Earthquakes and Volcano Ash:

Seismology and Geology are words, normally not mention in our daily talk or speech. However, the reoccuring activites of these events have been increasing in the news, on the late night shows and now as current events in our schools today.

Seimology is one who studies earthquake. Seimology studies is measured by a Richter scale. The richter scale magnitude is calculated from the amplitude of the largest seimic wave recorded from the earthquake. These magnitude are based on a logarthmic scale (base 10). Base 10 is something used in our school math classes.

Geology is one who studies Earth, its materials, the physical and chemical changes that occur on the surface and in the interior. Within this group is the Volcanologist. They keep continual records on the activities of the volcanos of the past, present and future eruptions. They have many methods of measurement. One being a seismic instrumentation and the current method used is call the GPS measurements or global positioning system. This last system is also used in our cellphone and in our cars as a tracking system to keep us from getting lost.

These two groups spring into action when our earth shake and roar the loudest. It appears to be a busy year for earthquakes and volcanos. In 2010 the announcement of the first major earthquake was on January 12th in the country of Haiti a magnitude of 7.0 in town of Leogane, 16 miles from the capital of Port au Prince.

Then on February 27th with a magnitude of 8.8 The country of Chile was hit with the devastation too. It hit off the coast of Maule Region, lasting about 90 seconds.

In March which appears to be a quiet month, yet we have the largest snow fall in at least 30 years. The southern and central United States had a winter wonderland for 3 days. In the meantime the volcano of Iceland was starting to spit and spat. The ground started to bubble as the gases in stomach want to come out.(brup). Yet it keep quiet and remain silent throughout the month.

On April 14th, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake accured in China. The location where the quake hit was Yushu county of the Oinghari, Province Although this was not the first earthquake in this area, The government and the citizen acted first to start the rebuilding process. Yes, there was loss of life and building uprooted during the quake and many people are still afraid to return to their home or to the city. It bring attention to a global nation that the next eruption could be in your back door.



Eyjafjallajokull is the latest eruptions. Mention in March the gases of the volcano in Iceland was brupping. On April 14th the volcano at Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland erupted. This time with a bigger bang and a cloud of dark smoke that ruppled through the air and cause a halt to all the air travel in that part of the world. Unlike the earthquake there has not been any loss of life with this eruption of the earth core.

If there was no loss of life during the eruption of the volcano. Then what loss did accure from the pouring out of volcano ash. The simple fact that the air travel industry was put on halt and would not be able to continue to fly at the drop of a hat. The airline and travel industry would say they have loss a big pocket full of monies totally in the millions of dollars.

So on one hand we have loss human lives that was priceless. On the other hand, we have had a work stoppage of thousands of people who have not return home and the airline industry has loss millions of dollars keeping those planes on the ground for safety reasons. The airlines will recover their loss and add more dollars to the
price of each set of lubbage you carry on.

With so many big disrution spreading across the earth and the sky it is important that we be prepared as a people ready to help those who are subject to the next big eruption of a shake, a roar, or a mud slide near the highway. Drops of rain that turn into quarter size hail, wind tunnel that shift in one direction to another. Burning heat that inflame the grass of a beautiful meadow peak or water that rises above the kneels. Yet do not forget the story of the three little pigs, two-thirds of then was not prepare when the wolf came knocking at their door.

Remember preparation includes knowing what you are facing, knowing how to react when it is upon you, and knowing where the shelter is at home and aboard. Don"t just think about your family members know your neighbors, and the neighborhood, Especially those senior citizen who may not be able to get out as quick as you can. Helping each other can save a community in the time of sweeping disasters.