World Major Earthquakes Map

An earthquake results from a sudden release of energy that creates seismic waves, causing the ground to shake, even violently in some cases, and can potentially lead to damage to structures, landscapes, as well as human settlements. There are typically four major types involved, which include tectonic, volcanic, collapse, and human-induced earthquakes. Human-induced earthquakes can be generally caused by activities such as mining and construction works. These are often characterized by the effects inflicted by them, which consist of ground shaking and tremors; structural damages; landslides, rockfalls, and soil liquefaction; tsunamis; fire outbreaks; and gas leaks.

These events can have long lasting socioeconomic impacts on any region. A large number of people are often displaced from their homes and are forced to migrate away from their native places in search of shelter. Accompanied with this are the feelings of stress as well as psychological trauma in the face of the loss of loved ones. Thus, earthquakes and shifting of tectonic plates can be connected to the formation of new landforms; similarly, they can also be linked to large destructive activities. Hence, there is a need to take in both aspects to develop an understanding of the nature of the concerned phenomenon.

Geological Understanding

Earth’s crust is divided into moving plates called tectonic plates. Fractures are cracks where plates move past each other. Earth’s mantle is the layer beneath the crust, driving plate movement. Seismic waves are vibrations within the Earth’s surface that are generated due to the movements of the tectonic plates.

In the construction of geological concepts, three key theories have been explored by geologists. These include the elastic rebound theory (introduced by Harry Fielding Reid), the plate boundary theory, and the stress accumulation theory. According to the first theory, Earth’s crust stores energy, which is released, causing the subsequent vibrations. On the other hand, the Plate Boundary Theory says earthquakes occur at plate boundaries. In slight contrast, the Stress Accumulation Theory advocates that the built up stress is released during earthquakes.

Major Earthquakes of the World

The Great Chilean Earthquake (May 22, 1960) is known to be the largest recorded earthquake in history. The magnitude was calculated to reach an alarming value of 9.5 on the Richter Scale. The shockwaves triggered a tsunami that traveled across the Pacific Ocean, thereby impacting many countries that fell in its course.

Another deadly occurrence was recorded off the coast of Sumatra on 26 December 2004. The magnitude was recorded to reach a value of 9.1 on the Richter Scale. The tsunami that followed caused large-scale destruction of property and loss of life in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and other countries located in close proximity to the Indian Ocean.

The San Francisco earthquake that was triggered in 1906, culminated in the burning of almost 80% of the city, which left thousands of people homeless. This acted as a wake call for the authorities, as post-the event, following subsequent fires, there were significant changes in building codes and emergency preparedness.

The Shaanxi Province was no differently affected as the sudden destruction, landslides, and flooding set in. Named the North China Earthquake, which set in on January 23, 1556, it triggered a chain of events that eventually led to the death of approximately 830,000 people. Though the magnitude of the seismic activity is not clearly reported yet, researchers suggest that it might have ranged around 8.0.

Japan, or “the land of rising sun,” also experienced the phenomenon on the 11th of March, 2011. The intensity on the Richter scale was estimated to be 9.0, and its epicenter was concentrated off the coast of Tohoku, Japan. The earthquake as well as the tsunami that ensued led to a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi. The triggered tsunami and the nuclear meltdown led to deaths of approximately 15,800 people.

These are some of the major earthquakes with a recorded magnitude near 9.0 or 8.0 on the Richter scale. Yet these are not the only ones to have affected human life or the natural resources. Instead, there are several other earthquakes, such as the Mexico City earthquake, the Great Kanto earthquake, and the Haiti earthquake, which are attributed to be the deadliest earthquakes of all time.

Seismographs and accelerometers stood as the primary resources for the detection of the vigorous shaking of the ground. These were used in the early times, but the advancement of technology has revolutionized the detection of natural disasters, which might not aid in their prevention, but it can definitely aid in the minimization of risks.

Seismic monitoring networks have been brought to use, which aid in the detection of earthquakes minutes or seconds prior to its actual occurrence. These are often integrated together with early warning systems that can signal people living close to the epicenter. In addition to this, the advent of smartphones has also made it easier to convey or broadcast emergency information. In the digitalized era, ground motion sensors have also come into existence, which can prove to be handy in detecting seismic activities.

Yet following the detection, people need to be wary of their surroundings in order to ensure safety. They must evacuate buildings and stay away from items and structures that can easily fall. Essential phone numbers and a medical kit must be kept in handy in case of emergencies. One must remain calm and should follow the instructions provided by the authorities.

• The Earth’s crust is composed of 7 major and 7 minor tectonic places, upon which the landmasses as well as the ocean beds float. It is due to the collision and irregular movement of these plates which led to earthquakes.
• Japan experiences a total of almost 1000 earthquakes every year.
• The location of the Philippines in the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it vulnerable to occurrences of earthquakes.
• The deadliest recorded earthquake in history occurred in China in the year 1556. This led to the deaths of approximately 830,000 people.
• Earthquakes are also known to be the chief causes behind the occurrence of volcanic eruptions.
• The action of these phenomena can lead to the formation of new landforms, such as mountains.
• The deepest earthquake ever recorded occurred at 420 miles (680 km), in terms of depth.
• An estimate by scientists and researchers worldwide reveals that a total of 50-100 earthquakes take place every day.
• Methane and other gases are released in response to the vigorous movements of the tectonic plates.
• The Richter Scale is put to use for measuring the magnitude of an earthquake, and its value ranges from 1 to 10.

FAQs

Q1: Which countries are most prone to experiencing earthquakes?

The countries that are earthquake-prone include Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, and Chile.

Q2: What is the main line of difference that separates magnitude from intensity?

Magnitude stands as a measure of the earthquake’s size, whereas intensity is the measure of the earthquake’s effect and the potential damage inflicted by it.

Q3: What are some of the main safety measures that need to be taken into account in case of the occurrence of an earthquake?

One must remain calm and steer clear of all hazards and things that could potentially inflict damage. If one is unable to evacuate a building or a house, one must take shelter under hard objects and stay away from things that could fall.

Q4: What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

The epicenter of an earthquake is the point on the Earth’s surface that lies directly above the point where the quake originated.

Q5: What is the purpose and benefits of early warning systems?

Early warning systems provide signals seconds to minutes before the shaking sets in. It is very useful to minimize the damage as well as to set into motion an evacuation plan so that loss of life can be minimized.