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Earthquakes, Page 1 |
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earthquakes note: there are variations in how different browsers display the text such as between internet explorer and firefox. |
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About |
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An earthquake is an eruption of energy or shaking of the ground occurring when two or more plates (located under the earth's surface) intersect or rub against each other. Depending upon the movement, the result can be minor or catastrophic. Most earthquakes in the United States have been minor while China, Japan and the Middle East have had their share of catastrophic earthquakes. |
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The movement of the plates cause the surface above them to violently shake. Earthquakes don't happen suddenly; the tension builds up for years. The edges of these plates are called faults. One of the most well known of these is the San Andreas fault. |
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Sometimes, the shifting of these plates can sent out shock waves powerful enough to: (1) create fizzures in the Earth's surface that can end up changing the flow of rivers, create holes in the ground, or change rock formations and (2) damage homes and buildings as well as break power and gas lines. |
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Damage can be mitigated if structures are built and maintained to strict building codes and land use standards. Some states in the United States have begun or have retrofilled existing structures to comply with these codes and standards. |
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While there are proponents on either side, the truth is that predicting earthquakes is hardly an exact science. When an earthquake occurs and its magnitude (strength) by data based on probabilities is what science can offer. The experts in the field use a variety of conventional and unconventional methods to predict when an earthquake may occur. |
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Before |
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Here are some precautions you should take before an earthquake happens:
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