Sc300 Unit 4 Earthquake

An Earthquake is caused by movement in the tectonic plates that make up Earth’s crust. The constant nature of this movement causes a buildup of energy which is stored in rocks in fault lines. The stored energy is eventually released and a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth is a result. Earthquakes occur every day, but not all of them are felt. So, how do we know that an Earthquake has occurred? We use a tool called a seismograph to measure if and when an Earthquake occurs. A weight or internal mass will hang from a spring with a marking tool on it, over paper. When an earthquake occurs the mass will stay still and the marking tool will show up on the paper as the paper moves. This is how an earthquake is measured. The measurements on the paper have given scientist a measuring system called a Richter scale. The measurements on the Richter scale start with a 1 (not felt) to a 10 (widespread devastation). Knowing these facts about Earthquakes should help individuals decide what guidelines to use when it comes to their location. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) gives the world a quick look at the Earthquake zones and the chances of an Earthquake in your area. The USGS Map shows low risk to high risk areas, with a color code from White (lowest), Blue, Green Yellow, Orange, light Red and Dark Red (highest)

In researching earthquake patterns in the United States, it is noticed that The Western Coast (Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California) has the largest land coverage for possible seismic activity. Also the outlying States, Alaska and Hawaii, also are at risk of earthquakes. All of the West Coast and the Outlying states are part of a zone of earthquakes surrounding the Pacific Ocean called, the ring of fire. Also noticed where two more red zones on the USGS map (2008) in the middle of the United States and in South Carolina. The New Madrid Seismic Zone located near the Mississippi River where Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and...