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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.

Further to this, sediments tend to undergo a process known as liquefaction during earthquakes which makes them behave as a liquid rather than a solid meaning they are very poor at supporting the load imposed by the building (they lose the majority of their bearing capacity) making it even more probable that the building will be damaged.

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How many buildings were destroyed in the February Christchurch earthquake?

In the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, over 10,000 buildings were damaged, but not all were destroyed. Around 1,850 buildings in the central business district were earmarked for demolition due to severe damage.


How big is a 6.0 earthquake?

A 6.0 earthquake is considered strong and can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. It may be felt over a large area but typically causes moderate damage, depending on the depth of the quake and the proximity to populated areas.


What kind of damage can you expect from a 6.3 on the Richter scale?

A 6.3 earthquake on the Richter scale can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the affected area. This may include collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and disrupted utilities. The extent of damage will also depend on the proximity of the earthquake epicenter to populated areas.


Which earthquake waves do the most damage to surface structures and buildings?

Surface waves, specifically Love and Rayleigh waves, typically cause the most damage to surface structures and buildings during an earthquake. These waves travel along the Earth's surface and produce the strong shaking that can lead to structural damage and collapse.


What caused more damage the tsunami or the earthquake in Japan?

The earthquake in Japan caused more damage overall than the tsunami. The powerful earthquake triggered the tsunami and also led to widespread destruction of buildings, infrastructure, and loss of lives. The tsunami primarily affected coastal areas with devastating flooding and destruction.

Related Questions

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 type of earthquake that does damage to roads and buildings?

The type of earthquake that causes damage to roads and buildings is typically a strong or major earthquake. These earthquakes have higher magnitudes and release more energy, leading to more intense shaking that can result in structural damage to infrastructure like roads and buildings.


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 damage was caused by the Izmit earthquake?

several thousand buildings collapsed in the earthquake. Estimates say that at least 20,000 buildings collapsed or were heavily damaged.


How is the height of a building related to damage caused during an earthquake?

The ground vibrations, however, were too rapid to affect taller buildings, whose periods of vibration were longer than the earthquake waves, and too slow to affect shorter buildings, whose periods of vibration were shorter.


What damage can earthquake cause?

Earthquakes can cause damage to life and property. Buildings and roads can collapse because of that.


What is one historic earthquake?

1906 San Francisco earthquake. Damage still can be seen on some older buildings.


Do earthquakes effect buildings?

Yes, earthquakes can have a significant impact on buildings. The shaking motion of an earthquake can cause structural damage to buildings, leading to collapse or compromised stability. It is important for buildings to be designed and constructed to withstand the forces of earthquakes to minimize damage and protect occupants.


Describe the damage an earthquake does?

Earthquakes can cause damage by shaking the ground, leading to buildings collapsing, landslides, and tsunamis in coastal areas. The intensity of the damage depends on factors like the magnitude of the quake, depth of the earthquake, distance from the epicenter, and the quality of buildings and infrastructure in the affected area.


What has the author Anand S Arya written?

Anand S. Arya has written: 'Protection of educational buildings against earthquakes' -- subject(s): Earthquake effects, School buildings 'Earthquake disaster reduction' -- subject(s): Brick Building, Buildings, Earthquake damage, Earthquake effects, Prevention


How can people control the damage caused by earthquakes?

By constructing buildings and structures that are earthquake resistant.


What damage did the Sumatra earthquake do?

Homes , lives , buildings, electricity, water and the coastline were destroyed.