7th grade Science Project
3/21/2016
2015 Earthquake in Chile On September 17th, 2015 a powerful earthquake that shook Chile. It was said to have a magnitude of 8.5, killing about 5 people, injuring many, and destroying hundreds of homes, businesses, and land mass. Along with the damage came the after mass of power loss, damage, and flooding along with tsunamis. There were 12 aftershocks that could be felt 145 miles away from the originating site. Chile is known to have earthquakes, but none have compared to this one. Since 1973, Chile has had approximately 12 with magnitudes of 7.0 and above. So this should not have come to a shock to the residents both near and far. Millions of people evacuated the area in a short period …show more content…
This scale shows how damage to buildings and surroundings caused by the earthquake. Chile’s earthquake was measured with an intensity of sSevere being a ‘9 Violent’ which caused damage to structures that were well framed and designed, as well as great damage with partial collapse of buildings and houses that may have shifted off their foundations. Another way to measure the earthquake is using the Richter scale which is measured by the magnitude of the earthquakes waves by seismographs. The 2015 Chile earthquake was measured at a 8.4 meaning that great destruction such as falling buildings, cracks in the ground and waves seen on the surface according to the U.S Geological Studies. Surface waves produce ground movement similar to waves in the water. These waves make the ground roll similar to the ocean waves causing buildings to shake and move side to …show more content…
States, Countries, and cities need to prepare their residents to make sure everyone knows what to do in these emergencies. Partnerships need to be had between governors, and program directors to get help to those who need it in these situations. Geologists are continuing the studies of earthquakes in order to better prepare the world of their occurrences and ability to give advance notice. Who knows maybe one day scientists will be able to see them coming months in advance by the shifting of the Eearth’s faults.
Bibliography
Chile Eathquake. World News, 17 Sept. 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. .
"M8.3 - 48km W of Illapel, Chile." M8.3 - 48km W of Illapel, Chile. N.p., 17 Sept. 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. .
Shoichet, Cathrine E., and Rafael Romo. "Chile Earthquake: 8.3-magnitude Quake Strikes off Coast." CNN. Cable News Network, 17 Sept. 2015. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. .
"Thrust Fault." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.