EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS Presented by Team February
Contents: Interpreting Earthquake Hazards Precautionary and Safety Measures Before, During, and After an Earthquake
What is Earthquake
An Earthquake is what happens when two blocks of Earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the Fault or Fault Line. The location below the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the Hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the Earth is called the Epicenter. What is Earthquake?
Early Warning Signs of Earthquake Hazards Currently, no instrument is used to accurately tell the exact time and place of an impending earthquake. What can be detected, however, are the initial seismic waves that serve as the precursor of an earthquake. Some scientists estimate (and not predict) the probabilities of an earthquake occurrence by studying the frequency and magnitude of the event in, say, the past 200 years in order to see any patterns. If such a pattern occurs, then they can estimate if a similar earthquake is likely to happen (PUBS.USGS, 2016).
Seismograph Seismologists Seismic Waves is an instrument used to measure movements on the Earth's surface by picking up any vibrations caused by seismic waves. are experts that monitor seismic waves in areas that are recognized to be prone to Earth movement from volcanic activities or earthquakes is a form of energy that travels through the interior of the Earth which is generated during an earthquake or volcanic eruption.
The seismic energy release usually occurs in openings like cracks and fissures called Faults. Active faults release energy from time to time. If there is a known active fault and no earthquakes have occurred there or within the vicinity of the fault for a long time, seismologists may speculate that a release of energy is due soon and that this energy could be building up somewhere along this tectonic fault. parallel to the fault plane, in opposite directions hanging wall has moved downward hanging wall has moved upward 3 Types of Faults Normal Fault Reverse Fault Strike-Slip Fault
Earthquakes also happen in the sea. If it is strong enough, a tsunami can follow just seconds after the release of energy from the ocean floor. It starts with a powerful vibration from the ground which can be felt in the coastal areas. Then, a noticeable change in water level like the unusually fast receding sea water happens. Depending on the magnitude of the Earth movement, the seafloor may be disturbed, bringing up to the surface some marine organisms. Finally, a huge roaring sound may be heard, which is likened to an incoming aircraft or train.
INTERPRETING EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS
Faults and fissures traverse the entire Philippine archipelago. Altogether, they form the Philippine fault system. Since they are interconnected, a movement in one fault may trigger movement in another. There could even be another fault that could form from a strong earthquake Fortunately, in some cases, pressure that was released in one fault may delay or reduce the release in another. This greatly affects the magnitude, frequency, and the overall impact of this hazard on the exposed elements.
The Philippine map shown in figure is used to identify areas that sit on a particular geologic feature, such as a fault or a trench. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), are fractures along blocks of the earth's crust, while a is a linear depression on the ocean floor caused by convergent plates where one plate slides under the other. On the original map, the red lines indicate the fault lines. Areas located on or near fault lines are vulnerable to earthquakes. On the other hand, those that are on the trenches, indicated by the purple lines, have lower earthquake magnitude. Faults Trench
Result 2 Depending on the strength of the earthquake, however, all other structures in the surrounding areas of the fault may experience similar levels of disaster risk. Geologic activities are unpredictable. A fault zone that is inactive for a long period of time may suddenly move without any warning. You should always remember that any opening on the Earth's crust is a possible outlet for the seismic energy in the Earth's interior.
PRECAUTIONARY AND SAFETY MEASURES BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
There is no technology that can accurately forecast an impending earthquake. Hence, an earthquake can happen anytime and those who are deemed to be vulnerable to it should always be prepared. The following are some helpful tips that you can do to prepare for any possibility of ground movement especially if you are living near an active fault.
Prepare a 72-hour survival kit. It should contain at least the following items: bottled water, canned goods and a can opener, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with working batteries, and a set of clothes. Avoid putting breakable items on high shelves or cabinets to avoid any accident if they fall off. These items can easily fall even from slight shake. Make sure all objects that are hung on the ceilings or walls are securely fastened. Change the screw or tighten it if you notice any slight movements. Before an Earthquake
Fasten heavy furniture to the walls or floor with a hook or belt to keep them from falling. Tall cabinets can be secured by hooking them up against the wall. Know the emergency numbers of the police, rescue, and fire departments. Keep this information handy or place them in a location, where all the household members can access and see them when the need arises. Before an Earthquake
If you are indoors, do not panic. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Find a solid and stable furniture where you can duck under to protect your head from any falling object. Apply the DCH (Drop, Cover, and Hold ) method. Drop-Stop the activity you are doing and immediately drop down to the floor. Cover - Protect your head and limbs from any falling items, glass splinters, or debris by taking cover under any stable furniture. Hold- Hold on to the furniture until the earthquake stops. If the shaking moves your shelter, move with it. During an Earthquake
During an Earthquake Avoid riding an elevator. If you are inside the elevator, press the button for the nearest floor, and get off immediately. If you are outdoors, stay clear of buildings, trees, light posts, power lines, and other structures that could fall or collapse on you. Move to a higher area if you are in coastal areas for any possible occurrence of tsunamis. If you are driving or inside a car, slow down, and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers. Stay inside the car until the shaking stops. Do not stop your car in areas with structures that may fall or collapse. If you are on a bus or a train, hold tightly to the strap or handrail. Stay inside, and listen to the instructions of the train or bus staff. Wait until it is safe to go out of the vehicle.
Expect aftershocks or lower magnitude of vibrations that follow a main earthquake (Oxford, 2022) so remain calm. Check yourself and the others for injuries. If you see anyone who seems to be injured, call for medical assistance at once. Do not try to move the person as any injury or fracture may worsen with slight movement. Avoid going near power lines especially if they have fallen off or have been damaged. Immediately call the authorities to have them fixed. Never attempt to touch or fix them as they might have an active electric current that can cause ignition, burning, electrocution, or explosion. After an Earthquake
After an Earthquake • If you suspect any damaged electrical wiring, shut off the main power, and then turn off switches and sockets. Call a licensed electrician to repair these damages. Inspect gas tanks (by smell only) for leaks. If there is an unusual smell or fume, call the proper authority to check for any gas leak. Keep yourself updated of any announcements, reports or advisories via radio, television, text messages, or other accessible and reliable platforms. Stay out of damaged buildings and areas with broken glass and debris. Follow the emergency plan or the instructions of building personnel if inside a building.
Earthquakes shake the ground surface, can cause buildings to collapse, disrupt transport and services, and can cause fires. They can trigger landslides and tsunami. Earthquakes occur mainly as a result of plate tectonics, which involves blocks of the Earth moving about the Earth's surface. By learning about potential earthquake hazards in your area and taking certain preparedness measures now, you can increase your chances of surviving an earthquake and minimize its dangerous and damaging impact. Conclusion