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The strongest shaking is towards the center of the actual earthquake which it is called the focus.

The epicenter of an earthquake is the point on the Earth's surface above the focus or hypocenter which is the point within the Earth where the rupture occurs.

As such the epicenter is the closest point to this and the seismic waves have had to travel through the smallest amount of material and so have undergone the least amount of attenuation (in this case attenuation is a reduction in amplitude of the seismic waves due to energy being by moving through the Earth).

However as with a lot of things in Earth Sciences there can be exceptions to this! This is because the amplitude of seismic waves is affected by the density (related to the level of compaction in the case of soils) of the material through which it is traveling). So a seismic wave traveling through a hard rock such as granite will have a much lower amplitude than one traveling through a softer, less dense, poorly compacted material such as a soil and so due to the higher amplitude there will be a higher level of perceived and measurable ground shaking, even an equal distances from the epicenter.

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Why we must turn off the electricity during an earthquake?

you should turn off all lights and/or electrical equipment or fire hazards such as lights ovens stove anything that is flammable turnoff or get away from it. Otherwise, it will create fire.


What are primary and secondary effects?

A primary affect is what happens during and throughout the day of the earthquake. Earthquake primary effects may include:landslidestrees collapsingbuildings collapsingpeople buried in rubbleschool children trapped under collapsed schoolsPoorly built buildings toppling overLimbless crying orphans impaled on twisted metal poles.and secondary affects are the consequences of the primary effects, or the things that happen later on from the earthquake. Some secondary effects may include:homelessnessneed of emergency housinghouseholds were inaccessible by road due to landslidesfood will be lostDisease spread, sourced from people drinking the dirty, contaminated waterCracks in the ground and walls.buildings split in two.Lots of rubble that takes years to move


Is this true or false for safety sake people who live in earthquake regions should build their homes on loose soils?

that purely depends on whether the earthquakes are strong or frequent, or how far away you are from the epicentre. But the best choice would be to build the house not on really loose soil because then it won't stand, it need to be able to support the weight. But if the soil is oose enough to let the house move against the shaking, then absolutely.


Why do people use ashtrays?

we dont want our ash to hit the ground!


What is surface runoff groundwater?

A runoff is precipitatoin soaks into the ground, precipitation can also run over the ground and flow into streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean.

Related Questions

What is shaking and ground rupture?

Shaking and Ground rupture are the effects of earthquake. Ground shaking is the disruptive up and down and sideways motion experienced during an earthquake. And, Ground Rupture is the creation of new or the renewed movements of old fractures, oftentimes with the two blocks on both sides moving in opposite directions.


What should be done during an earthquake?

If possible get out into the open where nothing can fall on you. If you are in a built up area shelter under something sturdy. The shaking of the ground is not likely to harm you it is falling objects that hurt people during an earthquake.


What is another threat to people during an earthquake besides ground shaking?

Buildings and bridges collapsing, fires as a result of collapse, loss of water and electricity from damage to utilities, etc.


The amount of shaking produced by an earthquake at a given location is called the?

The amount of shaking produced by an earthquake at a given location is called the intensity. It is measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which quantifies the level of shaking experienced by people and structures during an earthquake.


What are earthquake hazards?

Earthquake hazards include ground shaking, ground rupture, landslides, liquefaction, tsunamis, and aftershocks. These can result in damage to buildings, infrastructure, and loss of life. It is important to be aware of and prepared for these hazards in earthquake-prone areas.


What is earthquake hazard?

Earthquake hazard refers to the potential for ground shaking, surface rupture, ground displacement, and other associated effects that can result from an earthquake event. It represents the probability of an earthquake occurring in a specific area and the level of damage it can cause to people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. Understanding earthquake hazard is crucial for developing effective mitigation measures to reduce the risk and impact of earthquakes.


Why did people hear a lound rumble before the shaking began in christchurch earthquake?

The loud rumble heard before shaking during the Christchurch earthquake was likely caused by the seismic waves created as the Earth's crust shifted. The waves can generate low-frequency sounds that travel faster than the shaking itself, reaching people before the actual ground movement begins.


What force to people feel when two plates jerk in to position f volcano g tsunami h hurricane or i earthquake?

During an earthquake, people can feel the force of the plates shifting against each other, causing shaking of the ground. This can result in a variety of sensations, including swaying, rocking, or jolting motions depending on the earthquake's magnitude and distance from the epicenter.


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 should people do if an earthquake happens when their outside?

If you are outdoors during an earthquake, move to an open space away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a safe location and stay inside until the shaking stops.


What can people do when an earthquake takes place?

During an earthquake, people should "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This means dropping to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops. After the shaking stops, they should check for injuries, be aware of aftershocks, and follow evacuation routes if necessary.


Is it safer below or above the ground during an earthquake?

Above ground. If you are below ground then there is something above you and this may collapse on you. The safest place to be during an earthquake is on the ground out in the open where nothing can fall on you. Earthquakes do not kill many people directly, it is falling buildings that do that.