tenfold increase in the amplitude of waves. Here are some of the most destructive earthquakes in recent history.
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Scientists measure the strength of tremors on the Richter scale, which assigns magnitude in numbers, like 6.0 or 7.2. A 5.0 tremor is equivalent to a 32-kiloton blast, nearly the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945! Going one whole number higher -- such as from 5.0 to 6.0 -- reflects a tenfold increase in the amplitude of waves. Here are some of the most destructive earthquakes in recent history.
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Both hurricanes and earthquakes can be devastating in property damage and in lives lost. However, earthquakes often cause more destruction than hurricanes, and it can make a person to wonder why this is. It is easiest to first look at each of these to arrive at a reason.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can span hundreds of miles. With rotating and extreme winds, plus a curving path, they can cause damage over a large area. Heavy rains and tornadoes often accompany a hurricane, increasing the danger. Also, hurricanes form over the ocean, so they usually push a wave of water ahead of the base of the storm, creating a storm surge that can cause more destruction than the storm itself.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can span hundreds of miles. With rotating and extreme winds, plus a curving path, they can cause damage over a large area. Heavy rains and tornadoes often accompany a hurricane, increasing the danger. Also, hurricanes form over the ocean, so they usually push a wave of water ahead of the base of the storm, creating a storm surge that can cause more destruction than the storm itself.
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