Tremoring Tectonic Plates
What is an earthquake?
What causes an earthquake?
On the earth’s crust pieces called tectonic plates are moving slowly, sliding,
pushing and pulling against each other. This creates and builds up pressure which when released causes shock waves which cause cracks and shaking in the ground.
Diagram
A New Zealand earthquake.
In New Zealand an earthquake happened in Kaikoura, it was a 7.8 on the
richter scale and over 20 fault ruptures occurred, It had the greatest ground
acceleration. The south island moved closer to the north island by 5 metres
and some of the south island was uplifted by as much as 8 metres.
Preparations
If a strong or long earthquake occurs inside get under a doorway or quickly
get under the table curl up into a ball and hold onto the legs of the table. If
your outside curl up into a ball and cover your neck. Next turn on the T.V or
radio to see if there is a tsunami warning. If there is a tsunami warning there needs to be 3 litres of water per person per day add in 5 drops of household bleach with no scent because that would make people sick, wait for 30 minutes before drinking. Other things you need are
- Food
- Portable gas cooker
- Important documents
- Radio
- Medications if you need them
- Pet food if you have pets.
Maori connection/Interesting facts
- Ruaumoko is the god of earthquakes.
- Tectonic plates move as fast as your toenails grow
An earthquake is very dangerous shaking and trembling inside the earth. People must be prepared for natural disasters, you can't tell when an earthquake is going to occur.
Bibliography
Well Ann, Earthquakes 2004
By Lyriq
