Earthquake In Japan: Strong earthquake tremors have been felt in Japan. The intensity of the earthquake has been measured at 7.1 on the Richter scale. Along with the earthquake, a tsunami warning has also been issued.
These earthquake tremors were felt on Kyushu and Shikoku islands of Japan. Along with the earthquake, a tsunami alert has been issued in many coastal areas of Japan including Miyazaki, Kochi, Ihime, Kagoshima and Aita and the situation is being closely monitored. Sea waves 20 cm high were seen in Miyazaki, Kyushu.
Why do earthquakes occur?
There are seven tectonic plates inside the earth. These plates keep rotating continuously. When these plates collide with each other, they rub. When they climb over each other or move away from them, the ground starts shaking. This is called earthquake. Richter scale is used to measure earthquakes. Which is called Richter Magnitude Scale.
The Richter magnitude scale ranges from 1 to 9. The intensity of an earthquake is measured from its center i.e. epicenter. That means the energy coming out from that center is measured on this scale. 1 means low intensity energy is coming out. 9 means the highest. Very frightening and destructive wave. They become weaker as they move away. If the intensity is 7 on the Richter scale, then there is a strong shock within a radius of 40 kilometers around it.
How intense, how dangerous?
How dangerous is an earthquake? It is measured on the Richter scale. In an earthquake, each scale of the Richter scale is 10 times more dangerous than the previous scale.
– Earthquakes with intensity of 0 to 1.9 can be detected only by seismograph.
– When an earthquake of intensity 2 to 2.9 occurs, there is a slight vibration.
– When an earthquake of magnitude 3 to 3.9 occurs, it seems as if a truck has passed by.
– Windows can break in an earthquake of magnitude 4 to 4.9. Frames hanging on walls may fall.
– In an earthquake of magnitude 5 to 5.9, the furniture in the house can shake.
– An earthquake with a magnitude of 6 to 6.9 can crack the foundations of buildings, causing damage to the upper floors.
– Buildings collapse when an earthquake of magnitude 7 to 7.9 occurs. Pipelines burst underground.
– In an earthquake of magnitude 8 to 8.9, buildings as well as big bridges can collapse.
– An earthquake of intensity 9 or more causes massive devastation. If someone is standing in the field, he will see the earth shaking. If the sea is close, a tsunami may occur.