Sample Answer for Earthquakes

Methods

Earthquakes can be measured using two methods:

1. The Richter scale (RS), which uses seismometers to measure the magnitude (amount of energy released by an earthquake). The RS is an open-ended scale and is an objective, scientific way of measuring an earthquake. Any quake that measures below 3 on the RS cannot be detected by people, only by instruments. The greatest earthquake on the RS was the 1960 Great Chilean Quake, which measured 8.5 on the RS.

2. The Modified Mercalli Scale (MS), which describes the effects or intensity of an earthquake based on human subjective observational scale and experience. The MS runs from I to XII, I being the most destructive. Observations and experiences of earthquakes can be reported online to the United States Geological Survey, which creates choropleth graphs (statistics of quakes) which record the various intensities experienced across a region.

Earthquakes can also be measured using tiltmeters, which show the bulging of land surfaces. Radon gas levels are also measured, due to their tendency to increase before a quake.

Effects

The effects of earthquakes can be both immediate and long-term. Short-term effects include tsunamis, death, and the destruction of roads and other infrastructure. Long-term effects include increased poverty, refugees in the area, and long-term homelessness. In 2008, China experienced a massive earthquake where, 11 million were left homeless.

The Nepal earthquake of 2015 killed over 8,000 and ruined many villages, burying them under landslides (e.g., Langtang Valley). Nepal's economy suffered, and 178 billion euro was needed in development aid from other nations. Citizens suffered massive displacement, and over 24,000 people were forced to live in makeshift camps following the mass destruction of houses.

Lastly, the 2011 Japanese earthquake also had many devastating effects – over 27,000 perished, 90% of whom drowned in a tsunami. A 20 km radius around the Fukushima nuclear power plant was deemed uninhabitable due to fears of radioactive substances being damaged. Toyota factories across Japan shut down for 9 months for extensive repairs.