DRRR CourseModule 5 6
DRRR CourseModule 5 6
DRRR CourseModule 5 6
INTRODUCTION
You’ve learned from the last lesson that impacts are associated to various hazards, affecting different
exposed elements such as persons and properties. Knowing that hazards can cause danger to you and
your family, it is important to know how the hazards work and how you can possibly prepare for them,
to prevent or at least minimize the impact.
This lesson will introduce you to the first geological hazard you will be examining: The earthquake
hazard. Scientists have for so long studied earthquake occurrences by looking at impacts from major
earthquakes. Some regions around the world are more prone to earthquakes than others. While we
can identify areas of the world where earthquakes are more likely to occur (using maps), it’s not
currently possible to predict exactly when or where an earthquake is going to happen. To understand
why, we need to know exactly what an earthquake is and its related hazards (ground rupture, ground
shaking, liquefaction, earthquake-induced landslides, and tsunami). Our understanding of the inner
workings of our planet is constantly improving, so let’s have a look at what we do know about
earthquakes, and the techniques used to mitigate the devastation they can cause to human,
properties, and environment.
Regardless of the type, an earthquake is inevitably associated with hazards that could potentially
cause damage to vulnerable and exposed elements. These are termed earthquake hazards.
Earthquake hazards, just like any other hazards, could possibly cause health impacts,
physical and property destruction, social and economic disruption, and environmental damage. The
most common earthquake hazards are: (a) ground shaking, (b) ground rupture, (c) liquefaction, (d)
earthquake-induced landslides, and (e) tsunami.
Ground shaking is a disruptive up-down and sideways movement or motion experienced during an
earthquake.
Elastic Rebound Theory suggests that elastic strain energy builds up in the deforming rocks on either
side of the fault until it overcomes the resistance posed by any irregularity on the fault plane. When the
slippage does occur, energy is released. The elastic energy released is transported by seismic waves that
travel throughout the earth. We feel these seismic waves as vibrations.
Photo Source:https://open.oregonstate.education/app/uploads/sites/7/2019/06/image-3-3-1.jpg
How do Seismic Waves Shake the Ground?
Active faults are those which move under the current stress field and have caused earthquakes
during historical times and in the recent geologic past. Those which are healed and so are no longer
capable of moving to generate earthquakes are called inactive.
There are various factors which control the general nature and character of faulting. These factors
include the type of fault movement (reverse, normal, or strike-slip) and the inclination of the fault
plane.
Normal faults: the hanging wall moves down the dip of the fault relatively to the footwall
=> Tectonic regime in extension (the largest stress axis is vertical).
Reverse faults: the hanging wall moves up the dip of the fault relatively to the footwall
=> Tectonic regime in compression (the smallest stress axis is vertical).
The ground rupture length depends on the magnitude of the earthquake. Earthquakes of magnitude
6.5 or greater are generally strong enough to produce large-scale ground ruptures. The width of the
deformation along the length of the ground rupture also largely depends on the type of faulting,
Strike-slip faults have steeper fault planes than normal and thrust faults. The steepness of the fault
plane and the nature of movement for each fault type determine how wide the zone of deformation
is.
Measures to minimize the effects of Ground Ruptures.
Sound engineering and construction practice may be adopted to prevent total destruction.
The best measure, however, is avoidance of active fault traces and deformation zones when
planning any construction. It is very important to find out which active faults are located near
your community. Local government units, other government agencies, business entities,
NGOS, and homeowners may access available detailed maps of local active faults from
PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology).
Some critical parameters such as steepness of the fault plane and amount of fault
displacement during an earthquake are used in estimating setback and in determining hazard
Zones. Setback refers to the distance from the fault trace that is considered safe from the
effects of ground rupture.
TOPIC 4: Liquefaction
Photo source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1307403/ As a result, any heavy load on top of the sediment body
lessons-from-1990-luzon-quake
will either sink or tilt as the sediment could no longer hold
the load, such as what happened in Dagupan City during
the 16 July 1990 earthquake.
Mitigating Liquefaction Hazard
Types of Landslides
• Topples occur suddenly when a massive part of very steep slopes break loose and rotate
forward.
• Rock falls involve chunks of detached rock that fall freely for some distance or bounce and roll
down the steep slope.
• Slides involve large blocks of bedrock that break free and slide down along a planar or curved
surface.
• Lateral spreads are triggered by earthquakes and affect gentle slopes with less than 10 degrees
inclination. Slope material loses cohesion through liquefaction caused by the shaking during
earthquakes.
• Flows involve downslope motion of fine-grained clay, silt, and fine sand made mobile by water
saturation. These flows include mudflows and earthflows and are common during the rainy
season.
• Complex slides are combinations of two or more types of movement.
Photo source: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images/wp content/uploads/sites/115/2016/06/07162859/
Fig3grouping-2LG.jpg
The most abundant types of historical earthquake-induced landslides from steep slopes are rock
falls, rockslides, and soil slides involving shallow or thin slope failures. On gentler slopes, earth
spreads, earth slumps, earth block slides, and earth avalanches are the most abundant.
• Slides that dam streams can cause disastrous flooding. Sedimentation due to landslides also
changes river morphology.
• Other environmental effects caused by landslides include the alteration of agriculture and
changes to natural ecosystems.
• One of the major impacts to both the natural and built environment is the complete relocation
of some human populations and infrastructure to new areas, resulting in the abandonment of
towns and other areas that were damaged by the earthquake and landslides.
Measures to Mitigate Effects of Landslides
• Recognizing and reporting any sign of slope instability to local authorities and neighbors in your
community is an important preparedness step.
• Biological measures such as planting of deeply rooting trees holds slope material together and
reduces the slope's water load. Though more costly, engineering remedial measures such as
landslide barriers and drainage structures are effective in preventing landslides.
• Establishing hazard maps or identifying areas that are considered vulnerable to landslides should
be part of a research effort. The development and enforcement of ordinances prohibiting
construction in landslide-prone sites is a must for LGUS.
• Information and education campaign can teach people living in communities prone to landslides
what to do and what not to do in before, during, and after a landslide.
TOPIC 6: Tsunami
When geological processes occur, like strong under-the-sea earthquakes, it often results to the
production a series of giant waves greater than 5 meters, called TSUNAMI. This could result to coastal
erosion, flooding, damage to properties, and drowning of people. It is important to NOTE that a tsunami
differ from a storm surge in terms of what is causing the waves. While a storm surge is caused by strong
winds blowing the water on the surface of the sea, a tsunami is generated by disturbances in the seabed
due to under-the-sea earthquakes and geological processes.
One way of avoiding a tsunami's wrath is to anticipate its coming through a good warning system. This
system must include a monitoring system. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) based in
Hawaii detects and monitors the ocean surface using satellites, tad and buoys in the water that
measure current speed and waves. The PTWC relays information and warning about an oncoming
tsunami to PHIVOLCS who in turn relays the same to the public.
Effects of Tsunami
Large tsunamis have devastating effects to life, property, and the environment. Our main concern is
the large-scale loss of lives due to drowning, building collapse, impact of various kinds of debris, and
sometimes by electrocution. Tsunami may also destroy buildings, trees, power lines, bridges, cars,
boats and other objects in their path. Aside from the direct impact of the tsunami, its aftermath may
cause more casualties and diseases. Radiation leak from the meltdown of fuel rods in nuclear power
plants may leave long-lasting and irreversible impact to people and the environment, especially those
close to the power plants.
• LGUS and government agencies need to conduct information and education campaigns about the
dangers involved so they can adopt personal preparedness measures. Personal preparedness
measures can save lives during a tsunami.
• Where the tsunami hazard prone areas had been identified, building restrictions can be imposed
such that construction of new buildings are banned. Majority of the land can be turned into a park.
• Seawalls not only serve to intercept onrushing tsunami waves but also storm surges. Walls along
the shore can prevent waves from flowing right straight into populated areas.
An earthquake is a weak to violent shaking of the ground produced by the sudden movement of rock
materials below the earth’s surface (PHILVOCS).
The earthquakes originate in tectonic plate boundary. The focus is point inside the earth where the
earthquake started, sometimes called the hypocenter, and the point on the surface of the earth
directly above the focus is called the epicenter.
There are two ways by which we can measure
the strength of an earthquake: magnitude and
intensity.
These maps were generated to provide the most accurate and detailed information possible to assist
engineers in designing buildings, bridges, highways, and utilities that will withstand shaking from
earthquakes in an area. These maps are used by local governments to help establish zoning,
construction requirements necessary to preserve public safety and for purposes of general planning
for disaster risk reduction and mitigation.
Before using the map, be sure that you understand the basic parts:
Map Title
Legend
Scale
Predicting earthquakes is a much more difficult task than predicting volcanic eruptions. While it is true
that some earthquakes have been successfully predicted in countries like China, it is also true that far
more numerous false alarms have been issued. Also, major earthquakes have occurred for which no
specific predictions have made. Countries like the Soviet Union, US, China, and Japan are continuously
improving and finding new methods for predicting earthquakes.
Since no one can predict with certainty when an earthquake will happen, it is important to get prepared
in advance. One of the most important ways to be prepared is to know what to do during and after an
earthquake.
IV. Know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms and communication facilities are located.
Learn how to use them beforehand.
A. Prepare a handy emergency supply kit with first aid kit, canned food and can opener,
water, clothing, blanket, battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries
I. When you are INSIDE a structurally sound building or home…STAY there! Do the “Duck, Cover
and Hold on”
A. Stay away from trees, power lines, posts, and concrete structures
B. Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides
C. If you’re near the shore and feel an earthquake especially if it’s too strong, MOVE
QUICKLY TO HIGHER GROUNDS. Tsunamis might follow.
III. If you’re in a moving vehicle, STOP and get out! Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses
or flyovers which may have been damaged.
I. Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of
the building.
II. DON’T…
A. …use elevators
B. …enter damaged buildings
C. …use telephone unless necessary
D. …PANIC
III. CHECK…
A. …yourself and others for injuries
B. ..water and electrical lines for damages
C. …for spills of chemical, toxic and flammable materials
D. …and control fires which may spread
IV. If you need to evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you are going and
bring your emergency supply kit V. Keep updated on disaster prevention instructions form
battery-operated radios.
Activity 1: My Earthquake Hazards Brochure
Instructions:
• Based on your pre-assigned group, create your own Earthquake Hazards tri-fold brochure that
contains information about what the earthquake hazards are and their impacts. Include a segment
that informs about the warning signs of an impending tsunami. Be sure that your brochure contains
accurate information, creativity, and simple terms. Let the rubrics provided be your guide.
• The leader/representative of the group will upload your output in USTeP>Disaster Readiness and
Risk Reduction>under Week 3 Activities> Activity 1 (My Earthquake Hazards Brochure)
Brochure sample:
Source: venngage.com/blog/trifold-brochure-templates/
PIT 1: CONDUCT AN EARTHQUAKE DRILL
This activity will let you distinguish between the good and
Family Emergency Plan is half the formula for disaster
bad safety.inThe
practices theother
eventis making sure your family
of a tsunami.
knows the drill. By planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your loved
ones can learn to react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins.
In this activity, you need to conduct an earthquake drill in your home with your family.
Participating in an earthquake drill will help you and your loved ones understand what to do
BEFORE, DURING and AFTER an earthquake. To make the drill more realistic, consider
downloading realistic earthquake sound effects and play them during your drill. In case your
parents will not be able to participate, your siblings and other family members may join you.
Record this activity in VIDEO FORM and upload it in our USTeP>Disaster Readiness and Risk
Reduction>under Week 3 Activities> PIT1 (Conduct an Earthquake Drill) with a File Name:
Surname_PIT1_Section
REFERENCES
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. “Hazards Maps.”. Accessed October 4, 2020.
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/gisweb-hazard-maps
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. “Earthquake Preparedness.” Accessed October 4, 2020.
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/earthquake-preparedness
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. “Introduction to Earthquake.” 2011. Accessed October 4,
2020. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/introduction-to earthquake
Rimando, Rolly E, and Belen, Josefena, G. “Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction-First Edition”. Sampaloc,
Mamila. Rex Book Store, Inc. 2016.
Rimando, Rolly E, and Belen, Josefena, G. “Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction-First Edition (Teacher’s
Resource Manual)”. Sampaloc, Manila. Rex Book Store, Inc. 2016.
Prepared by:
Florianne T Consolacion
Nicole Adelle G Tacandong