Earthquakes: the Same Effects, but Differing Responses

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Earthquakes: the Same Effects, but Differing Responses

Earthquakes are the result of energy release within the earth's crust, as well as an immense natural hazard greatly affecting people - despite whether it is a more or less economically developed country. However, the way in which responses occur may differ between these regions.

Underlying friction is the initial cause of earthquakes. As tectonic plates begin to shift, they are resistant and still held together by friction - whether with another plate, or the mantle. However, the force to shift the plate continues despite the friction against this force, until the force overpowers the friction and the plate moves; causing many impacts. Some include shaking and ground rupture; resulting in more or less damage to infrastructure, landslides and avalanches; which can occur if slopes are produced from the earthquake; and fires, if the earthquake causes damage to electrical power or gas lines. Other impacts include those caused by water - such as a tsunami; if the earthquake has caused sudden or abrupt movement of large masses of water, and floods; which occur from an overflow of water onto land. Lastly, humans can be impacted as earthquakes can cause