Seismic activity and its management

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the release of energy from the Earth’s crust.
Seismic activity largely occurs due to the movement of tectonic plates, which can either be convergent, divergent, or transform in nature.
The point of origin of an earthquake is called the focus and the point on the earth’s surface directly above the focus is called the epicentre.
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using various scales, the most well-known being the Richter Scale.

Faults are cracks in the Earth’s crust where sections of a plate or the edge of a plate move relative to each other, commonly associated with earthquakes.
A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where Earth’s tectonic plates move apart, or rift, such as the East African Rift Valley.
Underwater earthquakes can lead to the formation of tsunamis, large ocean waves that can cause extensive damage when they hit land.

Primary effects of earthquakes include ground shaking, surface rupture, and displacements.
Secondary effects can include landslides, tsunamis, fires, and ground liquefaction.
Earthquakes can cause significant damage to infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, power lines, and can also result in loss of life.

Seismic activity is monitored using seismographs, which generate seismograms that record the intensity and duration of an earthquake.
Other methods include monitoring changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, radon gas emissions, and analysing patterns of foreshocks.
Rigorous monitoring enables seismologists to make educated predictions about potential earthquakes and provide early warnings to at-risk regions.

Disaster preparedness plans should be in place in earthquake-prone areas, ensuring there is a well-informed strategy to reduce loss of life and property.
Infrastructure design in these areas should take into account seismic activity, implementing earthquake-resistant construction techniques.
Public education about seismic risks, potential warning signs, and appropriate responses can help minimise damage and ensure efficient evacuation.
Post-earthquake, strong measures need to be in place for rescue, relief, and recovery to restore normalcy as soon as possible. These should factor in the possibility of aftershocks.
Long-term,land-use planning can help avoid construction in high-risk seismic zones, thereby reducing the potential impact of future earthquakes.