Earthquake Education
- Introduction
- What is an Earthquake?
- Why and Where?
- Seismic Waves
- How We Measure Them
- Locating Earthquakes
- Measuring the Size of an Earthquake
- Intensity
- The Structure of the Earth
- The Biggest and the Deadliest
- Earthquakes in the UK
- Links to Seismology Information
- Printable PDF of Earthquakes Booklet (2.7 MB)
Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural hazards. There are
around 100 earthquakes each year of a size that could cause serious
damage. They strike without warning and many of the Earth’s
earthquake zones coincide with areas of high population density. When
large earthquakes occur in such areas the results can be catastrophic,
with terrible loss of human lives and untold economic cost.
Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves. The seismograph records the seismic waves generated by earthquakes, allowing the seismologist to determine where, and how deep, a particular earthquake is. Also, the seismic waves from earthquakes can be used to image the deep interior of the Earth, providing vital clues to the internal structure of our planet.
This booklet will explain: what an earthquake is; why and where they occur; how the vibrations from an earthquake travel as waves through the Earth; how we measure them; the Earth’s largest and most damaging earthquakes; and, earthquakes in the UK.
Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves. The seismograph records the seismic waves generated by earthquakes, allowing the seismologist to determine where, and how deep, a particular earthquake is. Also, the seismic waves from earthquakes can be used to image the deep interior of the Earth, providing vital clues to the internal structure of our planet.
This booklet will explain: what an earthquake is; why and where they occur; how the vibrations from an earthquake travel as waves through the Earth; how we measure them; the Earth’s largest and most damaging earthquakes; and, earthquakes in the UK.
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