The epicenter of an earthquake is ... The magnitude of an earthquake

An earthquake called any shakesurface of the planet that arises suddenly. It occurs due to the passage of seismic waves through the crust. The epicenter of an earthquake is the place where shaking begins. Oscillations will spread from it in all directions, which often cause many problems to humanity.

Most earthquakes rarely occur.strong, but it occurs. As a result, human sacrifices are observed, as well as property destroyed or completely destroyed. Countries and states have to spend a lot of money to restore damaged cities.

Earthquake types

In modern times and the recent past (last century), seismic activity could have been caused by two different reasons:

1. Natural phenomena.These can be shifts of the earth plates, geological faults, and also volcanic activity. As a rule, to predict when and where such an event will occur is impossible. And even with the most advanced technological devices. Scientists can only draw conclusions based on past seismic activity data.
2. Phenomena caused by the activities of mankind. It may be destruction in mines or mineral deposits, nuclear explosions or experiments.

Immediately should pay attention directlyalthough natural causes are extremely rare, but they cannot be completely excluded, of course. As for the activities of people, it most often affects the state of the planet, which responds to them with various disasters, including earthquakes.

Determination of the epicenter

Planet shakes occur virtually everyday, only they are so minimal that a person can hardly feel them. Therefore, it is often quite difficult to determine exactly where the epicenter of an earthquake is located. This is done on the basis of data received from seismographs installed at three different stations. Or these devices can be used within one scientific enterprise.

In fact, the relevant scientists of our timeall existing seismic zones are known. That is why they can locate stations so that there is always the opportunity to quickly determine the epicenter. It is easy to cope with such a task only if the earthquake is strong and hurt a vast territory.

Accurate definition of epicenters is an important task.seismographs. This is because they repeat from time to time. Therefore, the more accurate the data, the better it will be possible to calculate the probability of the next oscillations.

Earthquake power

In order to determine the strength of the oscillations of the plates of the planet, it takes two values:

1. Magnitude
2. Intensity.

The magnitude of an earthquake is determined byseismograph. It turns out, relying on the energy with which the plates oscillate, and amplitude. The strength of the earthquake will depend on the second indicator. The remaining parameters also affect damage or destruction, but to a lesser extent.

The intensity of the earthquake is the sameshaking soils directly on the surface. That is, the epicenter can be located deep beneath the cortex. And when the vibrations break out, they can lose their power. Thus, the focus of the earthquake can be strong, but it will decrease until it reaches the place of residence of mankind.

As for strength, there is a scale of 12points The first is not felt by anyone. Starting with 4 points, a person not only feels shaken, but also various objects are damaged, for example, dishes or glass. And level 11-12 is felt strongly, as everything that people have ever built is destroyed.

How to find the epicenter

Поскольку эпицентр землетрясения – это начало shaking and vibrations, finding it is not always possible quickly. Everything will depend on how modern the seismograph is installed at the station. He is engaged in fixing the activity. At first, waves P are picked up, followed by S. The most recent are recorded L. These waves play a decisive role in the level of damage. Accordingly, the more sensitive the seismograph, the faster it will be possible to catch vibrations, and, probably, evacuate most of the people.

Scientists are still trying to answer the question ofwhere the next earthquake will occur. However, it is difficult to calculate, it is often not even possible. At least, until more sensitive seismographs are invented relative to current ones.

The most destructive earthquakes of the 21st century

К сожалению, в природе встречаются землетрясения, the occurrence of which carries with it disastrous consequences. It happened in Japan in 2011. Then, March 11 began shaking 9 points. She not only claimed the lives of thousands of people, but also caused an accident at the Fukushima-1 nuclear station. For this reason, many more people have suffered than from the usual similar earthquake.

A bit earlier, in 2010, the island of Haiti also experienced a strong shaking (7 points). According to modern data, 200 thousand people died, and the capital was completely destroyed.

In 2008, a disaster struck in China.Then seismographs recorded 8 points. The victims were about 70 thousand people, but only because the shaking began in the province. If it were a big city, then many more people would have died.

Large earthquakes are quite rare, no more than once a year. But small shocks are recorded by extremely sensitive seismographs almost every day.

Conclusion

So the epicenter of an earthquake is the onethe point that gives rise to seismic vibrations. Modern devices allow you to quickly find the place in question. The collection of such information will be required so that seismographs scientists can subsequently determine the occurrence of earthquakes. Accordingly, these data will allow to warn people in a timely manner, to take measures to minimize human and property victims.