Maanav.

Jaiswal

Earthquakes
How has Science Changed the way we View and Respond to Natural Disasters?
My report outlines explanations and evidence which help us to decide the impact of science
on changing views and responses about Earthquakes.

Analysis of Question
How has Science Changed the way we View and Respond to Natural Disasters?
Science is the research and technology we use to identify and evaluate natural disasters such
as earthquakes. Science is also the factual recount of the processes that lead up to an
earthquake and allows humans to calculate an earthquakes impacts. Humans use science to
clearly identify an earthquake and use it to correct the flaws we have made about them,
philosophical or religious. Science concentrates on revealing and explaining the creation and
actions of the physical world as well as the natural world. It has allowed us to record features,
impacts and descriptions of an earthquake and has made us more aware of our surroundings.
A disaster is an event or situation that has adverse consequences. A natural disaster is an
adverse event which cannot be derived from human activity but from the natural world. An
earthquake is an example of a natural disaster as it brings upon adverse consequences such
as damage to properties, destruction of communities and death to people.
Science has changed how we view an earthquake by providing people factual observations
and information. Throughout history, people have altered their views from an earthquake
being supernatural to natural because of science. Because of science, people are able to
understand the processes of an earthquake and its creation through time, as science and
technology develop. The growing years have conveyed that we are becoming more
sophisticated and urbanised because of science and technology.
Science has allowed us to create views about earthquakes, positive or negative. Our views are
responsible for creating responses to an earthquake. These responses can also be altered by
science so that they become more reliable, sensible and correct. Depending on the response
humans can resist an earthquake, saving lives, and communities and man-made or natural
structures. Examples of these responses include community evacuation, early detection of
earthquakes and planning and preparation about how to survive in an earthquake.
Most responses contain the use of technology. Technology helps humans do tasks easily and it
also allows a human to do a task. Examples of technology that are used in response to an
earthquake include, seismographs, determine the impact of an earthquake, transport such as
cars, helicopters, planes for earthquake evacuation and earthquake resistant buildings which
can handle the force of an earthquake.
Throughout history, extensive research and technology have allowed us to correct community
perspectives and stereotypes of natural disasters, providing us sensible and reliable
information. This allows the people to understand what a natural hazard is and a way to
handle them accurately. Without science, people and communities will be harshly affected
and would not have the knowledge to comprehend to these unknown situations, adversely
affecting society.

What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is a tremor ranging from any magnitude that we would classify as a disaster,
something that leads to bad consequences. It is the rapid and vigorous
movement of the ground, the crust back and forth, side to side, up and
down in a wave motion. These waves are created from the rapid and
immense amount of energy being released. They can be released in
many ways by building up pressure, triggering a colossal movement
and colliding large and dense mass together. When an earthquake
occurs, the point where the earthquake originated from or where the
waves started travelling from is called the focus or hypocenter. The
point directly above the focus is called the epicentre. Waves do not originate from this
position.

Maanav. Jaiswal
It is clear that the crust is made up of several plates (refer to
Evaluate explanations and predictions about disaster in outcome
booklet) that gradually move above the fluid-like asthenosphere.
Due to the transfer of heat, mainly convection, and the fluid form
of the asthenosphere, mantle, magma is constantly being lifted
and being sunk. Hotter material will gradually rise and due to
gravity and the force magma trying to rise, the hotter material
sinks and therefore cools down. After this process repeats a
convection cell is created. This activity is capable of pushing the
crust or tectonic plates above it in whichever direction the magma
is flowing into. Due to this, plates have the tendency to diverge,
converge or with friction, pass each other.
When two plates diverge (separate) they leave a gap or opening from the asthenosphere to
the crust. The separation is a gateway for magma to fill in. The force off magma being pushed
upwards is responsible for creating volcanoes and minute or subtle earthquakes, as there is a
small release of energy. The energy released is the magma rushing up from a compacted
place, asthenosphere, to an open space, crust. This release of energy is subtle for
earthquakes, as most of the waves are released into a vacuum, outer space. Also, the magma
when travelling up can lift plates or plate debris which are responsible for minute tremors.
When plates travel upwards, one end would crash or subduct under another plate (oceanic or
continental) and the force of that collision is responsible for Earthquakes. However, this is rare
and will only occur when there is enough force created from the magma.
Commonly, major Earthquakes occur where plates converge or where there is a transform
boundary. When plates converge (meet or collide), there is a massive amount of energy being
released. The colossal force of one plate crashing into the other is responsible for disastrous
earthquakes which terrorise and destroy communities. When a plate collides with another
plate, the focus, where the first signs of weakness such as cracks occur, releases a
tremendous amount of energy which travels under the Earths crust and above the earths
crust. Theses waves can reach to distant continents but do significantly change their direction
and speed when they refract. In addition, when plates converge, one plate, the denser one or
the one that is moving faster if the density is close to equal, subducts or buries itself under
the other plate. This process is called subduction and is also responsible for mild earthquakes
but they are not disastrous when plates first converge. Due to passing the motion of the
plates subducting, small and relatively big tremors occur but only the p-waves (primary waves
that can travel through any medium) are felt from a large distance, as secondary and surface
waves cannot travel through liquids. This is because, when plates dig into the earth they
protrude the first layer of the mantle, the asthenosphere. This layer is filled with a plastic-like
substance, magma which is identified as a liquid and does not allow any seismic waves except
for p-waves. Moreover, the subducting part of the plate is destroyed due to the extremity of
the magma, so you would not face many large tremors. The process of subduction is a key
factor in renewing ad recycling earths crust.
A transform boundary is where two plates are in touch and are
passing each other in opposite directions. Earthquakes are
much more frequent here as the plates are mostly in touch and
are also disastrous as plates are building up pressure every
moment.
When plates are passing against each other, their boundaries
may interlock with other plate boundaries, resisting them from moving. The pressure from
each plate trying to push against each other to move is soon broken .When this happens, the
plates vigorously collide or grind each other. This calamity releases tremendous amounts of
energy which then are sent through the crust itself, creating earthquakes.
In addition, debris and heavy rock are shot in directions comprehending to the calamity of the
boundaries and these projectiles are responsible for new formation, shaping boundaries and
community disaster.

Maanav. Jaiswal
An example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault, California. A portion of
California is separated by a boundary where both plates are in touch. The two communities
that are opposing each other are, Los Angeles and San Andreas. The plate which Los Angeles
is on is the minor California and the plate which San Andreas is on is Major California.
Although they do not have many significant surface features they do create, comparatively
the biggest Earthquake. From the many disasters of this plate, we have recognised it to be
one of the strongest and the biggest disasters, killing more than 600 people.

Impacts of an Earthquake
An earthquake is recognised as a disaster, something that leads to adverse consequences. It
affects communities and earth as a whole. It may have adverse consequences but it also has
positive impacts that affect the Earth and us. These few paragraphs will differentiate between
negative and positive impacts of an earthquake from the perspective of human communities
and the geologically active earth.
Commonly, earthquakes are an adversity due to their extreme damage they do to residents,
infrastructures and communities. Some of these impacts are not always direct but always
follow from earthquakes.
When an earthquake hits pure land, the energy or the
seismic waves propagate through the land and some reach
some sort of human civilisation. Depending, on the size or
magnitude of the wave and the source, it will have levels in
destroying a community. Specific properties of these seismic
waves can tell us the impact of a disaster. Examples include
wavelength, trough, the period and the frequency.
When an earthquake damages a community it creates perspectives. These perspectives are
building blocks to what we identify as a disaster that is if the perspective agrees on adverse
consequences.
A community is a group of beings inhabiting a region, having similar of different
characteristics. Infrastructure and residential buildings are major parts of a community. They
allow the beings to thrive and survive, by providing them with sufficient resources and shelter.
An example is the use of medical attention, gas and electricity supply and suitable homes.
An earthquake destroys communities by damaging infrastructure, residential properties and
residents. Due to this people would not receive sufficient resources which allow them to
thrive. The motion of the ground shaking back and forth implements tremendous amounts of
force on propertys above. Due to the force, the properties will soon collapse in the means of
breakage, projectiles or sinking, destroying a community. This affects people as they have
decreased resources in thriving and surviving.

Maanav. Jaiswal
People are also severely affected as they are killed in this seismic
action, destroying a community. All infrastructure provides people
prominent resources such as education, gas, water and electricity
and if these resources are destroyed, people are not receiving
any support to survive. Infrastructure runs a community from any
basis and is the base of an enterprise that promotes growth,
civilisation and technology. If it is destroyed, people would have
to lower their hygiene and health to compromise with the
disaster, promoting disease, they would have incredibly fewer
methods of communication and would create social stigmas
which may develop into conflict, violence and death. An example, if power lines are
destroyed, many people would have severe limitations on communication as they cannot
easily access products which use electricity to communicate with other people, via waves.
This can be disastrous as people would not also receive help or support for regaining a
community. This would deprive their social reputation as well as the physical reputation.
In this tremor many people may be injured due to the effect of the earthquake and may not
be able to regain themselves as many routes of communication are destroyed. The stability or
physical reputation of a being can be harshly affected by death or injury. This will strictly
reduce the population, reducing further support and a sense of a community. Other people
would have fewer chances to thrive if they have less contact with other people. Groups or
communities with adequate amounts of people can help a destroyed community regain its
original position, but also, people that are severely affected by an earthquake can prove to be
a catalyst in restoring a community.
Some examples include the destruction of Sumatra, Indonesia in 2004. In total, 227,898
people were killed or were missing and presumed dead and about 1.7 million people were
displaced by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 14 countries in South Asia and East
Africa. This earthquake destroyed transportation and communication systems as well as
infrastructure and residential properties. Another example is the recent earthquakes in Japan,
Kumamoto. Approximately At least 35 people were killed and more than 2,000 others were
injured and the affected regions had lost prominent resources such as telecommunication
towers, temporary water loss and transportation routes.
Another way of communication or escape is transport. Transport provides people with a faster
or more efficient way of travelling so a person can get to one place to another. This is useful in
a disaster as people can avoid the effects of an earthquake and can reach safety faster.
However, most public and private modern transportation systems are destroyed through the
force of an earthquake, making it more difficult for a person to escape.
Economically, communities are funded by many shops and businesses. These keep a
community economically stable so they can afford and use many resources, but, if these are
destroyed it would be harder for people to regain their economic value and will not be able to
afford important necessities. Some of these necessities may be important for rebuilding a
destroyed community and would provide the people sufficient resources so that they can also
regain themselves. However, the adverse effects of an earthquake influence communities and
people to be more aware of their surroundings, it makes communities prepare for earthquakes
so that they can reduce the impact of one in the near future. Not only does this protect
humans and communities but it persuades researchers to explore about Earthquakes and vital
effects of them so that yes, we will be more prepared but also we can create new technology
that can be utilised for similar of different purposes, benefiting communities. Moreover, the
effects of these disasters are motivation for people to discover and create solutions and
technology that can benefit the globe.
An example is the Great East Japan Earthquake, 2011. Japan had suffered adverse economic
impacts such as destruction in industrial productions, destruction in companies and
corporations and severe damage in growing and fixed trade routes. This effect destroyed

Maanav. Jaiswal
major regions of japan but it is seen that they had regained themselves comparably quickly.
This is because japan was more aware and prepared compared to before when the earthquake
started.
Environmentally, due to an earthquake many ecosystems are altered or destroyed, abusing
the environment. This can lead to the death of many species, plants or animals and can
destroy several systems that allow an environment to run, such as water supplies, food and
communication. These ecosystems provide animal suitable habitats and resources so they can
thrive but if these are destroyed there are chances of animal extinction.
An example is an impact of the Japanese earthquake (2011) on animals. Many zoos and
natural bushland were destroyed through the earthquake and the following tsunami. This
impact reduced the population of many animals in japan and led to the endangerment of
species. Sometimes, certain resources are destroyed, and some of these resources are vital
to humans. They may serve as fuel, such as coal, plantation organic material, food, building
resources such as wood, paper, stone and other commercial or private material. This would
mean there is a significant reduction in the production of products affecting people as they,
may not have enough resources to survive or do important activities.
Economically, businesses would not have products or funds to function and would soon shut
down. However, an earthquake is not always responsible for destroying environments but
creating them. The colossal movement of an earthquake can make the crustal material rise
and sink. Certain structures such as mountains are created from the collision of crust by an
Earthquakes movement forcing material upwards. These mountains are mainly made from a
material that is deep inside earth, something that humans cannot access compared with other
materials. These materials can be significant in creating products and can be harvested. This
says that an earthquake can bring on new materials that can benefit humans. Not only would
these structures provide us materials but it would provide animals and people new homes and
shelters, creating new ecosystems and environments. An example is the formation of rivers.
Due to plates colliding or passing each other with friction, crust is left with many cracks and
adults. These faults originate from the boundary of a crust, neighbouring the sea. When these
cracks are big enough, water will flow through the crack and end where there is no
indentation. These rivers can support a vast range of sea life and can also empower
neighbouring plantation such as trees.
The fertility of the earth in growing plantation and supporting organisms can significantly
improve when an earthquake hits. Due to the rapid movement of the ground, minerals and
materials are shaken and ordered through density and diffusion. This means that parts with
less fertility or minerals will receive more, and the earth will share the nutrients evenly in the
ground. This is beneficial as it increases the rate in which plants grow, providing animals
food, shelter and humans their resources. As they are spread out they can support life in
remote areas which have less nutrients in their soil, avoiding animal extinction.
Earthquakes are not only responsible for being a natural disaster but for creating them. The
movement of plates can trigger other types of disasters such as bushfires, tsunamis and
volcanoes. Earthquakes have great force in moving continental and oceanic material, and
sometimes this motion is responsible for other disasters
The motion of the ground can destroy certain buildings which promote fires. These include gas
chambers, nuclear factories, research centres, construction sites or bushland. The destruction
of this buildings can ignite fires or the rapid movement or friction of an earthquake. Any
buildings that contains highly flammable material or any material that promotes fire can count
as catalysts.
Tsunamis are created from the vivid uprise of water waves that have immense speeds and
terrorise country and continental estates. An earthquake can trigger them by shaking the
ocean so that the water travels and compiles in one specific part and then is released when
the earthquake cools down. The water then will form like a wave and will travel past its

Maanav. Jaiswal
original position due to its speed and the force of the water behind it,
leaving it no choice but to destroy everything in its path.
Due to the movement of crustal layers, many gaps or hole are made
from the crust to the layers below it. This hole can plume molten
material or compacted gas which destroy environments. The build- up
molten material cooling is responsible for creating volcanoes. These
volcanoes can have unpleasant effects on communities both
environmental and human. The build-up of gas can force the release lava which can endanger
animals and burn plantations. Sometimes volcanoes are responsible for the uprise in
temperature making it harder for animals to live and create tremendous amounts of carbon
which poison organisms.
When an earthquake hits, beneath the ground, the earth is carrying out many processes.
These tell scientists more information about the earth, both above and below the crust. These
help scientists plan out what is happening in an earthquake and ways to reduce its impact.
Moreover they allow scientists to figure out positive and negative impacts of an earthquake.
An example, from the aftermath of an earthquake destroying buildings and properties,
scientists are able to understand how buildings are destroyed in an earthquake and ways to
prevent this. This is beneficial as scientists can implements technology to save lives and also
ways to protect civilisations I the near future. Through research scientist are able to
understand another important aspect of earth. Earth is geologically active and is renewing
itself constantly. When an earthquake happens, it is shaking the earths crustal material by
putting a colossal force on them, altering them. Crustal material is then pulled down into the
asthenosphere and liquefied into magma. The crustal material is then constantly recycled with
magma and hardened forming new crustal material. This recycling process is responsible for
renewing earths tectonic plates.
Without earthquakes there would be no force or motion for this to happen. This process is
responsible sustaining life and creating new environments. The new crust can be used to
make new environments as there may be new materials implemented in it. These materials
can provide humans useful necessities but they also contribute to earth renewing itself. As
certain organic and natural material is destroyed by magma, new crust is formed. This crust
could be possible habitats for new life such as animals, trees and other plantation.
Another process similar to this is created from plates converging and diverging. When two
plates converge, both with significant differences in density, one plate buries itself under the
other and this process is called subduction. As said before the subducted plate is destroyed by
magma from the asthenosphere. When a plate converges, heading for a plate it is leaving the
position where it originally was. This space is a gateway from the asthenosphere to the crust
and is identified as a divergent plate boundary. As is said before, these boundaries are
responsible for creating new crust by hardening magma. If you look at this process we can say
that crust is being simultaneously destroyed and created. This process is another way for
plates to be recycled, moreover, it is another way for Earth to renew itself. Therefore, the
origins of an earthquake are definite causes for renewing earth itself and for creating a
sustainable life.

Maanav. Jaiswal

Metaphysical Views about Earthquakes

Through history cultures, religion and communities have pondered about concepts and then
have made VIEWS. These views allow for a concept to be recognised for what it does and how
it has affected us. They allow us to understand a specific aspect of the living world so we can
use the understanding to develop civilisation, technology and communication. Some of these
views are non-scientific but they do develop into a more sensible form through time.
Below is a description of some metaphysical beliefs of earthquakes.
Here are some general beliefs from the modern world:
1. Dogs and animals can sense when an earthquake is going to happen.
This myth states that animals unlike us have the capability to sense an earthquake by
when it is going to happen. This is a myth as, yes, there is unusual behaviour from
animals before an earthquake but this observation is not consistent and is not reliable
as it is not completely clear if their behaviour can actually sense when an earthquake is
going to happen. Another fact is that animals have greater limitations on accessing and
using geological technology compared to us and we cannot certainly tell when an
earthquake is going to happen.
2. Earthquakes occur in hot and dry weather
This myth describes what weather an earthquake will take place in. It is said that the
earthquake takes place in hot and dry conditions but this has no scientific proof. We
know earthquakes take place deep inside the crust and below it and it can happen
anywhere at any time. So how can dry weather play a part in moving plates while the
asthenosphere (source of movement) creates molten material from the heat of the
earth and its insides? So temperature cannot play a major part in moving a plate. It is
also said that dryness, above the earths crust, is the answer for when an earthquake
occurs. This is wrong as your depleting the moisture above the crust and sometimes
inside it, but you are not forcing magma not to move the plates nor are you affecting
the magma itself.
3. People can stop Earthquakes
This belief states that we can completely avoid and stop and earthquake at any time.
This belief is fiction as it has never been recorded that we have stopped an earthquake
nor is it possible. The great force or impact of a plate moving is impossible for humans
to stop, nor can we stop the convection of magma in the asthenosphere. It is also
impossible for humans to withstand the heat in the asthenosphere if we were to target
the source. Typically human technology does not have enough capability to stop a plate
from moving nor do we have the capability for a seismic wave to stop propagating.
Ancient Cultural Views These views date back to when civilisations were starting and
they do differ in the responses from the modern world. These views are formulated
from time periods that do not have significant or modern technology that we use today.
This fact differentiates modern and ancient views.
1. That the Gods (Greek) released their anger by creating earthquakes
It is said that the Greek Gods released their anger, accumulated from human doings,
by shaking the land where they live on. They were fond of destroying the homes in
which humans live in. This myth is more of a social and ethical understanding so
there was not much debate at this time period for people who opposed this view.
There is no mention of any physical or scientific reasoning nor is there a mention of
human technology.
2. That a large twitch Catfish caused the Earthquakes
This myth originates from ancient Japan, the Tokugawa periods. It states that a giant
catfish named Numazu lived under the earth, and each time it twitched it shook the
earth. Furthermore, a demi-god was sent to stop the catfishes twitching by placing
a giant rock above his head. Every time the demi-god took the rock off for his
benefit, the catfish twitched and an earthquake started. At this time, the Japanese

Maanav. Jaiswal
did not have technology which could measure geological interferences or track
them. This meant that they had to use their social and ethical understanding to
make a reasonable judgement.
3. Wind Currents Within Earths surface created earthquakes
This myth originated from an Aristotle, a Greek philosopher. It states that the winds
were trapped inside an enclosure on earth. Whenever the winds pushed upwards on
these enclosures tremor began happening. The winds are similar to the convection
inside the asthenosphere as magma travels upwards pushing on plates and then
moves them. Even if this theory did not have sufficient evidence or reasons, it was
still a much more modern understanding compared to the time period he lived in.
Aristotle did mention physical evidence and did not include any religious or social
understanding, making his theory more sensible.

Historical and Recent Disasters

These tabulations and graphs allow scientists to compare, contrast and create
complications or conclusions on Earthquakes. E.g. A graph may show the death of
people by a magnitude over the years. You can find a trend or pattern such as, over the
years the death of people have decreased in a 6.3 magnitude , which suggests that
evacuation procedures may have improved or technology are more efficient, as there
are fewer deaths through the years. These help scientists determine how the general
public reacts to an earthquake and ways to improve or benefit the reaction. This could
save lives and could drive human technology so we can reduce the impact of future
disasters or issues.
Below is a graph showing the estimated number of earthquakes from 1973 to 2006. It
analyses the earth as a whole.

Number of Earthquakes in Growing Years

Number of Earthquakes

Linear (Number of Earthquakes)

This graph portrays the number of earthquakes through growing years, with the y-axis
showing the number of earthquakes, no matter what magnitude and the x-axis showing the
growing years in which earthquakes took place in. Instantly, a significant trend can be
outlined, the number of earthquakes through the years has grown. This is not unexpected, as
for the past decade technology has improved significantly with much more seismometers and
other measuring devices placed around the world. The increase in global communication

Maanav. Jaiswal
systems and measuring systems has allowed us to easily or frequently track where an
earthquake occurs and its impact. Technology benefits people so that people know where an
earthquake happens and if it is happening or its impact or magnitude. This graph is evidence
that humans have excelled in creating and improving technology through time.
The only question that is puzzling for scientists is, without technology such as seismometers,
would there be a trend in increase or decrease. So, if technology never influenced human
technology by limiting it, what kind of trend would there be? This tells scientists not only
human technology over time is the answer for this increasing trend but a factor most likely
from the earth itself could also play a major part. If technology has played a part in detecting
earthquakes it could also detect that very processes inside the earth that affect the frequency
of earthquakes.
The graph below shows the estimated deaths from 1990 to 2008.

Estimated Deaths from Earthquakes through Growing Years

Deaths
Linear (Deaths)

This graph portrays the number of deaths through the growing years, with the y-axis with a
number of deaths and the x-axis with years in which people died in. From this data, there is no
significant trend but you still can form a generalisation. The number of deaths is gradually
increasing through the years at a comparatively slow rate. The number of deaths compared
from 1990-2003 have a lower average of death/per year than the years ahead of it. This may
be because the population is increasing at an unpredictable rate very year, so more people
are affected or that the years with a higher average may have a tectonic activity that
promotes stronger earthquakes.
You cannot make a conclusion for technology when you are limiting your information to this
graph only. It is seen that the death toll can be significantly different from one to the year
adjacent to it. This may be because:
1. In one year there may have more or fewer disasters compared with the other years and
each disaster may have completely different magnitudes.
2. Another is that we cannot track where an earthquake is going to hit, so if it hits in one
area it may take more lives compared to another area, so every year does not have a

Maanav. Jaiswal
certain place, where we can accurately measure the death so we cannot make
sufficient predictions about technology.
3. This relates to the country or area itself. Some countries may be poorly developed than
others, so they may have to compensate with more lives compared to countries with
better safety.
We can make a reasonable judgement if have a certain place, magnitude, death rate and
time. However we can create some reasoning from the previous graph and this graph, but this
reasoning would not be accurate as you would make false implications and statements with
only two or three variables.
This graph below shows data on the number of earthquakes that range from the 6.0-6.9
magnitude and 8.0-8.9 magnitude. It is seen that we can make reasonable judgements by
looking at this graph. Before we begin, any earthquake ranging from 8.0-9.9 is the most
disastrous in the sense of motion. It releases tremendous amounts of energy compared to
common-magnitude earthquakes. In this sense, these earthquakes are responsible for the
most deaths and community destruction. These earthquakes are symbolised as harsh. A
common earthquake in the sense of occurrence would be any earthquake below 6.5
magnitudes. These earthquakes are common as plates cannot release high amounts of energy
continuously as the crust needs prolonged periods of time to store energy (relate to
transform boundaries), and they are responsible for mild community damage and death. They
are symbolised as harsh.(Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richter_magnitude_scale)
However, death and destruction depend on the community itself. If a community is
progressive in technology that reduces the impact of disasters and human safety, it is
possible for them to undergo the same effects and damage for any earthquake with any
magnitude.

Chart Title

Magnitude 6.0-6.9

Magnitude 8.0-9.9

As you can see this graph shows the information about how many 6.0-6.9 (mild) and 8.0-9.9
(harsh) magnitude earthquakes there has been from 1990 to 2012. It also shows the brief
comparison of them. Through this data we can say that any earthquake over 8.0 magnitude
have a rare chance to occur when comparing this to any earthquake that has 6.0-6.9
magnitude. Any earthquake below 6.5 magnitude is common that must mean that any
magnitude over it should be rare or uncommon. This data helps communities establish
knowledge about when a high-impact earthquake will occur or when a common earthquake
will occur. This is important as people do not implement unnecessary plans and costs to
phenomena that they do not expect. Through analysing specific trends and data people can
make clear and accurate views about earthquakes. This will protect communities from the

Maanav. Jaiswal
disaster itself in the near future. The knowledge can be implemented on improving or creating
new technology that will aid the world in these disasters.
According to the graphs, in 1991 there were altogether 16484 earthquakes, 96 mild and 0
harsh and approximately 3210 deaths. On the other hand, in 1990 there were 16590
earthquakes, 109 mild and 0 harsh with approximately 52 056 deaths. The comparison of
deaths has an extreme difference with the year 1990 having much more deaths and the year
1991 having less deaths. In both years there is a similar rate of mild and harsh earthquakes
with each earthquake having similar positioning
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_earthquakes ), so this was not responsible for the
difference. But logically this says that through the years humanity has tried to reduce the
impact of these disasters, by the increasing rate in technology and the beneficial use of it.
Overall if you analyse the data correctly, the trend line is always increasing not decreasing
this states there has been more earthquakes for any magnitude and more deaths over the
growing years. This means that we are coping with earthquakes regarding their increasing
frequency. This doesnt mean that human technology is not protected us but it says with
technology we are able to measure, describe and find earthquakes faster and more easily
through the growing years. It also states through the growing years we are not losing lives
because of poor technology, but the increase in population and civilisation makes humankind
more vulnerable to these sort of disaster.
Also, the data has not provided where each earthquake hit so this is a major factor in
determining human deaths. However, the increase in seismometers around the world are
responsible for tracking more earthquakes. This is important as humans will be able to receive
information about unexpected occurrences so that they can prepare and save lives. This
statistic will become more and more frequent through the growing years as population is
increasing meaning more deaths, more seismometers and overall newer/ better technology.
This will change community and individual views about disasters, as the use of science and
technology will become more frequent making humans more aware of the world around them.
Therefore the use of science and technology, derived from these statistics, says that we are
becoming more aware and more sophisticated in understanding these disasters so in the near
future we can reduce the impact of them ore avoid them.

Magnitude 6.0-6.9

Magnitude 8.0-9.9

2 2

0 0 0 0

1 1

0 Magnitude
0
0 8.0-9.9

1 1 1
0

Linear (Magnitude 8.0-9.9)

Overall Tabulations
Refer to this for all information

Magnitude 6.0-6.9
Linear (Magnitude 6.0-6.9)

Ye
Numb
De
Maanav.
Jaiswal
ar er of
ath
s
Earthq s
uakes
19 16590 52
90
05
6
19 16484 32
91
10
19 19524 39
92
20
19 21476 10
93
09
6
19 19371 16
94
34
19 21007 79
95
80
19 19938 58
96
9
19 19872 30
97
69
19 21688 94
98
30
19 20832 22
99
66
2
20 22256 23
00
1
20 23534 21
01
35
7
20 27454 16
02
85
20 31419 33
03
81
9
20 31194 22
04
88
02
20 30478 88
05
00
3
20 29568 66
06
05
20 29568 71
07
2
20 31777 88
08
01
1
20 14825 17
09
90
20 21577 32
10
01
20
20 22289 21
11
95
3
20 15049 62
12
9

Magni
tude
6.06.9
109

Magni
tude
8.09.9
0

96

166

137

146

183

149

120

117

116

146

121

127

140

141

140

142

178

168

144

150

185

106

Maanav. Jaiswal
Source: The USGS: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/info_1990s.php
For No. of Earthquakes and Deaths and, http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/other/quake1.html
For all information on magnitude 6.0-6.9 earthquakes and 8.0-9.9 earthquakes.

Sciences role in reducing the impact

Science and technology have been a major factor in identifying and resolving many problems
around the world. It has allowed scientists to understand key factors about natural disasters
such as, how they occur?, what do they do?, and how it affects society. It has made us more
aware of natural disasters which allow humans to make correct decisions so that they can
mitigate the effects of these disasters or prepare for them, reducing human suffering and
damage to communities and societies. The use of technology enables humans to create
certain barriers which, to an extent, reduce the impact of disasters. This is important as it will
save lives and create a deeper understanding of other aspects of a natural disaster. Moreover,
science has made us more aware of these natural disasters and has allowed us to reduce the
impact of them.
An earthquake is the reckless motion of the ground in many directions. This effect is
responsible for human suffering and community and environmental damage. Below, describes
how science has played a part in reducing the impact of an earthquake.
Due to the reckless motion of the earthquake, many features such as buildings, monuments
and other infrastructure are destroyed. These buildings contain a material foundation that is
not suitable in an earthquake. However science has allowed us to invent technology that can
resist the force of an earthquake.
An example is the technology of earthquake resistant buildings. This technology is used for
many properties above the crust, such as schools, hospitals, residential houses and other
buildings. The technology is applied to the building so that they withstand the force of an
earthquake and dont collapse or break down. However, the main purpose of this technology
is so that we can preserve life. If a building allows the people inside to safely exit and doesnt
collapse it is considered a success even if the building is demolished afterwards. This
technology is used in areas that frequently encounter earthquakes
Some variations of the technology include1. Making construction materials have more ductility
Ductility refers to how a substance can maintain and perform large plastic
deformations. The higher the ductility the larger the deformations and
the lower the ductility the smaller the deformations. This is useful in an
earthquake as they would withstand an earthquake by taking their
deformations such as bending instead of completely breaking or
separating. If this happens the material or foundation will fracture and
the building will collapse. But, if the material bends the whole building
will take small deformation and will not collapse, not endangering
people. Some material that has a higher ductility range and is used for construction are
rubber, steel. Without science and technology, we will not be able to identify properties
of certain substances such as ductility and not be able to apply this mechanism to a
natural disaster.
2. Implementing the Tuned- Mass Damper in high-rise buildings
This technology is used to reduce the vibrations/energy/waves inside
buildings. This is important as buildings with more vibrations have a
higher chance to collapse and rupture, but a damper reduces this so
that the building does not collapse. They are huge concrete blocks
mounted on the top of the building and work by moving against seismic vibration and

Maanav. Jaiswal
therefore reduce it. When the building is swaying from sides, the damper moves
against that and reduces it.
These mechanisms are used to reduce the force of the earthquake itself. They work by
using special properties of the material or structure itself.
Science has allowed us to create technology that can precisely measure the impact of
an earthquake. It is not possible yet to be completely certain of an earthquake but
science has enabled us to track and briefly create ways to find if an earthquake is going
occur. This is important as communities and societies will able to receive warnings that
tell them if an earthquake or any other disaster is going to occur. This will help the
community to escape and evacuate without risking lives and this preparation will
introduce other plans which may protect more civilians. Science has allowed us to track
movements and actions deep within the crust or earth as whole so we can understand
many natural and physical occurrences.
An earthquake exists from the crust, it releases tremendous amounts of energy in the
form of waves and does occur from triggering colossal movement and colliding large
and dense mass together. Below are some examples of technology that are used to
measure or predict an earthquake.
1. Seismometers
These devices measure the impact of an earthquake in the sense of waves. Seismic
waves are the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the
Earth; they are recorded on instruments called seismographs or
seismometers. By studying the seismogram, the seismologist can
tell how far away the earthquake was and how strong it was. This
record doesn't tell the seismologist exactly where the epicentre was,
just that the earthquake happened so many miles or kilometres
away from that seismograph. This helps scientists create statistical data or
information about where an earthquake may occur, occurred and when an
earthquake occurred. This information can then be sent to communities or rescue
teams for early warnings and evaluation. Science has allowed humans to measure
the impact of a disaster, evaluate and use it to save lives.
2. GPS Data
This device can measure plate deformation and movement, via satellites and ground
stations. Through placing GPS ground stations on the crust, depending on the
number of satellites, the ground stations every movement can be tracked. This
includes movement in height, across and non-linear directions. This technology is
extremely helpful as it can give scientists and researchers information about plate
movement if a plate is converging, diverging and passing each other. This
technology can be used to give early warning signs to allocated communities about
earthquakes, saving lives and it provides scientists more information about tectonic
activity which could be used to correct views and perspectives, making people more
aware.
Measuring and evaluating predictions about earthquakes or earthquakes themselves are
excellent ways for communities to be prepared for incoming tremors, not risking lives.
Scientific understanding is a vital part of reducing the impact of an earthquake. This
knowledge can be used to create plans and laws which create safety for humans when
encountered/encountering an earthquake through deep research and investigation from
science, people have created sophisticated views and perspectives which are used to address
an earthquake. Community plans, government action and preparation are examples of these
perspectives and are used to overcome the effects of an earthquake.
Examples of preparation include:

Maanav. Jaiswal
1. Community DrillsThese drills are enactments of what a community will do when a disaster strikes. Science has
allowed us to formulate these plans correctly so that we do not endanger lives in the real
situation. Communities which are more prone to earthquakes take part in these drills so that
in real situation they are prepared on how to escape and survive, saving lives.
2. Emergency ResourcesThese resources are used for when you cannot access a prominent
resource easily. In times of an earthquake people can use these
resources so they dont die and so they can thrive until the disaster
finishes. Many communities use these resources in case the
earthquake destroys them or their access routes. Some of these
resources include, portable communication devices, batteries, food,
protected transportation, clothing and water. Science has allowed us to
identify these resources so that we can use them for targeted disasters and allow us to
identify their application so people know how to use them.To conclude, without science and
technology natural disasters like earthquakes would never be identified or never understood.
It has allowed human views for earthquakes to transform from supernatural to natural,
changing our explanation through the growing years to be more sophisticated. Science has
allowed us humans to correctly view these disasters so that in the future we can prepare,
measure and resist them. It allows us to create further technology which can save lives and
make us deepen our understanding of earthquakes. Overall, it has made more aware of the
world around us.

Bibliography
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey, Earthquake Facts and Statistics and
Earthquake Information for the 1990s Available from
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php. :
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/info_1990s.php
Johnston Archive, Number of Earthquakes by Year. Available from:
http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/other/quake1.html

Maanav. Jaiswal
McKenzie, Laman, Brown. Pearson Science New South Wales, Student Book 9 First published,
2014.Plate Tectonics, pg. 331-361.
Pictures and Graphicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Epicenter_Diagram.svg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/9c1c0e24c74ee2c254886973ffe582fe961c1eef.png
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/egifs/Earthscrust.GIF
http://player.slideplayer.com/13/4164273/data/images/img9.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ductility.svg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Taipei_101_Tuned_Mass_Damper
_2010.jpg/200px-Taipei_101_Tuned_Mass_Damper_2010.jpg