Earthquake Damage
Earthquakes have the
potential to damage natural environment and artificial facilities. Generally,
earthquakes that cause disasters have the two aspects of damage at the same
time.
The damage caused by earthquakes to natural environment includes collapse, landslide or dislocation of mountains, ground surface crack, subsidence, uplift or sand and water blasting, offset streams, and dammed ponds or lakes. The earthquake remains of the 8.0-magnitude Fuyun earthquake, serving as a testament to the enduring damage of the earthquake to the natural environment, are still well preserved now. Earthquakes that strike under the sea may trigger a devastating tsunami. For example, the 9.3-magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake that occurred in 2004 generated a tsunami of more than 10 meters high.
The damage caused by earthquakes to artificial facilities is mainly manifested in the destruction of buildings (structures), such as houses and facilities, and the damage to lifeline works, mainly including water, electricity, transportation, and communication facilities. Additionally, the earthquake damage also deteriorates industrial and agricultural production conditions, such as interrupting water sources and energy resources and damaging farmland and water conservancy facilities. For example, a large number of artificial facility ruins demolished by the 8.0-magnitude Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 are still preserved in Beichuan and Hanwang at present.
The damage caused by earthquakes to natural environment includes collapse, landslide or dislocation of mountains, ground surface crack, subsidence, uplift or sand and water blasting, offset streams, and dammed ponds or lakes. The earthquake remains of the 8.0-magnitude Fuyun earthquake, serving as a testament to the enduring damage of the earthquake to the natural environment, are still well preserved now. Earthquakes that strike under the sea may trigger a devastating tsunami. For example, the 9.3-magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake that occurred in 2004 generated a tsunami of more than 10 meters high.
The damage caused by earthquakes to artificial facilities is mainly manifested in the destruction of buildings (structures), such as houses and facilities, and the damage to lifeline works, mainly including water, electricity, transportation, and communication facilities. Additionally, the earthquake damage also deteriorates industrial and agricultural production conditions, such as interrupting water sources and energy resources and damaging farmland and water conservancy facilities. For example, a large number of artificial facility ruins demolished by the 8.0-magnitude Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 are still preserved in Beichuan and Hanwang at present.
Fuyun Earthquake
Damaged Artificial
Facilities during the Wenchuan Earthquake
