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Earthquakes – From Cause to Effect
Author(s) -
Lenhardt Wolfgang A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
geomechanik und tunnelbau
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.317
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1865-7389
pISSN - 1865-7362
DOI - 10.1002/geot.200800012
Subject(s) - natural hazard , landslide , seismology , natural (archaeology) , hazard , geology , earthquake prediction , natural disaster , remotely triggered earthquakes , urban seismic risk , forensic engineering , seismic hazard , earthquake swarm , induced seismicity , engineering , oceanography , organic chemistry , paleontology , chemistry
Earthquakes are an unpopular issue in Central Europe. The main reason is the erratic character of the occurrences of earthquakes. The past has shown that moderate earthquakes can even happen in regions, which were deemed to be aseismic. The destructive potential of an earthquake when compared with other natural hazards such as landslides or torrential floods, hail and avalanches differs in their spatial extent and its sudden impact. While these other natural hazards can often be anticipated in a short term, earthquake occurrences cannot be forecasted within a few days. In the following paragraphs the basics of earthquake cause, hazard and risk are briefly outlined to inform the reader on the major factors which contribute to an assessment of an earthquake situation for a particular region or site.