What factors could affect the degree of destruction in an earthquake?

This blog is a part of a group project in City university of Hong Kong GE1313 Earthquake. 

  • The natural frequency of building

Natural frequency can simply explain as when something starts to vibrate. The frequency that that thing vibrates is called "Natural frequency". Moreover, each building has its own natural frequency.
(Credit: https://www.quora.com/What-is-natural-frequency)

  • Frequency of earthquake 
The frequency of earthquake means how often do earthquakes happen. The more earthquake happens, the more destruction to the building.
  • Moving direction of vibration
Every kind of waves (any direction) can affect the destruction level of an earthquake. This includes Body wave( S-wave and P wave) and Surface wave ( Love wave and Rayleigh wave)
  • Latitude of the location
Seismic energy is distributed differently in the different latitude of the location. The energy released in Southern hemisphere is 30 per cent lower than the energy released in Northern hemisphere

Latitude and Longitude - Geography Realm
(Credit: https://www.geographyrealm.com/latitude-longitude/)
  • Soil type

Soil type at the surface at an earthquake can affect the degree of destruction. If the earthquake is powerful and long enough, Loose soil, Light soil, and Soggy soil can become liquid. This process is called liquefaction.

Soil Types - Boughton
(Credit: https://www.boughton.co.uk/products/topsoils/soil-types/)
  • Number of people in the building
Population intensity also impacts the level of destruction of earthquake. However, it affects more on the degree of destruction on people lives, not on the infrastructures: The more people there are, the more death toll possibility.
London, UK - February 2013: people work in a modern office ...
(Credit: https://www.alamy.com/london-uk-february-2013-people-work-in-a-modern-office-building-at-image61185136.html)
  • The building height
The higher of a building, the higher displacement of a building. The displacement of the building results in the destruction of the building.
  • Depth of earthquake
The more distance from the earthquake, the less strength of the earthquake.
Steps to Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake : 8 Steps ...
(Credit: https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Steps-to-Locating-the-Epicenter-of-an-Earthqua/)

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