Earthquake called any shake the planet's surface, which occurs suddenly.It is due to the passage through the bark of the seismic waves.The epicenter of the earthquake - it is a place where begins shaking.From all sides it will spread fluctuations, which often deliver a lot of problems of humanity.
The majority of earthquakes are rarely strong, but this happens.As a result, there are casualties, as well as destroyed or completely destroyed property.Countries and states have to spend a lot of money to rebuild the damaged city.
types of earthquakes in modern and recent past (the last century), the seismic activity could be caused by two different reasons:
- natural phenomenon.It may be shifts the earth plates, geological faults, and volcanic activity.Typically, to predict when and where such an event occurs, it is impossible.And even with the most modern technological devices.Scientists can draw conclusions only based on the data of past seismic activity.
- phenomena caused by human activity.It may be the destruction of mines or mineral deposits, nuclear explosions or experiments.
should immediately draw the attention directly to the fact that natural causes are rare, but exclude them completely, of course, impossible.With regard to the activities of people, it often affects the state of the planet, which responds to them by various disasters, including earthquakes.
Determination epicenter
Shake planet actually occur every day, but they are so minimal that one almost can not feel them.So often quite difficult to determine exactly where the epicenter.This is done on the basis of data received from geophones installed at three different stations.Alternatively, these devices may be used within a scientific enterprise.
In fact, the relevant scientists of today are known all existing seismic belt.That is why they can have the station so that has always been the ability to quickly determine the epicenter.Easy to cope with this task can only be the case if a strong earthquake and hurt a vast territory.
precise definition of the epicenters - important task of seismographs.This is due to the fact that they are repeated from time to time.Therefore, the more accurate the data obtained, the better it will be possible to calculate the probability of these oscillations.
Earthquake
In order to determine the strength of the oscillation plates of the planet, requires two values:
- magnitude.
- intensity.
magnitude earthquake is determined by a seismograph.It turns out, based on the energy that fluctuate plate, and amplitude.On the second indicator, and will depend on the power of an earthquake.Other parameters also affect the damaged or destroyed, but to a lesser extent.
intensity of the earthquake is the shaking of the ground directly on the surface.That is, the epicenter can be located deep under the bark.And when vibrations welling out, they can lose their power.Thus, the earthquake may be strong, but it will decrease until it reaches the place of residence of mankind.
As for power, then there is a scale of 12 points.First nobody there.Beginning with 4 points, the person not only feels the shaking but also damaged various items, such as dishes or glass.And the level of 11-12 felt strongly since destroyed everything ever built people.
How to find the epicenter
Since the epicenter of the earthquake - it started shaking and vibrations, to find it can not always be fast.Everything will depend on how the modern seismograph installed at the station.It is engaged in fixing activity.First caught the wave P, after which sends most recent fixed S. L. These waves play a critical role in the level of damage.Accordingly, the more sensitive the seismograph, the faster it will be possible to catch the vibrations and probably most of the people evacuated.
Scientists are still trying to answer the question about where the next earthquake will occur.However, it is difficult to calculate and often not even possible.At least as long until the invented more sensitive seismometers on current.
most destructive earthquake of the 21st century
Unfortunately, in nature there are earthquakes, the occurrence of which shall entail disastrous consequences.It happened in Japan in 2011.Then, on March 11 began shaking 9 points.It not only killed thousands of people and caused an accident at the nuclear plant Fukushima-1.For this reason, it suffered a lot more people than usual like an earthquake.
Earlier, in 2010 on the island of Haiti also occurred violent shaking (7 points).According to current figures, it killed 200 thousand. People, and the capital was completely destroyed.
In 2008, a disaster occurred in China.Then seismographs recorded 8 points.The victims were about 70 thousand. Man, but only because the shaking started in the province.If it was a big city, then killed a lot more people.
Large earthquakes are rare, no more frequently than once a year.But small tremors recorded particularly sensitive seismographs almost every day.
Conclusion
Thus, the epicenter of the earthquake - this is the point which gives rise to seismic vibrations.Modern tools allow you to quickly find a place considered.Collection of such information is required to ensure that scientists can later seismographs detect the occurrence of earthquakes.Accordingly, these data will allow to warn people to take measures to minimize human and property of victims.
