what is the relationship between soil type and susceptibility to damage from an earthquake?
I need answers! ASAP!
2007-09-22 15:52:38 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
please... =)
2007-09-22 16:12:25 · update #1
Loose or waterlogged soils are the most unstable types during an earthquake. Conversely, solid rock usually makes the best foundation for buildings and other structures. One of the worst cases during an earthquake is something called "ground liquification" where soils containing some water (but not what you might consider to be waterlogged) can suddenly separate into liquid and solid parts when vibrated. This caused much of the damage in San Francisco during the Loma Prieta earthquake in the areas built with landfill (I was there). Buildings that have foundations on susceptable soil types will experience the worst vibrations (causing structural damage) and may even have the soil collapse beneath them (causing the building to collapse even though the structure itself may be otherwise intact).
2007-09-22 16:48:19 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The liquefaction factor is the main cause for the collapse of buildings during earthquakes. When the earth is shacked it generates a liquid in between the column of the buildings and sand according the type of soil. The damages will be more on loose soil than in the rigid materials.
2007-09-23 00:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by A.Ganapathy India 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its in whatever geology or earth sciences textbook they're teaching you from.
Its a pretty basic concept, so it should be easy enough to find.
If you haven't read the chapters, try looking up "earthquake" in the index.
2007-09-22 15:59:25 · answer #3 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
maybe if you had said please..
2007-09-22 15:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by insert nickname here 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋