CAUSE, EFFECT, PROCESS
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CAUSE
- Earthquakes occur when the underground suddenly breaks along a fault. - A fault is a thin zone of crushed rock separating blocks of the earth's crust. - This sudden release of energy causes seismic waves that makes the ground shake. - Then two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they then stick a little. - They don't just slide smoothly; the rocks catch on each other. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving. - After a while, the rocks break because - Then pressure builds up. - That's when the the earthquake occurs because the rock breaks. IN HAITI - There is a fault situated along the border between the Caribbean plates and North American plates. - This is where Haiti lies. - These plates become closer together each year by 0.8 inches due to the movement of the Earth. -As the Caribbean plate moves Eastwood to the North America, the two plates move east-west to one another, causing energy to release. The Earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which lasted for only 30 seconds but caused alot of damage. PROCESS This energy that is released affects Haiti because over time the motion builds up even more pressure. This pressure can’t stay compacted so when there is to much pressure it eventually snaps and this “jerking motion” of releasing energy created the Earthquake to occur. During the earthquake and afterward, the plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they get stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the focus of the earthquake. The place right above the focus (on top of the ground) is called the epicenter of the earthquake. Check out this link to see the process and the 2010 Haiti Earthquake occurring in ACTION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_s4UMLm8LM (Waring this contains graphic footage) EFFECT - When many buildings are over large areas that are not structured or built correctly the Earthquake effects it, causing it to come crashing down. - effects water, sewer, power, phones and roads, all stop working - The country must redevelop - Earthquakes release toxins into the air, - Animals are effected - Tsunamis occur - drinking supply of water became contaminated - low supply of food This is a news report that clearly identifies the effect the earthquake had on Haiti and the way in which Haitian are trying to put there country bake together; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faErDWCk8YE “Sky News” |