earthquakes

• earthquakes are vibrations or tremors produced in the earth's outer layer or crust
• focus is the break on the ground caused by the pressure of moving rocks. it is the place where earthquakes originate
• epicenter is the point or line on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
• the study of earth quakes is called seismology
• scientists or experts in this field are called seismologists
• richter scale : to check the magnitude of an earthquake
• seismograph: an instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
• seismogram: a record produced by a seismograph.
• modified mercalli scale designed to describe the effects and intensity of an earthquake
• damage to infrastractures : earthquakes can cause great damages to buildings, roads, railroads, factories etc.
• landslides : the shocks produced by the earthquakes particularly in hilly areas and mountains
• fires : when factories or houses are shaked it could possibly create severe fires
• flashfloods : strong seismic waves can damaged dmas thereby causing severe flashfloods
• severe tremors and vibrations result in the deformation of ground surface
• tsunamis : the seismic waves caused by earthquakes
• liquefaction is the ground failure or loss of strength
• loss of lives : severe injuries caused by earthquakes may cause death