Fault:

Active or
Inactive
At the end of this module, you can accomplish the
following specific learning objectives:
1. Differentiate active and inactive faults using the
map of Distribution of Active Faults in the Philippines,
2. Locate active and inactive faults using the map of
Distribution of Active Faults in the Philippines,
3. Suggest precautionary measures before, during
and after earthquake,
4. Recognize the importance of PHIVOLCS in locating
active and inactive faults in the Philippines.
1.What are common in the pictures?
2. What is happening to the ground in these
pictures?
3. What do you think will happen if the movement
will continue for a thousand years?
4. What will happen to a place situated on or near
the cracks?
5. What do you call to a crack formed on the
Earth’s crust when two blocks of rocks slip?
• An active fault is one that has moved
in the past and is expected to move
again. Put in another way, an active
fault has generated earthquakes before
and can cause more in the future.
• Inactive faults do not show signs of
having generated an earthquake in the
many years, but they may possibly still
generate an earthquake in the future.
• Scientists use different ways to find out if a fault is
active.
• One is by checking the country’s historical records.
• Historians always write about destructive events such
as earthquakes.
• is by studying the vibrations, past and present, that
come from faults Still another way is by observing the
surroundings.
• For example, a fault may cross a road and because of
that, the road is displaced, or a fault may cut across a
stream and the stream channel then shifted, or a fault
may slice through mountains and form cliffs.
Active faults studies in the
Philippines are spearheaded by
Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS). The institute regularly
updates its list of active faults as
new data gathered and analyzed.
• Along some faults, the effects may be dramatic.
• Suppose a house was built on a fault. As the
ground shifts little by little, parts of the house
will be affected.
• The floor will crack, doors will not close, and the
roof may start to leak. It is important to know the
location of active faults.
• As far as possible, no important structures should
be built near or on them.
• Faults are found not only on land but
also under the sea.
• When a fault at the bottom of the
sea suddenly moves, the water
above it can be affected.
• A sudden push from an underwater
fault can produce a wave called
tsunami.
• How underwater Earthquakes Generate
Tsunamis?
• A tsunami happens when underwater earthquakes result in
sudden vertical deformation of the seafloor, thus, the section
of Earth’s crust under or near the ocean rises or falls.
• It creates a sudden rise or fall of the crust under or near the
ocean that produces vertical displacement of the seafloor
which in turn displaces water above.
• When a plate shoots upwards, it pushes the water up with it
and forms a wave when the energy from the earth’s crust is
transferred to the water.
• Large and shallow-focus earthquakes with an epicenter or
fault near or on the ocean floor that cause significant vertical
deformation of the seafloor generate tsunami.
• Unlike a wave that is formed by the wind, a
tsunami is so much more powerful. Wind
waves are just sea-surface waves.
• A tsunami involves the whole depth of the
sea, from the seafloor to the surface. It is
very destructive because the force of the
whole ocean is behind it.
• This is the reason why whole towns and
cities are totally devastated after tsunami
attack.
• Far from the shore, a tsunami is low, maybe just a meter high
but, it travels at the speed of a jet plane.
• It slows down and grows in height as it reaches the shore, thus,
when you are near the sea and you feel a strong earthquake,
treat that as a warning signal.
• Run to the highest place you can find, or if you have a vehicle,
evacuate inland.
• Not every fault movement beneath the sea will produce a
tsunami.
• Those faults that move in a horizontal direction or sideways will
not result in a tsunami.
• Only those faults that move in vertical direction will result to a
tsunami.
• Earthquake Preparedness
• For centuries, seismologists could not
use any device that can predict the
earthquakes.
• Until now, no one knows when and
where will it strike and how strong will
it be. Still, scientists are searching to
find out how to predict earthquakes.
• The Chinese believe in what they observe their animals
before an earthquake happens.
• The changes in their behavior are used by the Chinese
to detect patterns of earthquakes.
• Animals are known to be sensitive to vibrations, and
they have a different response to the slight change in
the movement of the rocks underneath the earth.
• However, this method pf predicting earthquakes is not
acceptable to the scientists because there is no
accurate evidence of the approaching earthquake.
• It is best to be prepared to protect
yourself, your family, and your
properties.
• It is important to know the
information on what to do before,
during, and after the earthquake.
• The following measures were prepared by
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology in its pursuit to make the people
and communities earthquake ready.
• Before Earthquake:
• I. Planning for Effective Disaster Prevention.
1. Know the earthquake hazards in your area.
2. Follow the structural design and engineering.
3. Evaluate the structural soundness of the buildings
and houses, strengthen, or retrofit, if necessary.
II. Prepare your homes, workplace, or schools.
1. Strap or bolt heavy furniture/ cabinets to the walls.
2. Check the stability of hanging objects like ceiling
fans and chandeliers.
3. Store properly breakable items, harmful chemicals,
and flammable materials.
III. Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.
 Know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms, and
communication facilities are located. Learn how to use them
beforehand. 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.
IV. Conduct and participate in regular earthquake drills.
• During Earthquake:
I. When you are inside a structurally sound building or
home, stay there and remain calm.
1. If possible, quickly open the door for easy exit.
2. Duck under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it
or protect your head with your arms.
3. Stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets,
and other heavy objects
II. If you are outside, move to an open area.
1. Stay away from trees, powerlines, posts, and
concrete structures.
2. Move away from steep slopes which may
be affected by landslides.
3. If you are near the shore during an
earthquake, move quickly to higher grounds.
A tsunami might occur.
4. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop it and
move out. Do not attempt to cross bridges,
overpasses, or flyovers which have been
damaged.
• After Earthquake:
I. Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops,
take the fastest and safest way out of a building.
1. Don't use elevators, enter damaged buildings, or use telephone
unless needed. Do not panic.
2. Check yourself and others for injuries. Check water and
electrical lines for damages. Check for spills of chemical, toxic,
or flammable materials. Check and control fires which may
spread.
II. If you need to evacuate from your residence, leave a
message stating where you are going for family members and
concerned people to know. Bring your emergency supply kit
with you.
III. Be updated on disaster prevention instructions from battery-
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

1.What best describes an

"earthquake"?
A. Huge collision of earth's plates.
B. Sudden movement along the
earth's surface
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

2. What is one of the most important

actions to take before an earthquake?
A. Move to higher ground.
B. Locate safe spots in each room.
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

3. The first action I will take

after an earthquake is....
A. ...to expect after-shocks.
B. ...to inspect damages
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

4. How do you stay safe during an

earthquake?
A. If outside, find a higher spot and
drop to the ground.
B. If inside when the shaking starts,
move no more than a few steps, drop
to the ground, cover and hold on.
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

5. My home are stocked with food,

water, and blankets enough for 3
days?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!
6. I am aware that unsecured items such
as: lamps, knick-knacks, TVs, computers,
wall units, china cabinets, microwaves
etc. are the objects most likely to take
flight or topple during an earthquake?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!
7. If an earthquake occurred at night, I
could safely move from one room to
another without tripping over objects
in hallways that might have fallen?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

8. I have thoroughly checked the

shelves, cabinets, and furniture
around me to see if these or other
objects can move, during an
earthquake, and hit me?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

9. Did you know that earthquakes can

spark a fire?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!
10. Did you know that fires caused by
earthquakes are from broken gas pipes,
plugged in appliances being turned
back on abruptly and using candles or
matches around undetectable leaks?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

11. Do you know how to protect your

home from fires before an earthquake
come?
A. Yes B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

12. Do all the members of my family

know exactly what to do and where to
go at the time of an earthquake?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

13. A family emergency plan is the

best way to prepare you and your
loved ones for a natural disaster or in
any case of emergency?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

14. I really do not understand what is

the best way to prepare for an
earthquake?
A. Yes
B. No
 Earthquake Safe Quiz!

15. Every family member should be

familiar with your emergency plan
since they each play an important
role?
A. Yes
B. No