Transcript Slide 1

Lesson 1-Instructional Resource 1
Earthquake Science
The facts you need to
know about earthquakes
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What is an earthquake?
Earthquakes are the sudden sliding,
rolling, or shaking of the earth’s surface.
They can cause the earth’s surface to
move in many directions, such as up,
down, or sideways.
graphic credit: FEMA
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These movements occur along fault
zones. These fault zones, or cracks in the
earth’s surface, are caused by broken
rocks sliding past each other.
graphic credit: physicalgeography.net
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Earthquakes cannot yet be predicted by scientists,
but their intensity, or strength, can be measured by
a tool called a seismograph. To measure this
intensity, a Richter scale is used. 10 times the
amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of
energy represents 1 point of movement on the
scale.
Richter Scale
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Minor Earthquake
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Moderate Earthquake
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Strong Earthquake
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Major Earthquake
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Great Earthquake
seismograph
graphic and chart credit: http://at.blog.wetter.com/?tag=erdbeben & www.weatherwizkids.com
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Fun Facts
1. Earthquakes can also be known as quakes,
shakers, or seismic activities.
2. The location below the earth’s surface where
an earthquake starts is called a hypocenter.
The point on the earth’s surface that is
directly above the earthquake is called an
epicenter.
3. An earthquake may release 10,000 times the
energy of the first atomic bomb.
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Fun Facts Cont.
3. The plates of the earth move at about the same
rate as your fingernails grow.
4. Is there such a thing as “earthquake weather?”
There is actually no known connection between
the cause of an earthquake and weather
patterns. Earthquakes actually happen very far
away from the earth’s surface and its weather.
5. Can earthquakes occur on the moon?
Moonquakes caused by stress from the ocean’s
tides, do occur, although they have less energy
and happen less often.
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Where are earthquakes located?
You have learned that earthquakes occur along fault
zones on the earth’s surface. These fault zones actually
connect the earth and its continents like puzzle pieces.
Anywhere these puzzle pieces can push together, an
earthquake can occur. That means an earthquake can
happen anywhere in the world at anytime.
graphic credit: earthquake.biz
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Since about 71% of the earth is covered in water,
earthquakes usually occur in the oceans and are
unnoticeable. On land, 95% of the world’s
earthquakes occur along active fault zones in places
such as California, Alaska, Japan, South America,
and the Philippines. Can you color a map of our
country’s seismic activity risk?
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In the years of 18111812, the Great New
Madrid caused over
3,600 shocks lasting 5
months.
Three of
which were estimated
at 7.8 or higher on the
Richter scale. They
caused church bells to
ring along the Eastern
coast, and damaged
farm land so much it
was unusable for years.
graphic credit: tnguy.com & physorg.com
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Scientists predict earthquakes at a 7.5 or higher
usually occur along the New Madrid every 200500 years. An earthquake this size is likely to
shock half of the United States and cause
damage in over 8 states.
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What happens during an earthquake?
graphic credit: bloximages.com
Pretend you have just gotten ready
for school and you are enjoying a
bowl of cereal. You add some sugar
to your bowl and…KABOOM! The
entire shelf of dishes collapses
breaking dozens of plates, bowls,
and cups; the painting on the wall
slams to the floor sending
shattered glass everywhere; and
the ceiling fan above your head
hangs down, dangling just above
your head by only a cord.
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graphic credit: pep.bc.ca
An earthquake can happen in an instant,
unexpectedly, and without any warning. When an
earthquake occurs, it is important to know what to
expect, how you may feel, what dangers may occur,
and how to keep yourself and others safe.
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What to Expect
graphic credit: contest-timer.com
Most earthquakes last only 30 to 60 seconds,
which means you must react quickly. Your senses
will experience certain things that will help you to
know an earthquake is happening. You will be
better prepared the earlier you are able to
recognize these signs.
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graphic credit: seismo.berkley.edu
During an earthquake you might feel the ground
and other objects shaking or vibrating. You might
see debris and objects falling, swaying, or
wobbling. With loss of electricity, you may even
experience complete darkness. Sounds such as
rattling glass, a blowing or hissing, or even objects
colliding might be heard. You might even smell gas
or something burning.
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Do’s and Don’ts
Once you know an earthquake is happening, now what
do you do? What could you have done before the
earthquake ever happened to be prepared? What are
you supposed to do afterwards?
graphic credit: timbossie.com
There are certain do’s and don’ts that can help you stay
safe during an earthquake. Most of the damage caused
is also predictable and preventable.
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Before an Earthquake
Before an earthquake happens, you and your
family should create a Family Communication Plan,
organize a Home Survival Kit, and arrange your
home for safety. You will learn more about these
items in following lessons, but keep in mind it is
very important to plan for an earthquake. Then you
can be prepared to stay safe when one actually
occurs.
graphic credits: usgs
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During an Earthquake
Now you know what to
do before, let’s pretend
again an earthquake is
happening. This time,
let’s focus on what you
should do, not what is
happening around you.
First, protect yourself
with the “Drop A, Cover
B, & Hold On C” method.
graphic credits: usgs
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Drop
•If you are indoors, stay where you are. Drop to the
floor.
•If you are outdoors, move out into the open or to a
clear area. Avoid trees, buildings, large signs, power
lines, or any other objects that might fall.
•If you are in a car, have the person driving safely
pull the car over and stay inside your vehicle. Avoid
overpasses, bridges, or power lines.
graphic credits: iceoe..org, wfrc.org, & leinbach.org
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Cover
When indoors, find a sturdy (strong) piece of
furniture like a table, desk, or bed to get
underneath for Cover. If there is no strong
furniture, then find an interior (middle) wall to
move to. Cover your head and neck with your
hands. Avoid large mirrors, hanging objects,
shelves, or other objects that may fall over.
graphic credits:odpem.org & humboldt.edu
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Hold On
Last, Hold On to what is covering you, that way
if it moves you can stay with it, safely covered.
Be sure to also attempt to Cover your head and
neck with your hands.
graphic credits: usgs, scec, & ehow.com
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After an Earthquake
Be careful and wait until the shaking stops.
Afterwards, check yourself and then your family
members for injuries. Don’t move seriously
injured people unless they are at risk where they
are located. If telephones are working, dial 911 or
an emergency number for first aid. For your own
safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials.
Next, If you were using any fire or heat sources,
turn them off immediately. Turn on your portable
radio to hear instructions and news reports.
Finally, find a secure exit. Be careful of broken
glass and fallen debris. Tell an adult to turn off the
water, electricity, and gas before exiting. After
knowing you and your family are safe, check on
others and neighbors.
graphic credits: tmd.metro.tokyo.jp
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