(NATURE) Earthquakes

Earthquake

In this modern world, there are many natural disasters that occurs rapidly in many countries. But the natural disasters that mostly occurs is the earthquake. Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They do not just slide smoothly; the rocks catch on each other. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving. After a while, the rocks break because of all the pressure that is built up. When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs. During the earthquake and afterward, the plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they get stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the “focus” of the earthquake. The place right above the focus that is on top of the right is called the “epicenter” of the earthquake.

Earthquake-like seismic waves can also be caused by explosions underground. These explosions may be set off to break rock while making tunnels for roads, railroads, subways, or mines. These explosions, however, don't cause very strong seismic waves. You may not even feel them. Sometimes seismic waves occur when the roof or walls of a mine collapse. These can sometimes be felt by people near the mine. The largest underground explosions, from tests of nuclear warheads, can create seismic waves very much like large earthquakes. This fact has been exploited as a means to enforce the global nuclear test ban, because no nuclear warhead can be detonated on earth without producing such seismic waves.

Upon many of the countries that suffers earthquake damages, there are Japan, Chile, Haiti, and Indonesia. In Haiti lately, many of the survivors have suffered many problems such as famine, diseases such as malaria, and other social problems such as lack of foods, medicines and other basic necessities. Therefore, many of people around the world have donated their effort and money to Haiti survivors. Wyclef Jean and Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are all high-profile individuals that are helping to raise money for the earthquake. In addition, many stars urged their fans to give to the earthquake relief at the Golden Globe awards.

Besides that, earthquake also can cause other natural disaster that is more dangerous that is the tsunami. Tsunamis or tidal waves are massive sudden, unexpected and very large ocean waves. They are caused by a sudden displacement (movement of water). This could be due to an undersea earthquake, an undersea landslide or meteor/asteroid strike. Still, until now there are many earthquakes that happens and it is unstoppable!