Assignment 3 - Earthquakes and Hazards

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El Paso Community College *

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1301

Subject

Geography

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by jessikadenn28

Assignment 3 - Earthquakes and Hazards 1- Would earthquakes of similar magnitudes in different regions of the Earth cause approximately the same levels of damage necessarily? In your explanation, consider both geologic and human-induced factors. - The concept is that earthquake of similar magnitudes in different regions can result in varying levels of damage. The extent of damage resulting from an earthquake is influenced by a complex interplay of geological, geographic, and human- induced factors. Geologic factors like earthquake depth and substrate type affect ground shaking, while human factors such building quality, population density, and preparedness influence damage. This complex interplay creates varying damage outcome. 2- In 1811 and 1812 three large earthquakes (Magnitude 7.7, 7.5, 7.7) hit the New Madrid area near what is now St. Louis, Mo and Memphis, TN. If those cities had their current population and infrastructure when those earthquakes occurred, hundreds of thousands of people might have been killed or injured. Should that region have essentially the same types of building codes and rules that exist in California and Japan today despite the fact that there have not been any large earthquakes in the area since 1812 and it is not located near a plate boundary. - The decision regarding building codes and seismic preparedness in regions like the New Madrid seismic zone should be based on a comprehensive assessment of seismic risk, local conditions, and the potential impact on public safety and infrastructure. While it may not be necessary for these regions to have the exact same building codes as California or Japan, they should have appropriate measures in place to mitigate seismic risk, protect public safety, and reduce the potential for casualties and damage in the event of a significant earthquake. This may involve adopting building codes and regulations that are tailored to the specific seismic hazards of the region. 3- Should scientists be encouraged to make short term earthquake predictions even though the current methods for such predictions are very unreliable? - The short-term prediction based on recent methods and more advanced research can help us move to a safer zone or be alarmed and prepared to the upcoming earthquakes and causalities. Short term warnings might help in quickly evacuating the area prior the larger quake occurs. The more the predictions the more we can understand the stress behavior of the crust and when abouts of the stress release.

4- What is the value of long-range earthquake prediction. - A long-range prediction is a statistical estimation of the likelihood of an earthquake of a given magnitude occurring in the future. To mitigate the effects of earthquakes, long- range earthquake prediction is a valuable tool. In any case, long-range earthquake predictions are not exact sciences, and earthquakes are not guaranteed to occur when they are predicted. 5- Write three differences between P (primary) and S (secondary) waves. (S) Secondary: - “Shake” motion - Travel only through solids - Slower velocity than P waves (P) Primary: - Push-pull (compressional) motion - Travel through solids, liquids, and gases - Greatest velocity of all earthquake waves

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