0
How does the type of rock and soil affect the amount of shaking and damage from an earthquake?
The amplitude of seismic waves is dependant on the medium through which they travel. Seismic waves in hard rock masses (e.g. granite) have lower amplitudes than those that travel through soft ground such as sediments and so a building constructed on granite is less likely to be damaged.
Soils can undergo a process known as liquefaction during earthquakes which can greatly reduce their ability to support imposed loads by building foundations. This can ultimately lead to structural damage or collapse.
This typically occurs in cohesionless soils (typically those with a higher content of larger grains such as sand sized clasts) which have water in the pore spaces, and are poorly drained.
For more information on liquefaction, please see the related question.
What else can I help you with?
What is the sudden shaking of the earth that often causes a lot of damage?
An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by shifts in the tectonic plates as they move against each other.
What is the average dollar amount of damages caused by an earthquake?
there would be considerable damage in poorly built structures
What factors affect how much damage results from an earthquake?
Rock density Rock structure Type of rock Geographic location How strong the earth quake Type of earthquake
What's the definition of earthquake damage?
Earthquake damage is the damage to property and life from the ground vibrations during an earthquake. The Richter scale is one way to measure the scale of earthquake damage. For example, a magnitude of 5 is strong enough to damage weak buildings.
What four factors affect how much damage an earthquake?
broken glass, cut electrical cords, hazards fires, and other dangers
Can shaking during an earthquake cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure?
Yes, shaking during an earthquake can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
What is the greatest amount of earthquake damage is done by?
Earthquake damage is typically caused by the combination of ground shaking, surface faulting, and ground failure (such as landslides, liquefaction, and tsunamis). The greatest amount of damage is usually seen in densely populated areas with poorly constructed buildings and inadequate infrastructure. The level of damage also depends on the intensity and duration of the shaking, as well as the proximity of the epicenter to populated areas.
What is the relationship between intensity and magnitude of an and earthquake?
The intensity of an earthquake refers to the amount of shaking and damage felt at the Earth's surface, while the magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the earthquake's source. A higher magnitude earthquake will generally result in higher intensity shaking and potential damage, but factors like depth and distance from the epicenter also influence intensity.
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.
What scale describes the amount of damage an earthquake causes?
The scale that describes the amount of damage an earthquake causes is called the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. It measures the intensity of shaking at a specific location and assesses the impact on structures and people, rather than the earthquake's magnitude. The scale ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
What does it mean when the seismic waves are in a 5.5 magnitude earthquake?
It means that a certain amount of shaking occurs near the earthquake; or equivalently, that a certain amount of energy is released. For more details on how this magnitude is defined, check the Wikipedia article on "Richter magnitude scale".
What kinds of of damage are caused by the severe shaking of an earthquake?
deaths, tragedy's, illnesses, and damage
Does shaking of the earth cause any damage?
Yes. A shaking of the earth is call an earthquake. In some cases earthquakes can be absolutely devastating.
Does the type of soil affect how a earthquake damages it?
Yes, the type of soil can affect how an earthquake damages it. Soft soil amplifies seismic waves, causing more ground shaking, while hard soil can reflect seismic energy and reduce shaking. Loose, unconsolidated soils can also liquefy during an earthquake, increasing the risk of damage to structures built on top of it.
What was the mercalli scale in Sichuan earthquake?
The Mercalli intensity scale measures the intensity of shaking and damage caused by an earthquake. The intensity of the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 was estimated to be around VII to IX on the Mercalli scale, indicating severe to violent shaking that led to widespread damage and casualties in the region.
What are the two major causes of structual damage during an earthquake?
ground shaking and foundation failure
What are the two major causes of structural damage during an earthquake?
Ground shaking and foundation faliure
