Understanding earthquake disasters

Print version:

A. Author's profile

B. Dedication

C. Preface

D. List of symbols

E. List of acronyms

1. Global seismicity

Introduction

The circum pacific belt

The alpine-himalayan belt

Other regions of seismicity

Topography

Earthquake catalogs

Conclusion

References

2. Plate tectonics

Introduction

Plates

Some assumptions in the theory of plate tectonics

Causes of plate motion

Interplate and intraplate earthquakes

Conclusion

References

3. Seismic waves

Introduction

Seismic waves

Propagation of seismic waves

Internal structure of the earth

Different phases of seismic waves

Earthquake damage and seismic waves

Conclusion

References

4. Earthquakes and faults

Introduction

What is a fault?

Different aspects of faults

Evidence of active faults

Damage implications

Conclusion

References

5. Tectonic evolution of the indian plate

Introduction

Boundaries of the indian plate

Geological time scale

Evolution in time

Main tectonic units

Tectonic evolution

Tectonics and seismicity

Conclusion

References

6. Seismicity of india

Introduction

Great earthquakes in india

The assam earthquake of 12th june 1897

The kangra earthquake of april 4, 1905

The bihar-nepal earthquake of january 15, 1934

The andaman earthquake of june 26, 1941

The assam earthquake of august 15, 1950

The sumatra earthquake of december 26, 2004

Future implications

Other important disastrous earthquakes in india

Conclusion

References

7. Measures of an earthquake, magnitude, and intensity

Introduction

Magnitude

Some common magnitude scales

Relation between magnitude and other aspects of an earthquake

Intensity

Conclusion

References

8. Seismic zoning

Introduction

Background

Method of making a seismic zoning map

Different seismic zoning maps of india

Applications

Seismic micro zoning

Conclusion

References

9. Ground damage

Introduction

Topographic and surface distortions

Liquefaction

Fissures

Earthquake fountains

Sand boils

Mud flows

Mud volcano

Ground and surface water

Land slides

Conclusion

References

10. Tsunamis and earthquakes

Introduction

Examples

Cause

Effects

The tsunami generated by the sumatra earthquake of december 26, 2004

Causes of disaster

What can be done?

Conclusion

References

11. Stone and brick masonry houses

Introduction

Stone walls

Timber framed construction

Timber frame with masonry infill

Brick masonry

Composite construction

Site effects

Conclusion

References

12. Multistorey buildings

Introduction

Krishna complex

Site selection

Foundation

Planning and architectural configuration

Structural details

Nonstructural elements

Lack of coherent construction

Construction material and site supervision

What can be done

Conclusion

References

13. Lifelines and infrastructure

Introduction

Water supply

Electricity supply

Medical facilities

Transport systems

Industry

Communications

Schools

What can be done?

Conclusion

References

14. Recording and interpretation

Introduction

The recording instrument

Determination of epicenter

Determination of depth of focus

Determination of depth of bedrock

Conclusion

References

15. What can be done

Introduction

Earthquake prediction

What to do when caught in an earthquake

What to do and not to do once you are sure that the earthquake is over

How to prepare for the next earthquake

Long-term measures

Conclusion

References

A. Appendix i

Magnitude energy relation

References

B. Appendix ii

References

C. Bibliography

D. Glossary