|
MAIN
Science
Earth
Sciences
Earthquakes
Current
Earthquake Activity Reports
Scientists
sometimes compare the earth to a living organism and earthquakes
to the planet's growing pains. While earth's inhabitants like
to feel that they are always on solid ground, sometimes the
earth awakens to let us know exactly where we stand!
Around
the world earthquakes are constant, but only occasionally
are they forceful enough to make themselves felt on the surface.
Earthquakes
happen when the earth's crust - made up of tectonic
plates - shift enough to cause the ground to rock 'n roll
in seismic
waves. Depending on their strength, they may occur unnoticed
or at other times result in catastrophic damage. The
San
Francisco earthquake, for example, was the most destructive
in U.S. history and caused the deaths of some 3,000 people
and $400 million in damages in 1906.
When
they erupt offshore, earthquakes may also cause the ocean
to violently sway and pitch, resulting in the massive Indian
Ocean tsunami that decimated entire communities in 2004.
Around
the Web, find out more at top sites offering kids resources,
photos & images, information on plate tectonics and measuring
earthquakes, along with more on thier ground shaking causes
and effects ...
How to Survive an Earthquake
If you are indoors when an earthquake hits,
stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or
table away from windows, mirrors or glass dividers.
Outside, stay away from buildings, trees,
telephone and electrical lines.
On the road, avoid highway underpasses
and overpasses. Once you find a safe area, stay
in your car.
More
earthquake safety tips
|
|
Earthquakes
- Online publication from the U.S. Geological Survey covering
where and how earthquakes happen, famous earthquakes occurences
and historical data, plate tectonics and earthquake measurement
& predictions, related illustrations & photos.
SF
Gate: Earthquakes - Extensive guide from the San Francisco
Chronicle with safety and preparedness advice, retrofitting
tips for those in earthqauke-prone areas, earthquake photos,
videos, seisomograph images, charts & maps, and a complete
history of the 1906 quake with related resources.
Savage
Earth: Restless Planet - Earthquakes - Companion site
to the PBS special including photos & animations, facts
on quake predictions, guides to building earthquake-proof
buildings, and more on the effects of volcanoes and tsunamis.
What
causes an earthquake? - Good factsheet on the topic
with a discussion on earthquake terminology, plate tectonics,
seismic shockwaves, and a comparison between tectonic and
volcanic earthquakes.
Earthquake
Country - The complete handbook to earthquake safety
with related facts, Q&A, photos & educational videos.
Earthquakes
for Kids - Fascinating and entertaining look at the
power of nature with related photos, science fair project
ideas, cool earthquake facts, animations and interactive games
& puzzles with related resources.
Understanding
Earthquakes - Fun facts and interesting history on
display in Java animations and illustrations, with an interactive
quiz and related resources.
also
see -> Earthquake
Insurance | US
Earthquake History
|