13: Earthquakes
- Page ID
- 29140
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- Explain how elastic deformation of Earth’s crust results in earthquakes.
- Describe how the main shock and immediate aftershocks define the rupture surface of an earthquake and explain how the transfer of stress to other parts of a fault is related to aftershocks.
- Explain the process of episodic tremor and slip.
- Explain how plate tectonic setting affects where earthquakes occur.
- Distinguish between an earthquake’s magnitude and its intensity and explain how these are determined.
- Describe the hazards caused by earthquakes, including ground shaking, fires, slope failures, liquefaction, and tsunami.
- Explain how the risk of an earthquake can be assessed and describe steps that governments and individuals can take to minimize the impacts of earthquakes.
- 13.1: What is an Earthquake?
- This page covers earthquake shaking mechanics from elastic deformation in rocks and the concept of episodic tremor and slip (ETS) in subduction zones. It explains how rock ruptures and elastic rebound cause seismic activity, as well as stress transfer leading to foreshocks and aftershocks. Furthermore, it discusses the classification of subduction zone segments and induced seismicity from human activities like wastewater injection, with example cases from Alberta.
- 13.2: Seismic Waves and Measuring Earthquakes
- This page explains the classification of seismic waves from earthquakes into body waves (P-waves and S-waves) and surface waves (Rayleigh and Love waves). P-waves are the fastest and can travel through all materials, while S-waves are slower and can't move through liquids.
- 13.3: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
- This page explores the relationship between earthquakes and tectonic plate boundaries, emphasizing variations in depth and distribution, particularly in subduction zones and continental rifts. It discusses the mineral transformations in subduction zones affecting seismic activity and highlights continent-continent convergence with its geologic consequences.
- 13.4: The Impacts of Earthquakes
- This page discusses the impact of earthquakes, highlighting direct damage to structures and secondary effects like landslides, fires, and tsunamis, influenced by geological conditions and urbanization. Areas with soft sediments face increased risk of liquefaction. The importance of adhering to building codes is emphasized, particularly in Turkey. It also details tsunami generation, noting that significant tsunamis require subduction earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher.
- 13.5: Forecasting Earthquakes and Minimizing Impacts
- This page addresses the difficulties in earthquake prediction despite various efforts by experts, including the unsuccessful Parkfield Prediction Experiment. It underscores the shift from prediction to probability estimation, which aids in public safety and infrastructure improvements. The importance of effective building codes and preparedness in high-risk seismic areas is also highlighted.
- 13.6: Chapter 13 Summary and Key Term Check
- This page discusses the fundamentals of earthquakes, including their definition, measurement, and tectonic relationships. It explains how earthquakes result from rock deformations and releases energy as seismic waves. Magnitude correlates with rupture surface size and rock strength, while intensity varies with proximity to the epicenter.