Earth Hazards: Earthquakes
Volcanoes | Earthquakes | Floods | Landslides
- Text adapted from "A Model of Three Faults" teaching packet
One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects. An earthquake is a sudden movement of the Earth, caused by the abrupt release of strain that has accumulated over a long time. For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the Earth as the huge plates that form the Earth's surface slowly move over, under, and past each other. Sometimes the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release the accumulating energy. When the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free. If the earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Today we are challenging the assumption that earthquakes must present an uncontrollable and unpredictable hazard to life and property. Scientists have begun to estimate the locations and likelihoods of future damaging earthquakes. Sites of greatest hazard are being identified, and definite progress is being made in designing structures that will withstand the effects of earthquakes.
Links with the square icon connects to USGS sites.
Links with the globe icon connects to non-USGS sites. We are happy to provide this link for your convenience. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of non-USGS sites.
Featured Sites
Earthquakes
This 20-page booklet explains the nature and causes of earthquakes. Describes techniques used to detect, record, measure, and predict seismic disturbances.
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Contains extensive research reports, real-time earthquake information, education section, hazards preparedness, and more.
Earthquakes for Kids & Grownups
Contains informative and fun educational activities.
Earthquake Hazards Program Provide and apply relevant earthquake science information and knowledge.
Kids' Earthquake Glossary
National Seismic Hazard Mapping Program View seismic map images.
Geologic Information Geologic and mineral resource surveys and mapping for the Department of the Interior.
USGS Geology in Parks Learn geology basics from touring the national parks.
How Vulnerable Are Seattle Area Lifelines? Lifelines, such as roads and electrical lines, and earthquake hazards in the greater Seattle area.
Table-Top Earthquakes A demonstration of seismology for teachers and students that can be used to expand lessons in earth science, physics, math, social studies, and geography.
How to Build a Model Illustrating Sea-Floor Spreading and Subduction Science project for students.
Media for Science Photo collections of maps, natural disasters, and activities at the USGS.
Earthquakes This 20-page booklet explains the nature and causes of earthquakes. Describes techniques used to detect, record, measure, and predict seismic disturbances.
The San Andreas Fault This 17-page booklet defines the San Andreas Fault and also discusses earthquake magnitude and intensity.
The Severity of an Earthquake Earthquakes are the result of forces deep within the Earth's interior that continuously affect the surface of the Earth. The energy from these forces is stored in a variety of ways within the rocks.
Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes: Past, Present, and Future The volcanic history of the Hawaiian Islands with dramatic, color photographs and diagrams and informative text on Hawaiis active shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
Fire and Mud: Eruptions and Lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines Know all about the eruption history, impacts of the eruption, rocks, and lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines.
Eruptions of Mount St. Helens: Past, Present, and Future Highlights the eruptive history of this composite volcano, reviews its activity since its awakening in 1980, and speculates about its behavior in the future.
Exploring Earthquakes: Online Glossary
Tsunamis and Earthquakes General information on how earthquakes generate tsunamis and summaries of tsunami research using animations and VRML models
Hazards Fact Sheets Documentations and reports of natural disasters.
Earthquake ABC: A Child's View of Earthquake Facts and Feelings A pictorial glossary for young kids with a complementary parents guide.
Earthquakes and Other Natural Hazards Learn about earthquakes and other hazards and find out how to prepare for these hazards.
Animated Map This map shows the combined effect of all six hazards--earthquake, volcanic, landslides, flooding, hurricane, and tornado. Watch as the distribution of each is added to the previous hazards.
Geographic Distribution of Major Hazards in the US Six theme maps showing high risk or relatively frequent actual occurrences of hazards (floods, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions.)
Hazards Links to various hazards reports, including earthquake, volcanoes, flood, landslides, wildfire, wildlife diseases, geomagnetism, and coastal storms and tsunamis.
Windows to the Universe Fun and intriguing site about the earth and space sciences.
Park Geology Teacher's Features Teaching geology with national park examples.
Park Geology Tour of National Parks Learn geology through online tour of national parks.
Geologic animations Animations include plate tectonics, gas, oil, and more.
Learning From the Fossil Record Fun education site about paleontology and earth-science.
A Model of Sea-Floor Spreading Teacher's Guide Make a paper model illustrating the concept of sea-floor spreading.
Earthforce Informative site about forces that cause eruptions, quakes, and floods.
E-cards of Natural Disasters Send e-cards on images of volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.
Earth Science Classroom Activities Classroom activities on geology-related subjects for grades k-3.
The EarthPulse Center Interactive learning tool for earthquake location, magnitude, distribution and forecasting.
American Geological Insititute Education Produce innovative inquiry-based curriculum for K-12 earth science education.
Athena, Earth and Space Science K-12 education page for teachers and students.
Geo Mysteries with Rex, the Dino Detective Fun and interactive geologic site for kids.
SCEC Earthquake Education Module Site for high school- and undergraduate-level students. Contains info, graphics, and activities that explain how earthquakes happen.
Tectonic Plates Education Module Contains information, animations, and student activities about tectonic movements of the Earth's surface.
Volcanoes | Earthquakes | Floods | Landslides
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