Earthquakes
++ In this page, you can learn all about what earthquakes are, and how best to keep safe! +
+
+ What are earthquakes?
+
+ Earthquakes are a shaking of the earth's surface caused by a sudden release of energy underground. They can range in
+ size, from tiny trembles to large quakes, which can cause destruction and even tsunamis. Hundreds of earthquakes
+ happen every day—but most are too small to feel.
+
+ What are the types of earthquakes?
+
+ There are four main types of earthquakes, each caused by different processes:
+
-
+
- + Tectonic Earthquakes: These are the most common type and occur when rocks in the Earth’s crust break or slip along faults, usually due to movement between tectonic plates. The released energy creates seismic waves that shake the ground. Tectonic earthquakes are responsible for the vast majority of damaging quakes. + +
- + Volcanic Earthquakes: These happen in areas with active volcanoes. They're triggered by magma moving underground, which causes fractured rock and sudden releases of pressure. Volcanic earthquakes often occur before or during eruptions, and are usually smaller than tectonic earthquakes but can signal volcanic hazards. + +
- + Collapse Earthquakes: These occur when underground caves or mines collapse, causing small, local tremors. The shaking is usually minor and doesn’t travel far. Collapse earthquakes are common in regions with extensive mining or karst landscapes (with many caves). + +
- + Explosion Earthquakes: These are caused by human activities like mining blasts, quarry explosions, or underground nuclear tests. The energy source is artificial (not natural), and the resulting seismic waves can be measured, but these events are usually small and localized. + +
+ What’s the difference?
+ Tectonic and volcanic earthquakes both come from natural Earth movements—tectonic are about plate motion, while volcanic are caused by magma activity. Collapse earthquakes arise from ground suddenly falling in on itself, and explosion earthquakes are triggered by human-made blasts. The main difference lies in their cause, size, and frequency: tectonic are most common and strongest, volcanic tend to be local, collapse are small and specific to certain areas, and explosions are human-made.
+
+ How can I be prepared? +
+-
+
-
+ Assemble an emergency kit:
+ This should be stored in your earthquake emergency zone. It may be useful, as in an earthquake, you may lose
+ electricity or water supplies.
+
-
+
- First aid kit and emergency medication +
- Food (non-perishable) +
- Bottled water +
- Torch +
- Satellite phone +
- Warm clothing and blankets +
+ -
+ Practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill!
+ This helps you protect yourself from falling objects during an earthquake.
+ + ++
+
- + Identify a safe zone: + This should be a sturdy place where all members of your household can shelter, such as under a strong table, in a + structurally sound room, or your local community’s shared space. + +
- + Discuss what to do: + Share this information with your family and friends! Talk about what each person would do in an emergency. + +
Earthquakes
-- In this page, you can learn all about what earthquakes are, and how best to keep safe! -
- - {/* Content box: all following info INSIDE */} -
- What are earthquakes?
-
- Earthquakes are a shaking of the earth's surface caused by a sudden release of energy underground. They can range in
- size, from tiny trembles to large quakes, which can cause destruction and even tsunamis. Hundreds of earthquakes
- happen every day—but most are too small to feel.
-
- What are the types of earthquakes?
-
- Regions near plate boundaries, such as around the Pacific Ocean ("The Ring of Fire"), experience the most activity.
-
- How can I be prepared? -
- {/* MAIN BULLET POINTS */} --
-
-
- Assemble an emergency kit:
- This should be stored in your earthquake emergency zone. It may be useful, as in an earthquake, you may lose
- electricity or water supplies.
- {/* SUB BULLETS */}
-
-
-
- First aid kit and emergency medication -
- Food (non-perishable) -
- Bottled water -
- Torch -
- Satellite phone -
- Warm clothing and blankets -
- -
- Practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill!
- This helps you protect yourself from falling objects during an earthquake.
- {/* Embed YouTube video */}
- - --
-
- - Identify a safe zone: - This should be a sturdy place where all members of your household can shelter, such as under a strong table, in a - structurally sound room, or your local community’s shared space. - -
- - Discuss what to do: - Share this information with your family and friends! Talk about what each person would do in an emergency. - -
How does Tremor Tracker help?
+How do we log earthquakes?
++ Our Scientists record earthquakes using instruments called seismometers, which detect and measure the vibrations in the ground. When an earthquake occurs, the seismometer produces a trace known as a seismogram, showing the strength and duration of the shaking. Information from seismometers around the world is sent to data centers, where experts analyze it to pinpoint the earthquake’s location, type, depth, and magnitude. This process is called “logging” or recording earthquakes, and it helps track seismic activity globally. +
+What are observatories?
++ An earthquake observatory is a specialised facility where scientists monitor and study seismic activity. Observatories collect important data about the strength, location, and timing of each earthquake that can be shared with the general public. Scientists at the observatory use this data to better understand how and why earthquakes occur, track earthquake patterns, and issue warnings if a major quake is detected. The information gathered also helps in designing safer buildings and improving emergency response plans. +
+