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Why does the greatest damage caused by an earthquake occur at the epicenter?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The epicentre is the nearest point on the surface of Earth to where an earthquake rupture first occurs (known as the hypocentre).
As the seismic waves move away from the centre of the earthquake they begin to become attenuated (i.e. they lose energy with increasing distance of travel). As the nearest point on the surface is the epicentre, in general the earthquake waves will have retained the majority of their energy upon reaching this point and so in theory will be at their most destructive.
It should however be noted that the specific surface and near surface geology can also have significant impacts on the damage caused by earthquakes. In general hard rocks tend to undergo lower amplitude movements than that experienced in soft ground / soils. Also the liquefaction potential of soils means that significant differential settlements and loss of bearing capacity can occur during an earthquake. All of which can result in significant instability and or damage to buildings and other infrastructure.
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Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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Are earthquakes cause more damage near the epicenter?
Earthquake damage tends to be most intense at the epicenter, although sometimes an earthquake behaves unexpectedly and the damage is heaviest elsewhere.
How is the distance from the epicenter related to the amount of earthquake damage?
The more energy, the more damage it can cause.
How does the Mercalli scale best demonstrate the power and the destructive nature of an earthquake?
The Richter scale measures the force of earthquakes mechanically. The Mercalli scale measures the damage caused by earthquakes. The location of the epicenter of an earthquake can result in a great variation in damage amounts.
What caused more damage the tsunami or the earthquake in Japan?
well te earthquake caused the tsunami to hit so the earthquake did the most damage
What happens at the epicenter during an earthquake?
Since the epicenter is the point on the earth's surface that is directly above the focus, or starting point, of the earthquake, it usually suffers the strongest shaking and the most severe damage.
Is the greatest damage from an earthquake at the epicenter?
Yes, that is where the greatest action is centered. But 'damage' is judged in human cost (buildings, lives, etc.), so if the epicenter is far from civilization, 'damage' is slight.
Where is earthquake damage greatest the focus or the epicenter?
The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the hypocenter or focus, the point where an earthquake or underground explosion originates. Answer: Focus
What kind of damage can earthquakes cause?
There are three common damages that an earthquake caused. It can either be physical damage, structural, and emotional. The strongest effects of an earthquake are in the area near the epicenter.
Are earthquakes cause more damage near the epicenter?
Earthquake damage tends to be most intense at the epicenter, although sometimes an earthquake behaves unexpectedly and the damage is heaviest elsewhere.
How does an area's distance from the epicenter effect the amount of damage an earthquake will do?
The proximity of the epicentre to populated or urban areas will effect the damage caused as the closer the earthquake's epicentre, the more energy will be retained by the earthquake waves and so the greater their capacity to cause damage.
Most damage from an earthquake usually occurs?
near the epicenter
How a magnitude earthquake could be classified as a low-intensity earthquake?
A magnitude of 8.0 earthquake could be classified as a low intensity by descriptions of damage to buildings and terrain. The intensity is often greatest near the earthquakes epicenter.
How a magnitude-8.0 earthquake could be classified as a low-intensity earthquake?
A magnitude of 8.0 earthquake could be classified as a low intensity by descriptions of damage to buildings and terrain. The intensity is often greatest near the earthquakes epicenter.
Is it safer to be near the epicenter of an earthquake?
You do not want to be near the epicenter of an earthquake!Since the epicenter is the point on the earth's surface that is directly above the focus, or starting point, of the earthquake, it usually suffers the strongest shaking and the most severe damage.
How can energy released at an earthquake's focus deep inside Earth can cause damage on the surface many kilometers from the epicenter?
The energy of the seismic waves that reach the surface is greatest at the epicenter. The most violent shaking during an earthquake however may occur kilometers away from the epicenter. The types of rock and soil around the epicenter determine where and how much the ground shakes.
The earths surface where most earthquake damage occurs is called the?
Epicenter
How is the distance from the epicenter related to the amount of earthquake damage?
The more energy, the more damage it can cause.
