Essay on Earthquake: It is a major natural disorder that causes trembling of the Earth’s surface. Heavy loss to both lives and property are usually recorded when an earthquake occurs. When the Earth’s tectonic plates glide over one another, it creates seismic waves. If these waves are of a higher magnitude, then destructive earthquakes occur. Earthquakes have different names depending on their location like tsunamis, landslides, avalanches and large displacement. Seismographs measure the magnitude of earthquakes.
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Essay on Earthquake 500 Words in English
Below we have provided Earthquake Essay in English, suitable for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Earthquake is the shaking of the earth, which releases an immense amount of energy that creates seismic waves. These waves can be ranged from weak to strong. Some seismic waves are too weak to sense and too strong to destroy cities and create violence. The seismic activity refers to the rate and frequency of earthquakes experienced over the years.
Manifestations of the earthquakes are the shaking and the displacement of the ground. A tsunami is caused when the epicenter of a massive earthquake is displaced by strong waves. Because of the earthquake, the phenomenon of landslides and volcanic activity takes place. This can also be defined as the seismic wave that is caused by naturally or by humans. The occurrence is mostly due to the cause of geographical faults. The other reasons include landslides, volcanic activities, nuclear tests, etc.
Types of Earthquake
- Tectonic Earthquakes – Tectonic plates are the loose, cracked fragments present in the crust of the earth. These plates move slowly and gradually under the surface. The movement of the plates is in different forms. They can move towards each other, away from each other, in the sliding directions, or in a colliding way. A huge tremor occurs when these plates slide over one another. They are the reason for massive mass destruction.
- Volcanic Earthquakes – Volcanic Earthquakes mostly occur after or before the phenomenon of the eruption. The magma eruption from the earth leaves a space behind. To fill the space, the rocks displaces towards the space that results in the severe earthquakes. The cases of massive explosions occur when magma blocks the vent during the volcanic activity.
- Explosion Earthquakes – The main reason for these kinds of explosions is nuclear testing. Men mostly trigger these earthquakes. In the year 1930, numerous small towns and villages were devasted because of the testing of nuclear weapons by the United States.
- Collapse Earthquakes – They occur near underground mines and are generally smaller. In addition, these are called as mines burst. Pressures that are generated within the rocks instigate these earthquakes. These earthquakes mostly prevailed in the small towns where the underground mines are located.
Effects of Earthquake
- Ground Shaking is considered the most familiar experience one finds during the earthquakes. It is the series of seismic waves that hit the ground from a small to large scales. The consequences noted are the damages to the buildings, troubles in standing stable, and destruction of natural habitats in the cases of vigorous shaking.
- When the wave’s movement is actually along with the fault, this leads to the total distortion of the ground. The cases for actively ground ruptures are quite rare. The surface of the earth is left with deep cracks.
- When there occurs a sustainable shaking and direct rupturing of less stable slopes, it gives rise to the phenomenon of landslides.
- Tsunamis, popularly and often called tidal waves, are termed as the most hazardous event. The main cause of this is the movement of the seafloor vertically, causing a series of water waves. The speed of the Tsunami has been measured for more than 700 km/hr. This speed resembles the speed of the jet planes, and it can reach up to 27 meters.
Steps to Control Earthquake
Personal Measures
- When an earthquake occurs under table and door-frames are quite the right place to seek shelter.
- Try not to be in some confined areas. Run in the open area, if possible
- Take preventive measures to avoid risks from liquefaction, landslides, etc.
- Keep a check on the gas lines and pipes, after earthquakes.
- Keep a close connection with the authorities, and try to follow the instructions.
Technical/Biological Measures
- Limited measures to be taken to prevent the damage from secondary effects. As no measures can be taken to prevent earthquakes.
- The design of the buildings should be earthquake resistant.
An earthquake is a disastrous event, which is generally faced by every country around the world. The mortality rate is increasing because of negligence at the time of earthquakes. These shakes the stable ground surface through their seismic waves, which causes buildings to collapse, disrupt transports and services. These seismic waves even can trigger tsunamis. They mainly result from the collision of tectonic plates. Even though this is a deadly phenomenon, preventive measures can be taken to go through them safely.