Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements deep inside the earth. It happens when rocks under the surface break or slide against each other, by which it releases the strong energy. This energy travels in waves and makes the land shakes, it happens sometimes gently and sometimes very powerfully. Small earthquakes may not cause much harm, but big ones can destroy buildings, roads, and even take lives within seconds. Earthquakes can also lead to landslides, tsunamis, or fires, making them even more dangerous. People living in earthquake-prone areas are often advised to stay prepared with safety plans, emergency kits, and strong buildings. Even today’s advanced technology, scientists cannot predict the exact time of an earthquake , they only study fault lines and earth movements to understand where they are most likely to happen. Earthquakes remind us of nature’s power and the importance of being ready to protect ourselves and our communities.

Here are 11 unknown facts about Earthquakes :

1. Earthquake can change the direction of a river even in the result it can flow backword for a short time due to sudden ground movement.
2. The deepest earthquake recorded about 700 kilometers below the Earth’s surface so far.
3. The largest earthquake ever recorded was in Chile in 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5, by which the earth shakes for about 10 minutes.
4. Animals like dogs, elephants, and even fish can sense earthquakes before humans, as they feel vibrations and pressure changes.
5. Some earthquakes happen in places without volcanoes or plate boundaries, called intraplate earthquakes  and scientists are still researching about it.
6. The instrument used to measure earthquakes is called a seismograph or seismometer. It records the vibrations of the ground when an earthquake happens.
7. Earthquakes under the ocean floor can create tsunami, during the time changes of waves as fast as a jet plane.
8. Scientists cannot yet predict the exact time and place of earthquakes , they can only estimate probabilities in certain regions.
9. The Earth’s rotation can slightly change after massive earthquakes because of redistributes mass.
10. Some ancient structures like pyramids and temples were built to withstand earthquakes, which shows the talent of early human of quake-resistant design.
11. The first seismograph was invented in 132 AD by a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, and engineer named Zhang Heng.

the international organizations thats monitoring, preparedness, research and disaster response on earthquakes .

1. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) – Coordinates global disaster risk reduction strategies, including earthquake preparedness.
2. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO – International Geoscience Programme) – Conducts research on earth sciences and earthquake risk.
3. Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation – Develops tools and models for earthquake risk assessment worldwide.
4. World Bank – Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) – Funds projects to reduce earthquake risks and improve resilience.
5. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) – Monitors seismic activity that could generate tsunamis after major earthquakes.