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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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RafaWater pipes can burst during earthquakes due to the ground shaking, which can cause the pipes to move and become misaligned or break from the stress. The shaking can also cause the surrounding soil to shift, putting pressure on the pipes and potentially causing them to rupture. Additionally, old or corroded pipes are more vulnerable to bursting during earthquakes.
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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?
Utilities can be made safer by reinforcing infrastructure, using flexible materials to accommodate movement, and installing automatic shut-off systems to prevent leaks or fires. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem. Additionally, designing utilities to be resilient to seismic activity can help reduce damage and ensure faster recovery post-earthquake.
