Earthquake causes sewer to collapse.  The biggest earthquake ever recored was in Deerfield, Kansas. An earthquake is the shaking of the ground caused by an abrupt shift of rock along a fracture in the Earth, called a fault. Within seconds, an earthquake releases stress that has slowly accumulated within the rock, sometimes over hundreds of years. Says CVO website (www.CVO.com) . Magnitude is a measure of the amount of energy released during an earthquake, and you've probably heard news reports about earthquake magnitudes measured using the Richter scale. The Richter scale was invented, logically enough, in the 1930s by Dr. Charles Richter, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology.  Says New Mexico Bureau of geology and mineral Resources.

 

 

picture of charles richter and the first model of the richter scale. this is a picture of a earthquake in the ocean.this is a picture of 2006 JAC weekly DVOA performence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this shows the magnitude of earthquakes on the coast of colmbia and where earthquakes mostly occur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a 24-hour long seismic record.
Time progress left to right and from top to bottom, just like text on a printed page.
Each line is 15 minutes long.
The hour marks are visible as a vertical stripe parallel to the left edge of the record.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This great earthquake and ensuing tsunami took 128 lives (tsunami 113, earthquake 15), and caused about $311 million in property loss. Earthquake effects were heavy in many towns, including Anchorage, Chitina, Glennallen, Homer, Hope, Kasilof, Kenai, Kodiak, Moose Pass, Portage, Seldovia, Seward, Sterling, Valdez, Wasilla, and Whittier.

 

 

Anchorage, about 120 kilometers northwest of the epicenter, sustained the most severe damage to property. About 30 blocks of dwellings and commercial buildings were damaged or destroyed in the downtown area. The J.C. Penny Company building was damaged beyond repair; the Four Seasons apartment building, a new six-story structure, collapsed; and many other multistory buildings were damaged heavily. The schools in Anchorage were almost devastated. The Government Hill Grade School, sitting astride a huge landslide, was almost a total loss. Anchorage High School and Denali Grade School were damaged severely. Duration of the shock was estimated at 3 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The earthquake was accompanied by vertical displacement over an area of about 520,000 square kilometers. The major area of uplift trended northeast from southern Kodiak Island to Price William Sound and trended east-west to the east of the sound. Vertical displacements ranged from about 11.5 meters of uplift to 2.3 meters of subsidence relative to sea level. Off the southwest end of Montague Island, there was absolute vertical displacement of about 13 - 15 meters. Uplift also occurred along the extreme southeast coast of Kodiak Island, Sitkalidak Island, and over part or all of Sitkinak Island. This zone of subsidence covered about 285,000 square kilometers, including the north and west parts of Prince William Sound, the west part of the Chugach Mountains, most of Kenai Peninsula, and almost all the Kodiak Island group.

 

 

 

 

 

Five-story J.C. Penney Building, 5th Avenue and Downing Street, Anchorage, Alaska, partly collapsed by the March 28, 1964 earthquake. Note undamaged buildings nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

Landslide and slumping effects in the Turnagain Heights area, Anchorage, Alaska, caused by the March 28, 1964, earthquake.

 

 

 

 

 

This shock generated a tsunami that devasted many towns along the Gulf of Alaska, and left serious damage at Alberni and Port Alberni, Canada, along the West Coast of the United States (15 killed), and in Hawaii. The maximum wave height recorded was 67 meters at Valdez Inlet. Seiche action in rivers, lakes, bayous, and protected harbors and waterways along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas caused minor damage. It was also recorded on tide gages in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

This great earthquake was felt over a large area of Alaska and in parts of western Yukon Territory and British Columbia, Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 this  is a picture of what happend after a earthquake happend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 this is a picture of the san andreas fault. One of the worlds most dangerous fault line in the world this is in California. If this fault was to have a magitude 7.8 or higher most of California,Oregon,Washingtion and part of Canada would be destoryed.

 

 

 

 

this is a picture of a famliy after a earthquake in South Asia. This famliy lost everything they owned. What they are living in right now is whats left of their house. They are sleeping under whats left of the roof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Saturday morning an earthquake measuring 7.6 struck, and affected Pakistan, India and surrounding countries. It is now reported that over 30,000 people are feared dead, with tens of thousands injured and an un-estimated number displaced.  Entire villages in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azaad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), are said to have been destroyed or severely damaged.  Large-scale destruction of homes and schools are reported from areas in NWFP and AJK (see map of earthquake impact on the right).  Numerous aftershocks have continued to hit the affected region since Saturday morning’s earthquake. It has been immediately evident that the situation in India also represents a substantial operation. An initial assessment from Save the Children in India found heavy casualties, especially in the two most affected districts of Baramulla and Kupwara.

It is very clear that there is a great need for shelter and food on a large scale. Governments in the region are appealing for international assistance. As winter fast approaches the affected mountainous region, timely provision of assistance becomes even more critical.  Medical supplies and support are needed as the injured begin to trickle out of the worst-hit areas.  Migration of displaced populations has begun with reports of families packing their belongings and thousands moving by foot out of the worst affected areas.

As in most disasters, children are severely affected. The earthquake struck as the Saturday morning session of school was underway and many children and their teachers died in collapsed buildings. Towns and villages are speaking of a ‘lost generation.’ Children who survived or were not at school have lost family members and have been separated from their families; they have sustained injuries that require short and long term treatment; they have lost friends and play spaces, as well as access to education and health (http://www.savethechildren.org.au/australia/what_we_do_programs/emergencies/earthquake_south_asia.html)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Region result from strain energy constantly accumulating across the region because of the northwestward motion of the Pacific Plate relative to the North American Plate (Figure 1 ). The region experienced large and destructive earthquakes in 1838, 1868, 1906, and 1989, and future large earthquakes to relieve this continually accumulating strain are a certainty. For our study we define the SFBR as extending from Healdsburg on the northwest to Salinas on the southeast.  It encloses the entire metropolitan area, including its most rapidly expanding urban and suburban areas. We have used the term "major" earthquake as one with M>=6.7 (where M is moment magnitude). As experience from recent earthquakes in Northridge, California (M6.7, 1994, 20 killed, $20B in direct losses) and Kobe, Japan (M6.9, 1995, 5500 killed, $147B in direct losses), earthquakes of this size can have a profound impact on the social and economic fabric of densely urbanized areas. (says http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/wg02/index.php)

 

 

 

 

Faults and plate motions in the San Francisco Bay Region. Faults in the region, principally the seven faults shown here and characterized in this report, accommodate about 40 mm/yr of mostly strike-slip motion between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Yellow lines show the locations of the 1868 M6.8 earthquake on the southern portion of the Hayward Fault and the 1989 M6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake near the San Andreas fault northeast of Monterey Bay (says http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/wg02/index.php)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Earthquakes occurring in Qeshm Island during the past 2 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 For the first time, scientists have been able to use satellite data to detect the changes in the earth's surface caused by a massive earthquake. The discovery, reported in the latest issue of the journal Science, signifies a new use for the data from NASA's two GRACE satellites and offers a possible new approach to understanding how earthquakes work. (says http://www.physorg.com/news73836406.html)

 

 

 

 

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

(infomation from http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm) 

 

 

 

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home
   • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
   • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
   • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
   • Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
   • Brace overhead light fixtures.
   • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
   • Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
   • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
   • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
   • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
   • Against an inside wall.
   • Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
   • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
   • Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
   • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
   • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
   • Flashlight and extra batteries.
   • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
   • First aid kit and manual.
   • Emergency food and water.
   • Nonelectric can opener.
   • Essential medicines.
   • Cash and credit cards.
   • Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
   • In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
   • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
   • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
   • Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
   • Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
   • Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
   • Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
   • Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans

                  (infomation from http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm)

 

 

 

 

Statistics of the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964

On Good Friday, March 27, 1964, at 5:36 PM local time in Alaska, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 struck Prince William Sound. Not only was this earthquake the second largest recorded in the world, it lasted approximately 4 to 5 minutes which is unusually long. Within the first 24 hours, there were 11 aftershocks and with a magnitude greater than 6.0 and 9 more took place over the next few weeks. In total, there were over 10,000 aftershocks.

Cause of the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964

Coastal Alaska is on a fault zone where the Pacific plate meets the North American plate. The earthquake took place on a thrust fault where the Pacific plate slips underneath the North American plate. It was determined that the slip of the continental plate took place 16 miles underground. The epicenter was near Prince William Sound which is situated between Valdez and Anchorage.

The ground clay turned to liquid and caused it to become unstable. This is a process called liquefaction. Fissures opened up as more solid ground dropped, rose up and tilted. Some residents claimed the ground waves were over 3 feet high.

Cities and Towns Most Affected by the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964

Anchorage suffered the most damage because of liquefaction:

• An area of clay bluffs, called Turnagain Heights collapsed and over 75 homes were lost.
• Part of the main street sunk into a 10 foot hole and extensive damage was done to buildings in a 30 block radius.
• The façade at the J.C.Penney store broke away from the building and crashed into the street, killing two people.
• An apartment building and several schools collapsed.
• The air traffic control tower at the Anchorage airport fell over, killing the controller.
• Water, sewer and gas lines ruptured plus telephone and electrical service were disrupted.
• Nine deaths were reported.

Valdez: is located 120 miles east of Anchorage:

• A freighter at the town dock was being unloaded. The wave created by the earthquake entered the harbor and lifted the freighter 30 feet. There were 28 people killed at the dock and the freighter broke free into the harbor.
• Many waterfront homes and commercial buildings were destroyed.
• Large waves continued at 30 minute cycles for the next 9 hours.
• The waves combined with high tide, caused extensive flooding.

Seward:

• Located 80 miles south of Anchorage, it also experienced huge harbor waves and flooding.
• The biggest catastrophe was the fires that broke out. Tanks at a large oil storage facility exploded and sent flames across the harbor.
• Twelve people died.

Kodiak Island:

• It was not damaged by the earthquake but it was hit by very large harbor waves.
• The water in the harbor suddenly receded and it sunk down to 2 feet, leaving fishing boats sitting on the bottom. This was caused by the pulling of the waves.
• When the waves struck, the boats were tossed into the town, some of them 3 blocks from the harbor.
• Two canneries were wiped out.
• Eight people died.

Tsunami Caused by the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964

The uplift of the ocean floor generated a tsunami with an estimated speed of 400 miles per hour. This caused more deaths in areas outside of Alaska. The tsunami went across the Pacific as far as the Hawaiian Islands. Along the North American coast, there were waves that caused extensive property damage.

• The worst hit was Port Alberni British Columbia Canada where the wave funneled through an inlet and it washed away 55 homes and damaged 375 others. Nobody was killed.
• There were 12 people killed in Crescent City California and 4 died in Beverly Beach State Park in Oregon. Other coastal towns and cities (including Hawaii) also suffered damage.

It was fortunate that the death toll was very small considering the size of the earthquake. This was due to the low density of population in Alaska. Because it was Good Friday many businesses and schools were closed. It is also a good thing that many of the buildings in Alaska were built out of wood because it is a more flexible material.

Sources:

• U.S. Geological Survey (includes pictures)
• Vibration Data
• Wikipedia

Related Articles:

• The 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake