Earthquakes and Tsunamis Oh My!

1. Earthquakes and Tsunamis Oh My!

2. Plate Tectonics • What do you know about plate tectonics? • Plates that are moving under the earth’s surface

3. How do earthquakes and tsunamis fit into the idea of plate tectonics? • Along the fault lines when the plates move that movement can cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

4. How are earthquakes and tsunamis relate? • Tsunami’s are caused by underwater earthquakes

5. How could the people in Japan adapted to these disasters? • In 1923, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 hit Japan, killing over 100,000 people and leveling cities. Japan has learn a lot since then. It’s building codes are some of the best in the world, and that’s why — while hundreds have died — the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan didn’t cause more of a catastrophe in its cities. • In fact the major news out of Tokyo is that millions are stranded from their homes and without power, unlike what we saw last year when a huge earthquake hit Haiti. The reason it’s not worse is that Japan — one of the most earthquake prone regions in the world — takes necessary precautions to make sure major disasters don’t lead to greater catastrophe. As Time reports, Japan puts the necessary time and money into infrastructure so it can handle major natural disasters like the one today. • Building in action • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhJzdtzl6KY&feature=player_embedded