HW_15 Second Warning
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Temple University *
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EES0842
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Astronomy
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Dec 6, 2023
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EES 0836
15... 14… 13……………….. Earthquake!
Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood
Introduction
In this week's reaction video, Jonathan Nyquist, PhD, watched a clip from the 2015 movie “San Andreas”
where he spoke about predicting earthquakes and why it wouldn’t be possible in the Hoover Dam. For the
most part, short-term predictions have eluded us. But keeping the public safe is a goal for government
officials. At the moment,the best we can do is to use early alert systems such as the one used in Japan.
The alert system that J
apan has instituted is based on the fact that P-waves arrive and are recorded by
seismographs before the more damaging S-waves and surface waves arrive. Once the waves are recorded,
the system sends out an alert to people in the area. While it’s a useful system, your distance from the
epicenter affects your personal response time.
Learning Objectives
●
Evaluate how different types of waves can propagate through different materials.
(1, 4, 5, c, d)
●
Analyze how people’s perception of shaking leads to the generation of shake maps.
(1, 4, c, d)
Part 1:
What could you do in 15 seconds?
To answer this question, we are going to conduct a class experiment. Your phone will play the role of the
Japanese warning device. Exchange your number with someone in this class, or if you are uncomfortable
with that, solicit the help of another friend or family member. The caller is to send you a text message at a
time of their
choosing, informing you that you have 15 seconds before a major earthquake will strike.
If
your phone was off at the time, simply take it from the moment you actually receive the message
.
Questions:
1.
When (day and time) did you receive the warning?
I received the call at work on Wednesday in the middle of the day at about 12:30 p.m.
2.
What were you doing at the time?
I was working on my laptop in the library.
3.
What course of action did you take, or would you have taken, if this had been a real emergency?
Describe this in detail.
I did not take any course of action because I am not allowed to leave the area when I am working.
I would have tried to protect myself and warn others of what was about to happen. I would go the
basement of the library and where they had us go for the emergency drill last semester because it
is the safest spot.
4.
Do you think the warning would have improved your prospects in a real earthquake? Why or why
not?
I think the warning would have improved my prospects in a real earthquake because it gives a
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heads up on what is about to happen and when to prepare yourself.
5.
Would you have been able to help anyone else?
I would have been able to warn everyone I work around and tell them to go to the basement
where there are no windows and doors.
6.
If you lived in an area prone to major earthquakes, would you subscribe to an earthquake alert
service, and if so, what if you had to pay for it? How much would you be willing to pay per
month?
I would subscribe to an earthquake alert if I were to live in an area prone to major earthquakes.
That is because I live in Philadelphia, and I use safety apps because of the living situation in the
city. I would be willing to pay about $20 a month for it.
Part 2
: Reaction video reaction
In this week’s reaction video with Dr. Jon Nyquist, he watched a clip from the movie San Andreas (2015)
where they depicted geophysicists accurately predicting earthquakes using magnets (more specifically,
magnetometers). As we discussed in class, short term forecasting for earthquakes has, so far, eluded us.
For the sake of argument, let’s say some new technology was created that was able to accurately forecast
an earthquake within the hour. If you were alerted to a high-magnitude event within the next hour, how
would you prepare yourself, family, and property for this event? Write a short response (1-2 paragraphs)
that addresses the above questions and your rationale for your choices/decisions.
If I was alerted to a high-magnitude event within the next hour I would start with preparing for
the worst outcome. Because it is predicted as high magnitude it can result in a lot of unexpected damage. I
would establish a safe space where my family and whoever else I am with to go to when it occurs and
meet there if we were to be separated. I would make sure my home is as shake-proof as possible by
securing items like bookcases, televisions, refrigerators, shelves, and loose items will help lessen the
damage done. I would also make sure to secure glass items and stay away from windows when the
earthquake is happening. Anything that could fall and hurt someone, fall and block an exit, fall and start a
fire, or require a long or costly clean-up should be secured. Once the earthquake starts, I would make sure
everyone is dropping down and taking cover while the earthquake happens as well as holding on to
something sturdy when taking cover. Staying inside and staying put is important because items may fall
and can cause serious injury or death.
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