Dangerous and Natural Energy

Alvira Levine

SC300 Unit 4 Assignment

Dangerous and Natural Energy

Professor A Rennie

July 6, 2011

Earthquakes are one the most destructive natural disasters that result in devastating after-effects. Earthquakes occur when the plates that form the earth’s surface move past or over each other, causing the energy contained inside to be released. The vibration of the earth’s surface followed by the release of this energy is an earthquake.

In the continental United States the pattern for earthquake distribution is located primarily along the western coastline. This region forms a part of what is known as the “Ring of Fire” that stretches all around the Pacific Ocean. Even though earthquake activity is more concentrated here, it is not uncommon across the United States. Evidence of such activity stretches all the way to the North Eastern part of the country. In the state of Connecticut the most severe earthquake in this state’s history occurred at East Haddam on May 16, 1791. Compared to other states in the region, the lack of strong earthquakes suggests an area of very minor activity making it a low risk area.

Even though minor earthquakes are reported from every corner of the globe, the more serious occurrences appear along the Pacific Coast. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world. Most fault lines are located in this area making it vulnerable to earthquake activity. Fault lines are the borders between two tectonic plates. The continuous movement of these plates (plate tectonics), is what causes earthquakes and volcanoes and it’s also responsible for some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

The interactive map provided by the USGS reports the strongest recent activity in the region of Indonesia. This event reviewed by a seismologist measured about 5.1 magnitude and occurred at a depth of 52 km. Indonesia, located in a red zone, has a long history of lethal earthquakes. My decision not...