Q1-Module 2

LESLIE P.
ARCEÑO
Science Teacher
Earthquake and Types of Waves
Earthquakes are natural geological phenomena caused by the
sudden and rapid movement of large volume of rock. The violent
shaking and destruction caused by earthquakes are the result of
the rupture and slippage along fractures of Earth’s crust called
faults.
What happens when an earthquake starts?
The sudden release of energy from an earthquake sends out several
different shaking movements, or seismic waves. In some cases, an
earthquake can have foreshocks. These are smaller earthquakes
that happen in the same place where the larger earthquake occurs.
On the other hand, main shocks are always followed by
aftershocks. These are smaller earthquakes that occur afterwards
in the same place as the main shock. Depending on the size of the
main shock, aftershocks can continue for weeks, months, or even
years after the main shock!
Earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground caused by the
movements of the earth’s crust or volcanic eruption, sometimes leading to great
destruction.
Have you ever wondered what makes the Philippines susceptible to earthquakes?
This is because the Philippines is within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Hence, it is
expected to have more cases of earthquakes and these may happen anytime.
Earthquake is the shaking and trembling of the Earth’s crust caused
by a sudden release of energy. It occurs when rocks along a certain
fault line suddenly move.
The study of earthquakes and the waves they create is called
seismology (from the Greek word “seismos” which means “to shake”).
In turn, scientists who studyearthquakes are called seismologists.
During an earthquake, a sudden release of stored energy in the
Earth’s crust creates seismic waves. Sometimes they cause tsunamis
and fire which may lead to loss of life and huge damage to property.
How would the surroundings be affected during an earthquake?
As an earthquake occurs, energy moves out in all directions from the
focus. The energy that is released is carried by a vibration called
seismic waves.
Locating the Epicenter
Seismologists can locate the epicenter of an earthquake by using
triangulation method. When seismic data is collected from at least
three (3) different locations, it can be used to determine the
epicenter of an earthquake by where it intersects. Hence,scientists
need at least three (3) seismic stations to clearly identify the
location.
Seismologists have proven that seismic waves are caused by the
sudden breaking apart located within the earth or the slipping of
tectonic plates.
During an earthquake, there is a sudden release of stored energy
in the Earth’s crust thus, seismic waves are formed. Sometimes,
they cause tsunamis and fire which may lead to loss of life and
huge damage to property.
The epicenter is usually the location where the waves from an
earthquake are highly intense. As a result, it is also the area
where the most damage can possibly occur. However, it is not
always the case. If an earthquake is particularly large, it may run
across a large section of a plate boundary. In this case, the
epicenter might only be one of the many hotspot areas and the
damage could be greater elsewhere
Measuring Earthquake and Safety
Precautionary Measures
Most earthquakes are caused by the sudden slip along fault lines. It
slips because of the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates leading to
ground shaking which further results to landslides and other rock
movements. Some of the primary effects that are caused by
earthquakes are tsunamis, loss of properties and lives, while the lack of
water, food, electricity and telecommunications are considered as some
of the secondary effects.
How can we measure an earthquake?
Earthquake can be measured using a Richter Scale and Mercalli Scale.
Intensity is a measure of the amount of earth shaking that happens at
a given location. This can be measured through the Richter Scale.
Magnitude, on the other hand,measures the size of the seismic waves
or the amount of energy released at the source of the earthquake and
will be measured using a Mercalli Scale.
Measuring Earthquake and Safety
Precautionary Measures

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LESLIE P.

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