Chapter 4 - Earthquakes: Basics of seismology and computational techniques

Abstract

Earthquakes caused by sudden slip along a tectonic fault release stored strain energy in the form of mechanical movement and seismic waves. Earthquakes cause the highest causalities, destruction and loss of life, and largely occur in and around the tectonic plate boundaries. Volcanic activity and manmade reservoir scan also create earthquakes. Although earthquake prediction is not yet possible but recent advances in digital technology made it possible to obtain real-time warnings. The knowledge about earthquake phenomena, preparedness, and safety measures, as well as the studies on construction of earthquake resilient buildings and structures, can help to create an earthquake-safe society. The main goal in this chapter is to introduce basic knowledge of earthquake that includes factors causing earthquakes, seismic waves, analytical principles for locating earthquakes, source characterization, earthquake hazards, monitoring and prediction of earthquakes, and computational methods for exploring the shallow and deep subsurface structure of the earth.