By Jaime Martinez (M)

Graphic by Dueynn Ogaz (M)

An earthquake is a movement on the Earth's crust that may cause you some damage. A lot of violent earthquakes are caused by a movement on the Earth's crust. The crust may first bend and then, when it's too strong, it breaks and moves to a new position. In the process of breaking, vibrations called "seismic waves" are generated

The depth of an earthquake is the depth of the earth where the earthquake started. Earthquakes with depths from the surface to about 70 kilometers down are classified as low. Earthquakes with depths ranging from 70 to 300 kilometers are classified as intermediate. The center of deep earthquakes may reach depths of more than 700 kilometers.

Earthquakes below the ocean may cause immense sea waves or tsunamis. These waves move through the ocean at very high speeds. Some may even reach speeds of 960 kilometers per hour and may raise 15 meters or higher by the time they reach the shore.

You have learned what an earthquake does. You already know what causes it, but do you know what to do if you are ever in an earthquake situation?

Here are some safety tips :

-Do NOT go in an elevator.

-Don't panic.

-Go below something, not a ceiling, go below a desk or a door frame.

 

Bibliography:

http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu/ics/outreach/understanding/

http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/plate-tectonics.html

http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm