Introduction
What is an Earthquake?
Why and Where?
Seismic Waves
How We Measure Them
Locating Earthquakes
Measuring the Size of an Earthquake
Intensity
The Structure of the Earth
The Biggest and the Deadliest
Earthquakes in the UK
Links to Seismology Information
Printable PDF of Earthquakes Booklet (2.7 MB) |
Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural
hazards. There are around 100 earthquakes each year
of a size that could cause serious damage. They
strike without warning and many of the Earth’s
earthquake zones coincide with areas of high
population density. When large earthquakes occur in
such areas the results can be catastrophic, with
terrible loss of human lives and untold economic
cost.
Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves. The
seismograph records the seismic waves generated by earthquakes,
allowing the seismologist to determine where, and how deep, a
particular earthquake is. Also, the seismic waves from earthquakes can
be used to image the deep interior of the Earth, providing vital clues
to the internal structure of our planet.
This booklet will explain: what an earthquake is;
why and where they occur; how the vibrations from an
earthquake travel as waves through the Earth; how we
measure them; the Earth’s largest and most
damaging earthquakes; and, earthquakes in the
UK.
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