Tsunami Coursework
Info and Causes
Time and date was December 26, 2004, at 07:58:50 local time. The magnitude of the earthquake was 9.2 for 5 minutes. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes for 100 years. The fault ruptured on the subduction zone of the Indian (Eurasian) plate and the Sunda plate (Indonesian plate). The plates usually move 6.2cm per year. The epicentre was 20 kilometres deep under the sea(very shallow!), 250km off the coast of Indonesia near the city of Banda Ache.
The earthquake caused the Indonesian plate to suddenly jolt upwards at least 5metres. The sudden movement of the plate under the sea caused the giant wave called a tsunami (5-40metres high).
Primary Effects
The tsunami travelled at speed across the Indian ocean affecting at least 12 nations, with Indonesia suffering the greatest damage. In all, close to 250,000 people died with millions homeless.
In Aceh close to the epicentre, 131,000 people were confirmed dead and 37,000 missing. With more than 80,000 houses sustaining major damage or collapse, the More than 500,000 people were displaced from their homes in Sumatra alone. In addition to the massive damage to housing, utilities, roads, and bridges, the disaster significantly disrupted the communities and the government of affected areas. Aceh was particularly affected by the tsunami because it it low lying, which meant the waves came in carrying debris up to a mile inland. Many of the buildings were traditional and made of wood so were easily swept away by the waves.
Banda Aceh was the only major city that experienced earthquake-shaking damage. One- to two-story, traditional, concrete frame and wood-frame buildings survived well and were largely undamaged by the strong ground shaking. However, because the earthquake lasted so long, motions caused serious damage to, or the collapse of, buildings more than three stories high.
Secondary Effects
Spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery and diphtheria due to
Time and date was December 26, 2004, at 07:58:50 local time. The magnitude of the earthquake was 9.2 for 5 minutes. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes for 100 years. The fault ruptured on the subduction zone of the Indian (Eurasian) plate and the Sunda plate (Indonesian plate). The plates usually move 6.2cm per year. The epicentre was 20 kilometres deep under the sea(very shallow!), 250km off the coast of Indonesia near the city of Banda Ache.
The earthquake caused the Indonesian plate to suddenly jolt upwards at least 5metres. The sudden movement of the plate under the sea caused the giant wave called a tsunami (5-40metres high).
Primary Effects
The tsunami travelled at speed across the Indian ocean affecting at least 12 nations, with Indonesia suffering the greatest damage. In all, close to 250,000 people died with millions homeless.
In Aceh close to the epicentre, 131,000 people were confirmed dead and 37,000 missing. With more than 80,000 houses sustaining major damage or collapse, the More than 500,000 people were displaced from their homes in Sumatra alone. In addition to the massive damage to housing, utilities, roads, and bridges, the disaster significantly disrupted the communities and the government of affected areas. Aceh was particularly affected by the tsunami because it it low lying, which meant the waves came in carrying debris up to a mile inland. Many of the buildings were traditional and made of wood so were easily swept away by the waves.
Banda Aceh was the only major city that experienced earthquake-shaking damage. One- to two-story, traditional, concrete frame and wood-frame buildings survived well and were largely undamaged by the strong ground shaking. However, because the earthquake lasted so long, motions caused serious damage to, or the collapse of, buildings more than three stories high.
Secondary Effects
Spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery and diphtheria due to