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Water pipes tend to fracture or crack when an earthquake occurs rather than burst (something bursts when the pressure applied to it's internal surface gets to large and exceeds the strength of the material is is formed from - a bit like if you force to much air into a balloon).

Pipes tend to fracture because the seismic waves make the ground move up and down, backwards and forwards and side to side. This causes the pipe to be bent in differing directions as well as being squashed and stretched. These compression, shear tensile and torsion force will, if they are large enough, create stresses within the pipe wall that are large enough to break it, forming a crack.

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How can earthquakes cause pollution?

Earthquakes can cause pollution in several ways, such as by damaging industrial facilities or storage tanks, releasing hazardous materials into the environment. Oil spills or leaks from ruptured pipelines can contaminate soil and water sources. Additionally, the destruction of infrastructure can lead to increased emissions from fires or transportation of goods needed for recovery efforts, contributing to air pollution.


Why are streets often flooded after an earthquake?

Broken water pipes would be the main reason. In some cases tsunamis follow earthquakes in coastal regions as we have seen in Japan. water may rise from the earth and flood also


What advantage do flexible water pipes have over rigid pipes during an earthquake?

Flexible water pipes can better absorb and withstand the ground movements during an earthquake, reducing the risk of pipe breakage and water leaks. This flexibility helps prevent water damage and potential flooding, making them a safer option for seismic-prone areas.


Extreme temperatures freezing water and vegetation can all cause what?

Extreme temperatures can cause water to freeze and vegetation to suffer from frost damage. This can disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and impact agriculture. It can also lead to infrastructure damage such as burst pipes or road hazards.


How can utilities be made safer to avoid damage during and after earthquakes?

Often much of the damage during earthquakes comes from fires and flooding caused by damaged utilities. Gas pipes or water mains can be broken during the earthquakes. Flexible joints in the lines can protect them from breakage and automatic shut-off valves can be used to stop gas and water flow.

Related Questions

Why is there no hot water during a freeze?

During a freeze, water in pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst. This can lead to a loss of water pressure and potentially no hot water as the pipes are damaged and unable to deliver it.


What happens if pipes freeze and burst during the winter?

When pipes freeze and burst during the winter, the water inside expands as it freezes, causing the pipe to crack or break open. This can lead to water leakage, flooding, and damage to the property.


Why do frozen pipes burst and what can be done to prevent it?

Frozen pipes burst because water expands when it freezes, creating pressure that can cause the pipe to crack or burst. To prevent this, you can insulate pipes, keep them warm with heating, and let faucets drip during cold weather to keep water flowing.


Because of this anomalous expansion of water that water pipes sometimes burst during winter?

Anomalous expansion of water and bursting of water pipes during winter is because ice takes more space than water


Water pipes some times burst during severe wintres in cold countries?

water expands on freezing


Why the pipes broke during the freezing cold weather?

Pipes can burst in freezing temperatures because water inside them expands as it freezes, creating pressure that can cause the pipes to crack or burst. This is more likely to happen in uninsulated or exposed pipes. Insulating pipes and keeping a steady drip of water running during cold weather can help prevent them from freezing and bursting.


What should I do if my water pipes burst?

If your water pipes burst, turn off the main water supply, drain the faucets, and call a plumber for repairs.


During a cold night water pipes sometimes burst What is the reason for that?

They freeze. Water expands when it freezes and the pipe breaks.


Will PVC pipes burst if water off?

No


Water pipes burst in winter Why?

Because when water freezes it expands thus bursting the pipes.


What causes water pipes to burst when the outside temperature is 5 degrees below zero?

Water freezes at 0 deg C. As the water freezes in the pipes, it expands and it is the force of expansion which causes the pipes to burst.


What happens if your pipes freeze and how can you prevent it?

When pipes freeze, the water inside them expands and can cause the pipes to burst, leading to water damage in your home. To prevent this, you can insulate your pipes, keep your home heated, and let faucets drip during cold weather to keep water flowing.