A Geological Disaster: Nisqually Earthquake in Washington State

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Geology refers to the study of the processes that lead to the formation of rocks and the processes that contribute to the shape of the earth. Rocks can be classified into three categorize: “metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous’’. Geology has played a significant role in reshaping the terrain of Washington State thus making it what it is today (Babcock and Carson 15). Even though much of the landscape is today covered by vegetation, this was not the case before geological activities were put in place to save Washington State from environmental degradation. The geology of Washington State owes its origin to several natural disasters (Babcock and Carson 24). This paper will examine the effects of the Nisqually earthquake on the people of Washington State.

Discussion

Meaning of a Geological Disaster

A geological disaster refers to natural environmental accidents which may have far-reaching effects on human beings and properties. Some of the geological disasters include sinkholes, landslides, volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Washington State is one of the places in the world that has experienced natural catastrophes. “An earthquake can be defined as the shaking of the surface of the Earth” (Carson 37). This process can be triggered by volcanic activities and explosives.

Movements that take place along faults are popularly known for causing earthquakes. Earthquakes can also lead to the occurrence of other catastrophes like tsunamis and landslides (Carson 22). The occurrence of earthquakes is widespread across the world and some countries like Japan and China are more prone to earthquakes as compared to other countries which rarely experience cases of earthquakes. There is always no specific way of detecting and avoiding impending earthquakes. However, various initiatives can be taken to reduce the impact of earthquakes on people (Carson 55). For example, developed countries like USA and Japan have designed buildings in such a way that they can resist the shocks caused by earth tremors.

The Richter scale is used for quantifying and recording the degree of an earthquake. Intensity quantifies the seriousness of an earthquake depending on how much it affects human beings (Williams 65). Minor earthquakes cannot lead to serious damages that can be identified. However, the impact of major earthquakes can be felt over a large geographical area. For example, the recent Haiti earthquake had serious effects that attracted international attention.

Nisqually Earthquake in Washington State

In the USA, many cases of earthquakes are common in California and parts of Alaska. Washington State and Nevada have also experienced earthquakes. Alaska has however had a majority of the earthquake cases in the USA (Carson 39). The Nisqually earthquake went into records as one of the greatest earthquakes that have ever occurred in Washington State. It took place on the twenty-eighth of February in the year 2001 at 10:54 am (Malone 78). The duration for which the earthquake lasted was forty seconds and it was recorded at 6.8 on the Richter scale. The impact of the earthquake was felt several miles away from Washington State.

Effects of Nisqually Earthquake in Washington State

The earthquake had many effects which can be discussed as follows. A lot of private property was ravaged by the earthquake (Walter 24). The people interviewed on the impacts of the earthquake revealed that they lost a lot of valuable properties (Malone 88). For example, one of the interviewees said that his house sustained serious damages that could cost him a lot of money to repair and this forced him to relocate to another apartment (Joseph 3). Another person that was interviewed said that his business premise was seriously affected by the tremors and they were moved to other buildings. In the process of moving, he lost his customers hence his business was adversely affected.

Although only one person was reported to have died of a heart attack triggered by shocks from the tremors, many people were seriously injured. The Alaskan highway was also seriously damaged and this caused serious traffic snarl-ups (Malone 94). The earthquake also led to long durations of power black-outs that paralyzed business activities in Washington State and this caused losses in businesses.

Apart from these effects key buildings, bridges along major highways, and schools were closed for some time to give room for inspection. In this process learning activities and services could not be accessed. This caused a lot of inconvenience to the residents of Washington State (Malone 96). Cases of water shortages were also reported in some parts of Washington State because water installations were disrupted by the tremors which led to the rapture of the pipes.

Conclusion

Even though earthquakes may cause serious damages, the effects can be reduced if people are informed about safety measures and how to handle themselves during such disasters. For example, people living in areas prone to earthquakes should be very alert and ready to face such cases. If an earthquake occurs while you are inside a house, you should not panic. You should also try to avoid staying close to windows and also check on objects which may be falling down (Romaine 3). If it finds you outside a building or under a tree, it is advisable to move away to an open place free from any object that may drop down and injure you (O’Dowd 13). Immediately after the earthquake, you should check if somebody has been injured and carry out first aid. You should then carry out an inspection to determine if the gas, water, and electricity connections are not interfered with.

References

Babcock, Scott and Bob Carson. Hiking Washington’s geology. New York: The Mountaineers, 2000. Print.

Carson, Bob. “General geology of Southeastern Washington.” Whitman Geology 12(2000): 13-15.

Joseph, Davidson. “Nisqaully earthquake.” Interviews with Anne Mary. By Dale Salk. New York: Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print.

Malone, Stephen. “Identifying the rupture plane of the 2001 Nisqually, Washinton, earthquake.” Bulletin of Seismological Society of America 23(2008): 36-39.

O’Dowd, Mary. “Nisqually earthquake.” Interviews with Anne Mary. By Dale Salk. New York: Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print.

Romaine, Garret. Gem trail of Washington. New York: Gem Guides Books, 2004. Print.

Walter, James. “Nisqually earthquake.” Interviews with Anne Mary. By Dale Salk. New York: Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print.

Williams, Hill. The restless Northwest. Washington D.C.: Wahington State University, 2002. Print.

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