Seismic Waves: The Causes And Effects Of Earthquakes

Waves can cause harm to people in many different ways with the different effects each type has. Seismic waves are one type of wave and they are seen in earthquakes, which can cause severe damage to human structures and more often than not, humans themselves. As of now, the world’s most damaging earthquake was in Chile, on May 22, 1960, and it had a magnitude of 9.5. There were over 4,500 people that died or were injured, and 2 million were left homeless. The quake caused a tsunami that destroyed a whole port and caused around $500 million and killed a total of 170 more in Japan and the Philippines when the waves of the ensuing tsunami hit there. (1) These earthquakes most often occur along the plate edges and sometimes faults of the Earth’s

This is money that would have been spent on repairs, that could have been lost in the damage caused, or destroyed, because of the earthquakes that occur. (5) There are several different buildings that are worth large sums of money, like hospitals especially. Hospitals can cost any amount from $30 million to a hospital that is worth $1.3 billion, and some prices can go even higher (Parkland Memorial, Dallas TX). Also in Dallas, plans are being made for new hospitals which cost around $1.5 million per room with a bed. (6) With earthquake resistant designs, buildings that are as expensive as these can almost be saved from the effects of an earthquake. At the very least, the damage that will be minimized, so that the costs or repairs and replacing expensive equipment, etc. would be reduced. Not only will the earthquake resistant buildings aid in reducing the costs of repairs and replacements, but they would also benefit people in other ways. When these systems are put into place, people would feel a lot safer in their homes or workplaces. It also helps prevent death or injuries, since most, if not all, harms caused in earthquakes are caused by falling buildings or items, instead of the earthquake itself harming the human