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KEY POINTS

How volcanoes form

Effect of volcanoes: carpet of ash

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How Volcanoes Form

In 1980 in Washington, after 123 years of hibernation, Mount St. Helens erupted. The blast destroyed and scorched 230 square miles (370 square kilometers) of forest within minutes. The eruption released an avalanche of hot ash, gas, steam, and rocks that mowed down giant trees up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

Volcanoes erupt in different ways. Some, like Mount St. Helens, explode. Explosive eruptions are so powerful, they can shoot particles 20 miles up (32 kilometers), hurl 8-ton boulders more than a half mile (0.8 kilometers) away, and cause massive landslides. Explosive eruptions also create an avalanche of hot volcanic debris, ash, and gas that bulldozes everything in its path. Explosive volcanoes cause most of the volcano-related fatalities.

Volcanoes, like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, are effusive. Rather than a violent explosion, lava pours or flows out. Fatalities from effusive volcanoes are rare because people can usually outrun the lava. However, some people get too close or become trapped with no escape. The flowing lava burns, melts, and destroys everything it touches including farms, houses, and roads.

A volcanic eruption forever changes the landscape. Though volcanoes destroy, they also create mountains, islands, and, eventually, incredibly fertile land.

Carpet of Ash

Volcanic eruptions can cause damage hundreds of miles away. Volcanic ash causes airplane engines to fail, destroys crops, contaminates water, and damages electronics and machinery. The ash carpets the ground, burying everything, sometimes even causing buildings to collapse. Mount St. Helens produced more than 490 tons of ash that fell over a 22,000 square mile (56,980 square kilometer) area and caused problems in cities 370 miles (600 kilometers) away.

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When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

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KEY POINTS:

A volcano is a hazard caused by plate tectonics.

Volcanic eruptions have both primary effects (such as the destruction of buildings) and secondary effects (such as homelessness).

There are ways of reducing the effects of volcanic eruptions by, for example, planning, predicting and preparing.

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Tectonic hazards and volcanoes guide for KS3 geography students

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Learn what the tectonic hazards resulting from volcanoes are, responses to them and how to reduce risk in this guide for KS3 geography students aged 11-14 from BBC Bitesize.

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KEY POINTS:

How a volcanic mountain is formed

What causes a volcanic eruption

Different rock types

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Volcanic mountains and rock

Volcanic mountains are formed when lava erupts on to the Earth's surface then cools and solidifies.
In this article you can learn about:

How a volcanic mountain is formed

What causes a volcanic eruption

Different rock types

This resource is suitable for Landscapes topics for primary school learners.

Video - Volcanic mountains

Join Isla and Connor as they explore volcanic mountains and different types of rock in Edinburgh.

Video Transcript Video Transcript

CONNOR: Look, Edinburgh Castle!

ISLA: Aren't we looking for a volcano? What have volcanoes got to do with Edinburgh?

CONNOR: Castle Rock, the hill underneath Edinburgh Castle, is actually the neck of an old volcano. The rock formed about 350 million years ago - way before Edinburgh, or even people, were around!

ISLA: Wow, you can really see how high up it is from here.

CONNOR: And there's Arthur's Seat, which, guess what?

ISLA: Was a volcano?

CONNOR: Exactly!

ISLA: Ok, this is impressive, you've got to explain please!

CONNOR: The surface of the Earth is called the crust and it is made up of different plates, pieces that fit together and float about on a layer of melted rock. This liquid rock, or magma, rises through cracks or weaknesses in the Earth's crust.

When this pressure is released, for example as a result of plate movement, magma shoots to the surface causing a volcanic eruption.

Above the ground the liquid rock is called lava and as it cools it forms a new crust. Over time, after several eruptions, the rock builds up and a volcano forms.

So here at Castle Rock - and Arthur's Seat - you can see old volcanic mountains.

ISLA: Are there other parts of Scotland like this too?

CONNOR: Yes! Stirling Castle sits on top of a hill just like this - also a volcano! And there's one in Glencoe too, which used to be a supervolcano, which means a really massive volcano that has a huge explosive force.

ISLA: A supervolcano, in Scotland?

CONNOR: Don't worry, it's not going to explode - it's not an active volcano anymore.

ISLA: Phew! That's good to know!

ISLA: Oh this is the Scottish Parliament.

Look at this wall Connor - it includes the three different types of rock: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. These are different rocks from across Scotland with geological or historical significance.

CONNOR: This section, the igneous rock, is what Edinburgh Castle sits on top of!

Igneous rocks form when magma cools underground or erupts at the surface as lava. The magma rises into the Earth's crust, where it can get trapped underground or erupt from volcanoes as molten lava.

As magma or lava cools it forms a tough rock that is resistant to erosion, which means the rocks are so hard that they aren't worn away by water, ice or wind.

ISLA: Ahh so, basically, igneous rocks form when magma or lava cools. Great information - thanks Connor, you rock!

Let's get a closer look of Edinburgh Castle before we have to go.

I wonder what kind of rock the castle is built from?

CONNOR: Sedimentary rock is a soft rock type. It erodes, wears away, fairly easily.

ISLA: It says here that Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, and the Castle, are mostly build of local sandstone. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, which is a softer type of rock. It erodes, or wears away, fairly easily but it is also easy to carve which makes it good stone for building with.

But Castle Rock is an igneous rock intrusion, which is much harder and more resistant to erosion. That's why it towers above Edinburgh and gives the castle a clear defensive position.

What a view - who knew volcanoes and rocks could be so important to building a city?

A volcano is formed when hot rock escapes from an opening in the . This opening is called a .

When molten rock is underneath or within the Earth's crust, it is known as magma. When it erupts above the surface, it is known as lava.

After a volcanic eruption, lava cools down and . This becomes hard .

As this happens over and over again, the rock builds up in layers to create the cone shape of a volcano.

There are no active volcanoesactive volcano A volcano with a recent history of eruptions that is likely to erupt again. in Scotland today but many features in Scotland's landscape were formed by volcanoes millions of years ago.

What are the three types of rocks?

When erupts on to the Earth's surface and cools down, it solidifies to form .

Castle Rock in Edinburgh and Castle Rock in Stirling are both made of a type of igneous rock called dolerite.

The other main rock types are:

Learn more about different types of rock with Isla and Connor: Rock types

Key words about volcanic mountains and rock

crust - The outer layer of the Earth. The crust is the solid rock layer upon which we live.

tectonic plates - Large slabs that fit together to make up the Earth's crust.

magma - Extremely hot liquid rock below or within the Earth's crust.

lava - Hot liquid rock when it is above the Earth's surface.

volcano - An opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, volcanic ash, and gases can escape.

volcanic eruption - When lava and gas shoot up through a volcanic vent.

super volcano - A massive volcano that has huge explosive force.

active volcano - A volcano with a recent history of eruptions that is likely to erupt again.

extinct volcano - A volcano that is not expected to erupt in the future.

igneous rock - A very hard rock type that is difficult to erode. It is formed when magma cools under the surface or lava cools above the surface after an eruption.

sedimentary rock - A soft rock type that erodes easily.

metamorphic rock - A rock that started out as some other type of rock, but has changed from its original form. For example, it can change because of high heat or high pressure.

sandstone - A type of sedimentary rock that wears away fairly easily but is easy to carve. This means it is good for building with.

erosion - Wearing away of materials.

Design your own castle.
Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle were both built on top of ancient volcanoes. The steep cliffs and high rocks of a volcanic mountain made it difficult for enemies to attack and helped the defenders inside look out for attackers.

Research castles to find out what other defensive features castles often had then design your own castle! You could draw, paint or build it.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

Building up high

Tall towers

Battlements

Arrow slits

Drawbridges

Find out more by working through a topic

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How are volcanic mountains and volcanic rocks formed

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Find out how tectonic movement create volcanic mountains with this BBC Bitesize Scotland article for P5, P6, P7 - Second Level CfE

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KEY POINTS:

What to do during a volcanic eruption

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Taranaki Civil Defence and Emergency Management

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During a volcanic eruption:

Listen to the radio for civil defence advice and follow instructions

If outside at the time of eruption, seek shelter in a car or a building. If caught in volcanic ashfalls, wear a dust mask or use a handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth

Stay indoors as volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory difficulties such as asthma or bronchitis

When indoors, close all windows and doors to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Place damp towels at thresholds

Seal off any air intakes and if you have air conditioning, shut it down

Protect your electronics from volcanic ash damage. (Volcanic ash is abrasive and mildly corrosive, and it can damage your computer and electronic systems)

Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls

If you have to go outside, use protective gear such as masks and goggles and keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Wear eyeglasses, not contact lenses as these can cause corneal abrasions

Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank

Stay out of designated restricted zones.

The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), the US Cities and Volcanoes Commission, New Zealand's GNS Science and the US Geological Survey have prepared guidelines for those who experience volcanic ashfall. The guidelines include procedures to follow if warning of a volcanic ashfall is given, recommendations about what to do during ashfall, and what methods are most effective for cleaning up volcanic ash after the event.
Facemasks
The most effective respiratory protection for adults is to wear a well-fitting, industry-certified facemask such as a N95 mask (also called P2, FFP2 or DS2 in different parts of the world). The certification will be printed on the mask. Such masks are usually disposable.

These are highly efficient at filtering ash and are usually designed to fit adult faces well, but may be too big for children.

Due to their tight fit, they may feel uncomfortable.

Using highly effective masks can make breathing harder; if you have existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease, talk to a health professional about whether such masks are suitable for you.

These masks come in many different shapes and sizes. Some fold out into a mask shape and some have a ready-made cup-shape. Some have a valve on the front to improve comfort by letting warm, humid air out. If fitted well to the face, all of these masks will be highly effective at filtering ash.

Some non-certified facemasks state that they are designed to filter 'PM 2.5 ' (small particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter), which is likely to be the most harmful fraction of the ash.

These are probably highly efficient at filtering ash but are often not designed to fit well to the face and so may not be very effective

For more information on what types of mask protect against ashfall click here(external link)

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Listen to the radio for civil defence advice and follow instructions If outside at the time of eruption, seek shelter in a car or a building.

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Questions to think about:

What do you think is coming out of the volcano?

How is the smoke affecting the sunlight?

What could happen to the cities and farms?

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Questions to think about:

How could all the ash impact farming?

Will agriculture suffer? How so?

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Questions to think about:

What is the difference between the two photos?

What do you think happened to all the penguins during the volcanic eruption?

What happened to the vegetation (plants)?

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Questions to consider:

What is that black stuff in the forest?

What temperature is the lava (hot/cold)?

What is it doing to the forest?

What other natural disaster could happen as a consequence of this lava (earthquake/ storm/ forest fire)?

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KEY POINTS:

Parts of an earthquake

Definitions

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Jump to main content

Although the ground beneath us seems solid, it's actually in constant motion. We usually don't see it, but we can experience it through earthquakes.

Earth's crust is broken up into irregular pieces called tectonic plates. These large pieces of crust were formed by the combination of gravity and rising heat from Earth's core. There are seven major plates and many smaller ones, all moving in relation to each other. The lithosphere refers to the crust and upper mantle that make up these plates.

As tectonic plates move past each other along fault zones, they sometimes get stuck. Pressure builds, and when the plates finally give and slip, energy is released as seismic waves, causing the ground to shake. This is an earthquake.

The focus is the place inside Earth's crust where an earthquake originates. The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus is the epicenter. When energy is released at the focus, seismic waves travel outward from that point in all directions. There are different types of seismic waves, each one traveling at varying speeds and motions. It's these waves that you feel during an earthquake.

Vocabulary

Fault: A fracture in the rocks that make up the Earth's crust

Epicenter: The point at the surface of the Earth above the focus

Plates: Massive rocks that make up the outer layer of the Earth's surface and whose movement along faults triggers earthquakes

Seismic waves: Waves that transmit the energy released by an earthquake

Focus (Hypocenter): The point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts

Year-End Resilience Drive

All Gifts Matched 5x!

This year's closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched 5x, up to $200,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.

Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.

Match my gift

Year-End Resilience Drive

All Gifts Matched!

This year's closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched, up to $100,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.

Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.

Match my gift

Our doors are closed...

...but our penguins are still counting on you. Make a matched Giving Tuesday gift to support the care and conservation of the Academy's animal residents.

All gifts up to $50,000 will be doubled to make twice the impact for our penguin colony - but only until midnight on December 1.

Match My Gift

Learn more about our closure.

Tickets on sale now!

We're thrilled to announce that the Academy will reopen to the public on March 17, with advance access for members and donors on March 15-16. All guests, including members, must reserve timed-entry tickets online in advance.

As always, your safety is our top priority, and enhanced health and safety measures will be in effect:

Masks must be worn properly by all guests ages 3+ at all times.

Maintain 6' of physical distance at all times.

Some exhibits, including the planetarium, remain temporarily closed.

Reservations are required for the rainforest and Shake House.

Click the link below to view important safety information and reserve tickets. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Know Before You Go

The Academy is temporarily closed.

The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. In accordance with local and state public health guidelines, the Academy is closed to the public until further notice. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.

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Learn about all the individual elements and forces that make up an earthquake.

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KEY POINTS:

How earthquakes happen

How to measure an earthquake

Where they happen in the world

How you can stay safe

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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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KEY POINTS:

Layers of the earth

How an earthquake happens

Scale and impact (affect)

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The structure of the Earth

The Earth is made up of different layers:

the core at the centre, which is mainly metal

the mantle, which is mainly rock

the crust, which is the part we can see

The crust (together with the upper layer of the mantle) is made up of different pieces, called tectonic plates. These plates fit together like a jigsaw and are moving at a rate of a few centimetres a year, in different directions and at different speeds.

Some plates slide past each other, others move away from each other and some bump into each other.

Sometimes these plates lock together when they meet. This is called a plate boundary or a fault line.

What happens during an earthquake?

As plates move in different directions over long periods of time, friction causes energy to build up.

It becomes so great that the energy is released, which creates a shock wave - an earthquake.

Watch: How do earthquakes work?

Video Transcript Video Transcript

Jelly is my favourite pudding. This one is particularly wobbly for some reason. Oh... it's an EARTHQUAKE!

This one is quite weak, and earthquakes here in Japan are actually quite common so there's no need to panic.

To understand earthquakes we need to look at the structure of the Earth.

The Earth is made up of different layers.

At the centre is the core, around that is the mantle, and on the outside is the crust.

The Earth's crust is cracked into different pieces called plates, a bit like an eggshell.

These plates are very slowly moving and shifting around and where two plates move towards each other, you find the most powerful earthquakes.

Friction causes pressure to build up until it becomes so great that it is suddenly released as a shock wave. This is the earthquake.

Most earthquakes are so small they can only be detected by special equipment.

But some can be so powerful they can destroy whole towns and cities in minutes.

Sometimes, if an earthquake occurs under the ocean, it creates a huge wave called a tsunami.

Although earthquakes in the UK are very weak and rare, for many countries like Japan, they are relatively common.

People living in those countries will take extra precautions, like building earthquake-resistant buildings that sway with the shock wave, or by providing earthquake shelters.

They even practise what to do if an earthquake strikes, like taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture to protect themselves from falling debris.

Earthquakes are a fact of life in this part of the world, so as soon as an earthquake ends, it's business as usual. Err... more jelly please! ...Oh
Asks for more jelly in Japanese

Earthquake scale and impacts

Some earthquakes are so small that they can only be detected by specialist equipment. Others can be so intense that they can destroy towns and cities.

The Richter magnitude scale is used to measure the size of earthquakes. The higher the number, the more powerful the earthquake and the higher the chance that it will cause real damage.

The largest earthquake recorded in the UK happened in 1931, in the North Sea, and measured 6.1 on the Richter scale.

Number on Richter scale

How many happen in the world per year?

What does it mean?

Source: USGHS/Modified Mercalli Intensity

Many earthquakes occur around the Pacific Ocean. People who live there, in countries such as Japan, are used to earthquakes happening and build earthquake-resistant buildings that sway with the shock waves rather than fall down.

Although there are earthquakes in the UK, they are rare and so small that most people do not feel them.

Activity: Quiz - Earthquakes

More on The natural world

Find out more by working through a topic

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Earthquakes are caused when the Earth's crust pulls and pushes against itself. Find out more with Bitesize KS2 Geography.

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KEY POINTS:

How earthquakes and tsunamis are connected

Impact of tsunamis

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Learn and revise about earthquakes and tsunami with BBC Bitesize GCSE Geography (WJEC).

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KEY POINTS

How to protect yourself during an earthquake

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Drop. Cover. Hold on.

In most situations, you can protect yourself if you immediately:

DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.

COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won't fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.

If you are inside, stay inside.

DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. You are less likely to be injured if you stay where you are.

To reduce your chances of being hurt, take the following actions:

If possible, within the few seconds before shaking intensifies, quickly move away from glass, hanging objects, bookcases, china cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall. Watch for falling objects, such as bricks from fireplaces and chimneys, light fixtures, wall hangings, high shelves, and cabinets with doors that could swing open.

If available nearby, grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and broken glass.

If you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the first sign of shaking.

If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor can cause injuries if you walk or roll onto the floor.

DO NOT stand in a doorway. You are safer under a table. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by falling or flying objects (such as TVs, lamps, glass, or bookcases), or by being knocked to the ground.

If you are in a high-rise building, drop, cover, and hold on.

Move away from windows and outside walls.

Stay in the building.

DO NOT use the elevators. The electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems may come on.

If you are trapped, stay calm. Try to get someone's attention by tapping on hard or metal parts of the structure. Doing so may increase your chances of being rescued.

If you are inside a crowded place, drop, cover, and hold on.

Do not rush for the doorways. Others will have the same idea.

Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall.

If you can, take cover and grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and glass.

If you are outside, stay outside.

Move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls of buildings.

Go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings. Once in the open, get down low and stay there until the shaking stops.

The area near the outside walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades, and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse. Stay away from this danger zone.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible.

Move your car to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses.

Stay in the car and set the parking brake. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops.

Turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information.

If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

When it is safe to begin driving again, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as breaks in the pavement, downed utility poles and wires, rising water levels, fallen overpasses, or collapsed bridges.

If you are in a stadium or theater, stay in your seat. Protect your head and neck with your arms or any way possible.

Do not leave until the shaking is over.

Walk out carefully watching for anything that could fall during the aftershocks.

If you are near the shore, drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.

If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake.

Move inland 2 miles (3 kilometers) or to land that is at least 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level immediately. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.

Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris, and other hazards.

If you cannot drop to the ground, try to sit or remain seated so you are not knocked down.

If you are in a wheelchair, lock your wheels. Remove any items that are not securely attached to the wheelchair.

Protect your head and neck with a large book, a pillow, or your arms. The goal is to prevent injuries from falling down or from objects that might fall or be thrown at you.

If you are able, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, and hanging objects.

If you are unable to move from a bed or chair, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.

If you are outside, go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, and stay there.

For more resources for people with impaired mobility and other access and functional needs, visit the Earthquake Country Allianceexternal icon .

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reduce your chance of injury from falling objects

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Information how to stay safe during an earthquake. Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Questions to think about:

If an earthquake happens in the middle of the ocean, how could it affect Australia?

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Questions to consider:

What key vocabulary do you remember from this diagram?

What is the difference between focus and epicenter?

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Questions to consider:

What is this big crack called?

What caused it?

Is this dangerous? How so?

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Questions to consider:

How did this building end up like this?

Is it a safety hazard (is it dangerous)?