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How to protect yourself during an Earthquake

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How to protect yourself during an Earthquake

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How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake | Disasters

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https://www.dnr.sc.gov/geology/earthquake-info.html

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Overview

The Palmetto state has a seismic past and will, no doubt, tremble again as quakes shake the ground beneath our feet. Earthquakes are not an uncommon occurrence in South Carolina. ( See the Report on a 3.6 Magnitude Earthquake in the Lowcountry) The South Carolina Geological Survey (SCGS) is interested in making South Carolinians aware of our seismic past, what causes our earthquakes, what is being done to reduce the losses that will result from future quakes, and what you should do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Latest Earthquakes - Last 24 Hours (USGS)
Join the SC Geological Survey in the ShakeOut

Major Historical Earthquakes

Charleston earthquake of 1886

Most people had gone to bed by 9:51 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 1886. They had no way of knowing that shock waves from a massive quake (see Figure 1), estimated magnitude of 7.6, would throw them out of bed. Imagine how bewildered and frightened they must have been as they darted for safety when ceilings gave way and tons of debris rained down about them. Survivors saw that many of Charleston's brick and masonry buildings had crumbled to the ground. Those structures that remained standing bore great cracks and other scars (see Figure 2). Sadly, about 60 people did not survive the quake. It was reported that ground shaking damaged structures as far away as 200 miles from Charleston. This quake was the strongest earthquake known to hit the Eastern Seaboard, and it shook with such force that it was felt over 2 1/2 million square miles (from Cuba to New York, and Bermuda to the Mississippi River).

Union County earthquake of 1913

Twenty-seven years after the 1886 Charleston earthquake and subsequent after shocks, another strong earthquake occurred in South Carolina. This quake was on the afternoon of January 1, 1913, at 1:28 p.m. near the town of Union in Union County with an estimated magnitude of 5.5 (Figure 1). Shock waves moved out from the western portion of South Carolina into adjacent Georgia and North Carolina, and even up into parts of Virginia. Fortunately, damage was minimal and no deaths resulted. This event is significant because it demonstrates that large, destructive earthquakes can strike the Piedmont region.

Prehistoric Earthquakes

In South Carolina, geologists have recently discovered evidence of at least five large paleoearthquakes during the past 5,000 years (Amick and Gelinas, 1991). As shown in Figures 3 and 4, paleoliquefaction features, considered earthquake induced, have been found in South Carolina's coastal area. During a strong earthquake, subsurface saturated sand becomes liquefied and this fluid mass can be ejected to the surface. The resulting liquefaction features, sand blows, vents/fissures, landslide, and differential compaction, are preserved in the soil as evidence of the earthquake's occurrence and strength. Given the necessary conditions, a magnitude 5.5 quake can generate liquefaction features that could cause damage to existing facilities and property.

What causes an earthquake?

Background

An earthquake is the violent shaking of the Earth caused by a sudden movement of rock beneath its surface. Rocks respond to stress (squeezed or pulled apart) near the Earth's surface by breaking, and when rocks move along either side of a fracture, it is called a fault. The land around a fault may shift horizontally, vertically, or a combination of these motions (see Figure 5). The force that causes the stress within the rock is a result of movement of giant sections of the Earth's crust (see Figures 6 and 7).

Plate tectonics

For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of continental drift have reshaped the Earth. Continental drift is based on the idea that the continents bumped into, and slid over and under each other and at some later time broke apart. Today, most people accept the theory that the Earth's crust is on the move, and we call this theory plate tectonics. The crust (lithosphere) is broken into about 12 enormous plates that float on hotter, softer rocks in the underlying mantle (asthenosphere). The Earth's heat drives convection currents in the asthenosphere, moving the plates past one another very slowly. Plates move mere inches annually, carrying the continents and ocean basins with them as they drift about.

The majority of earthquakes worldwide occur at plate boundaries when plates stick and then jump past each other. These quakes often are the ones that are the most destructive and well understood in terms of plate tectonics. The cause of earthquakes in South Carolina is not so clear. South Carolina's quakes are located within a plate rather than at a plate boundary. Perhaps the intraplate quakes felt in South Carolina are the result of stresses transmitted inward from the boundaries of the North American plate. In our state, quakes may occur along ancient plate boundaries where existing faults are reactivated as the tectonic stress is released.

Fault zones

In response to this threat, SCGS has been mapping faults and related geologic structures throughout the state. SCGS has published a map, similar to the very generalized one shown in Figure 8, showing where faults and other geologic structures in South Carolina are located. These and other maps are being produced to increase the public awareness of quake-prone areas.

In South Carolina, approximately 70 percent of the earthquakes occur in the Coastal Plain and most are clustered around three areas west and north of Charleston: Ravenel-Adams Run-Hollywood, Middleton Place-Summerville, and Bowman. These faults and other geologic structures related to the earthquakes are hidden by the thick sequence of sediments. Therefore, few clues to the causes of earthquakes in the Coastal Plain can be found at the surface. To unmask these hidden geologic structures, geologists are using geophysical techniques, recorded seismic activity (see Figure 9), or both. In the Piedmont, studies of surface geology are beginning to offer important clues to the causes of quakes in South Carolina.

Is there a major earthquake in South Carolina's future?

When will the next strong quake occur? The ability to accurately predict when and where earthquakes will occur is not yet available. South Carolinians need to realize that South Carolina faces the possibility of the occurrence of a strong quake having its epicenter within our borders. We also need to realize that a major earthquake anywhere in the Eastern United States could adversely affect us, causing damage.

Seismic-hazard studies

SCGS is now conducting studies to evaluate the geologic response to earthquake-induced motion in an attempt to help reduce the risk to lives and property. An example of these studies is the map showing where the Coastal Plain is most susceptible to severe ground shaking (Figure 10). Once data about an area have been gathered, maps that show levels of risk for an area can be produced. Seismic-risk studies will become more important as a statewide earthquake hazard mitigation strategy is developed.

What can you do to be prepared for the next Earthquake?

Before

Learn first aid procedures.

Learn how to shut off all utilities in your home, and have the necessary tools on hand.

Keep emergency items on hand, including first-aid kit, supply of important medicines, flashlight, battery-powered radio, batteries, three-day supply of water and nonperishable food, and a fire extinguisher.

Use bolts or straps to secure heavy items that might topple over, such as a bookcase, china cabinet, or water heater.

Avoid placing heavy objects on shelves or heavy pictures on walls where they could fall onto a bed.

During

If at home, avoid windows and objects that could fall. If possible, get under a sturdy table, desk, or bed, or stand in a doorway.

If in a public building, avoid stairways and elevators and don't run for exits. Get under a desk or table and avoid outside walls, especially glass walls.

If outside, move to an area where you will be safe from falling trees, utility poles, or debris from buildings.

If driving in a car, avoid bridges, underpasses, and overpasses. Safely bring the car to a stop and turn on the radio for emergency broadcasts.

After

Check for injuries to others and provide assistance as needed.

Check for and extinguish fires, and check for and correct conditions such as spilled gasoline that could lead to a fire.

Check appliances and gas, electric, and water lines for damage, and shut off utilities that are damaged.

If outside, watch out for downed power lines.

Use the telephone only for emergencies.

Be prepared for aftershocks.

References

Amick, D., and Maurath G.,1988, Paleoliquefaction sites in the Charleston, S.C. area field trip guide and road log: in Secor, D.T., Jr., ed., Southeastern geological excursions: Columbia, South Carolina: South Carolina Geological Survey, Geological Society of America, Southern Section, Field Trip Guidebook for 1988, p. 176-189.

McGee, W.J., Sloan, E., Manigault, G.E., Newcomb, S., and others, 1986, First-hand observations of the Charleston earthquake of August 31, 1886, and other earthquake materials (Peters, K. E., and Herrmann, R.B. eds): South Carolina Geological Survey Bulletin 41, 116p.

Earthquakes in Indiana, (no date), Indiana Geological Survey Brochure.

Junior science on file, 1991: Facts on File.

Nishenko, S.P. and Bollinger, G.A., 1990, Forecasting damaging earthquakes in the Central and Eastern United States: Science, v. 249, p. 1412-1416.

Nystrom, P.G., Jr., Assisted by Clendenin, C.W., Jr., and Doar, W.R., III, 1996, Earthquake hazard map of the South Carolina Coastal Plain: South Carolina Geological Survey, General Geologic Map Series, 1p.

Maybin, A.H., Clendenin, C.W., Jr., Assisted by Daniels, D.L., 1998, Structural features map of South Carolina: South Carolina Geological Survey General Geologic Map Series, 1p.

Earthquake Education Center, South Carolina Earthquakes, (no date), Charleston Southern University Booklet.

VanCleave, J.P., 1991, Janice VanCleaves earth science for every kid: 101 experiments that really work: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 231p.

Note: McGee and others (1986) source for Figures 2 through 4 and Figure 9.

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South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Geology Section

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The Palmetto state has a seismic past and will, no doubt, tremble again as quakes shake the ground beneath our feet. Earthquakes are not an uncommon occurrence in South Carolina.

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https://youtu.be/q2mYpmQ8iPw

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South Carolina Earthquake Today | Magnitude 3.1 earthquake Near Summerville, North Charleston

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https://www.coolkidfacts.com/earthquakes-for-kids/

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https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/earthquake

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You feel the ground suddenly shake, and nearby objects are trembling. An earthquake is happening.

Also called a temblor, an earthquake is caused by the movement of parts of the Earth's crust, its outermost layer. They happen millions of times a year, but most are so small people don't even feel them.

But powerful earthquakes can cause landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and other dangerous events. Most damage and deaths happen in places where a lot of people live, because the shaking causes windows to break, structures to collapse, fire to break out, and other dangers.

Learn more about these unpredictable Earth tremors-and what to do if one rattles near you.

How earthquakes develop

The action all starts thousands of miles below your feet.

Picture Earth as a hard-boiled egg: Earth's core is the yolk, and the mantle is the white part. The outer crust is the eggshell.

People live on the surface of the crust. Below the surface-but still within the crust-are tectonic plates. Like gigantic puzzle pieces, these huge slabs of rock encircle the Earth. The seven major plates are named for the regions they rest under: the African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific, and South American tectonic plates

Tectonic plates aren't connected but are close together. Where they meet along their edges is called a fault. When heat from the Earth's core creates currents in the crust, the tectonic plates can scrape, bump, or drag along each other. This is what causes an earthquake-and why the surface sometimes cracks like an eggshell.

How to measure earthquakes

About a half-million quakes rock the Earth every day. Usually the quake is too small, too far below the surface, or too deep in the seafloor to be felt. Some, however, are so powerful they can be felt thousands of miles away.

The spot on the surface just above where an earthquake starts is called the epicenter. Ripples called seismic waves travel out from the epicenter. This causes vibrations that people can feel, sometimes very far from the epicenter.

How far away people can feel an earthquake's vibrations depends on its size, or magnitude. Scientists base the magnitude on the strength and duration of the quake's seismic waves. The higher the number, the more powerful the earthquake: A magnitude 3 to 4.9 earthquake is considered minor; 5 to 6.9 is moderate to strong; 7 to 7.9 is major; and 8 or more is an extremely powerful temblor.

As the crust settles after an earthquake, another temblor called an aftershock can happen. Usually, aftershocks are not as powerful as the first quake but can still be very strong.

Geologists can't predict earthquakes. But they're working to change that with new research and technology.

Where earthquakes happen

Earthquakes occur along faults, the areas where tectonic plates meet. About 80 percent of earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean. Called the Ring of Fire because of the large number of volcanoes there, the area is a meeting point for many tectonic plates.

Earthquakes are also common in California because the region sits on top of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Temblors happen when these two plates grind against each other. About two-thirds of this movement happens along the San Andreas Fault.

Another major earthquake area in the United States is the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which affects Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.

How to survive an earthquake

Earthquakes can happen anytime or anywhere-even if you don't live near a fault. So it's a good idea to prepare.

* Talk with your family about the safest places in your home in case an earthquake hits. This could be under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall (one that is not connected to the outside).

* Look for heavy items that could fall or break during a quake, and move them to safer spots.

* Ask your parents to make sure you have an emergency kit containing things like first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, and a battery-operated radio. Your family should also have enough food and water for at least 72 hours

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: Most earthquakes last only 10 to 30 seconds, so it's important to get to a safe place fast. Remember three things during an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on.

Drop: Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to your shelter.

Cover: Underneath a sturdy table, desk, or bed, cover your head and neck with your arms. If furniture isn't nearby, crouch down on your knees with your arms over your head and neck next to an interior wall. (Don't stand under a doorway-they can easily collapse.)

Hold on: If you're under a piece of furniture, hold on with one hand and move with the furniture if it starts sliding. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: Once the earthquake ends, check for injuries. Listen to a radio for any warnings and instructions from official organizations like the United States Geological Survey. Be prepared for any aftershocks.

Text and images adapted from Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Earthshaking photos, facts, and fun!

(Learn more about earthquakes at National Geographic.)

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Learn the science behind how earthquakes happen-and how you can stay safe if one hits.

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https://www.ducksters.com/science/earthquakes.php

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Kid's learn about the science of earthquakes. What causes them and where they happen.

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https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/science-earthquakes?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

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East Coast quake: A seismologist explains

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The Future of Earthquake-Proof Buildings

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Earthquake Fault Lines in America - ABC News

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How common are Earthquakes in South Carolina?