Earth Science: Earthquake and Disaster Management - Term Paper Example

An earthquake is said to occur as a result of the abrupt release of energy from the crust of the earth which creates seismic waves (Bou-Rabee & VanMarcke 2001). They may also be referred to as quakes, temblors, or tremors, and their frequency, size, and type usually vary from one geographical location to another. Earthquakes are usually of varying magnitudes, depending on the amount of energy released from the crust of the earth. The higher the magnitude of an earthquake, the higher the damage it is likely to cause in an area, depending on its depth.

A shallow earthquake is known to cause more damage to structures appearing on the surface of the earth. Earthquakes are usually seen on the earth's surface when they either shake or displace the ground. They may cause many disasters such as tsunamis, volcanic activities, and landslides among others. In a general sense, an earthquake is said to be any seismic activity or event, either be natural or caused by man, which generates seismic waves. They are mostly caused by the rupture of geological faults but they may also be caused by activities such as nuclear activities or tests, mine blasts, landslides, and volcanic activity among others (Train 2009).

It is important to note that the study of earthquakes is important due to a number of reasons. Earthquakes are known to be very disastrous and hazardous, killing people, plants and animals, while destroying property and structures found on the earth’s surface. Research shows that current instruments and technology have been able to detect that there are over 500,000 earthquakes that occur at different places all over the world yearly. Out of these 500,000 earthquakes, more than 100,000 can actually be felt.

This means that people must be prepared to deal with earthquakes and handle the effects in case they occur. Earthquakes are dangerous since they lead to loss of life and destruction of property.