Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries Essay

Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries - Essay causeThe hot plumes create volcanoes, while the jerky action of the movement results in seismic waves that create an earthquake. The volcanic lava flowing to the surface creates islands such as the Hawaiian Islands.Figure 2 illustrates the seismic activeness that takes sic when two continental plates collide. The lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere. The lithosphere has broken up the earths crust into ten study Figure 2 (US geologic Survey) tectonic plates. Here we see one of the crustal plates being forced graduatestairs the other, producing earthquakes. A mountain range is produced at the plate boundaries as the rock formations are deformed and locomote upward by the action of the shifting plates. Some of the rocks in the mountains may have been set down in an ocean environment that existed between the two continental crusts prior to collision.Figure 3 shows the boundaries of the major tectonic plates. As th ese plates shift over time, earthquakes occur at the point of collision. As can be seen on this map, the boundaries are the most earthquake prone areas on earth. This Figure 3 (US Geological Survey) includes the calcium coast, Japan, andThe destruction and number of deaths caused by earthquakes is proportional to the magnitude of the earthquake. Measured on the Richter scale from 1 to 10, each(prenominal) successive number is 10x the magnitude of the previous number. A magnitude 7 is 10 times stronger than a magnitude 6, and a magnitude 8 is 100 times stronger than a magnitude 6. Obviously a stronger earthquake is capable of more destruction. More deaths will generally occur when the earthquake hits a commonwealth center. However, there have been innovations in the last 100 years that have helped minimize the destruction and rivet the death toll.Understanding plate tectonics and mapping the world to reveal major fault lines has guide to improved building construction around the world. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) conducts research and presents programs of everyday education. They have also developed standards for the safe design and construction of buildings and other structures. One major change to the Uniform Building Code involves a structure which is supported by a number of kick pads that are located at the base of the building and the foundation. As the earths crust moves in one direction, the pads themselves make the vibration and the building essentially remains stationary. Japan and California face similar seismic activity and geological threats. Experts from these areas have been world leaders in developing safer construction methods and stricter building codes. These techniques have resulted in more earthquake resistant structures in public schools, bridges, hospitals, and dams.Works CitedEarthquake Hazards Program. 24 Oct. 2006. US Geological Service. 13 Dec. 2006 .National Earthquak