Why Do Earthquakes Happen? What to Do if There is an Earthquake?
The recent earthquakes in Syria and Turkey have us rethinking earthquakes. It is very difficult to deal with a terrible and sudden disaster like an earthquake. Many of us have no idea why earthquakes happen or what to do if they do. Although our country is not prone to earthquakes, earthquakes have been felt several times in recent years. So we should be more careful about this.
In today's post we will learn some common concepts about earthquakes and why earthquakes happen. I will also discuss what we should do in case of an earthquake. It is important for everyone to have a proper understanding of earthquakes. If you have a clear understanding of this natural disaster, you can deal with the damage.
Why Do Earthquakes Happen?
In simple words, earthquake is the shaking of the ground. To understand why earthquakes happen, we also need to have some understanding of the structure of the Earth's surface. The interior is filled with numerous rocks.
Earthquakes are basically triggered when one rock collides with another rock or rises up. However, one of the three types of causes of earthquakes are: sudden changes in the earth's surface, volcanic eruptions and landslides. The earthquake in Syria and Turkey is mainly due to the first cause.
The upper part of the earth is basically made up of several rigid plates. These plates are called tectonic plates. Gradually these tectonic plates have separated from each other due to various reasons. These tectonic plates stick side by side. They also shift slowly. There are conflicts between them due to various reasons. The energy generated by these collisions spreads to the earth's surface in the form of seismic waves. If this wave is strong, it also rises above the earth's surface. Then, if there is enough energy, it can cause tremors in the ground. These vibrations are called earthquakes. As mentioned earlier, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are mainly caused by the collision between the Arabian and Anatolian plates.
Fault lines also play a role in these earthquakes. Large portions of the crust are called tectonic faults. Also, the crack between two plates is called a fault line. When gas stored underground comes up through these cracks or faults, a vacuum is created in place of the gas. Then the pressure of the upper surface of the earth quickly wants to fill this empty space. As a result, the balance of the earth's interior is destroyed and earthquakes are created.
What to Do in Case of an Earthquake
There is not much time when there is an earthquake. Disaster can happen in seconds. Therefore, various steps should be taken before an earthquake occurs. Earthquake proof construction of your home will keep you safe to a large extent.
However, when an earthquake starts, you should take shelter in an open place as soon as possible. During an earthquake, you need to think calmly and take action. If outside, one should not go inside a house or building and stay in an empty space. If you are on the ground floor of the building, you should try to get out. However, if you are on top of a multi-storey building, you will not get time to come out. In that case shelter should be taken under the table or bed inside the building. Should stay away from glass objects. If possible, a pillow, helmet or something soft should be placed on the head.
While taking shelter in multi-storied buildings, many people should take shelter in one place instead of taking shelter. Also, while taking shelter inside the building, one should try to take shelter under the column or foundation of the building. Because even if the building collapses, it does not collapse easily near the foundation of the building. Also should be away from gas or electrical connections. Electricity and gas connections should be disconnected quickly during an earthquake. The mobile phone should be kept close and the numbers of fire service and other emergency services should be saved in advance.
Avoid using elevators during earthquakes. Do not jump down from windows or balconies in panic from upper floors. Because even if the building doesn't collapse, you could be seriously injured or killed.
Be careful even if there is an earthquake. Because earthquakes often don't end all at once, a large earthquake is followed by several aftershocks. These are called “after shocks”. So even after the earthquake is over, all kinds of precautions must be taken. Evacuate the affected building in an orderly fashion. If possible, rescue should be done.
👉 What is Freelancing? Why Freelancing? Guidelines for Beginners
Is it Possible to Predict Earthquakes?
Once an earthquake occurs, it can happen again within an hour or so. It is predictable. But the first vibration is unpredictable. No technology has yet been developed to accurately predict earthquakes. Many people claim to predict earthquakes but there is no scientific basis for it. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said on its website that no forecast is accurate. Caltech also states the same on their website.
However, it is possible to verify the possibility using some modern technology. Since earthquakes usually occur along different fault lines or incisions, it is possible to identify locations where earthquakes can occur. By taking into account the previous history of earthquakes on different fault lines, it can be estimated how many years of energy has been stored at this location. However, it is not possible to predict when and how this energy will emerge from the earth's surface.
The energy stored in the earth's interior can be gradually released through mild earthquakes or suddenly a large earthquake can be organized. But no technology has yet been invented to know when that will happen. Scientists are still researching this matter. However, it is believed that animals and birds can sense an earthquake in advance, although more research is needed in this regard. Scientists are also conducting research on how animals and birds can sense and continue to try to invent technology to predict earthquakes.
👉 Pyarelal Re (প্যারেলাল রে)| New Trending Status Video Editing | Alight Motion XML Preset File👇
Earthquakes are the most feared natural disasters because of their unpredictability. That's why we need proper planning and preparation. Only then will it be possible to reduce damage from earthquakes.