Story maps
故事地圖
Moving plates, shaking ground 板塊移。地殼動
©2011 SpatioEpi.com
Data source: U.S. Geological Survey and ESRI
Map created by CUHK SpatioEpi Group
Earthquake is a phenomenon in nature which tends to cluster in some parts of the world. Globally, several million earthquakes are estimated to have occurred every year. Many of these hit remote areas or may be too small in magnitude to be appreciated.
The map shows the distribution of earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or higher on the Richter scale detected between 2008 and March 2011. As indicated by coloured dots, most earthquakes occurred along the boundaries of plates. Referred as "Pacific Ring of Fire", the lands encircling Pacific Ocean are zones of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The exact time and epicentre of earthquakes cannot be easily predicted. To protect lives and reduce damages, it is crucial to enhance understanding of earthquake risks, improve engineering design and uphold preparedness.
Data for the map were obtained from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI).
地震是一種自然現象，經常集中發生於地球上某些地區。據估計，全球每年有數百萬次地震，當中大部分發生於偏遠地區或因震級太小，以致一般人難以感覺得到。
地圖顯示2008年起至2011年3月期間，全球達黎克特制四級或以上的地震分佈。大部分地震發生於板塊邊緣，其中環繞著太平洋一帶的陸地因地震及火山爆發頻繁，被稱為「太平洋火環帶」。發生地震的確實時間及震央位置難以預測。要減少地震引致的傷亡及破壞，必需加強了解不同地區的地震風險、不斷改進地震相關工程的技術及做好防震準備。
地圖數據源自美國地質調查局及環境系統研究所。
Related Article
Earthquake preparedness in the community 公眾防震準備
Earthquake is usually caused by a sudden slip on a fault, resulting in ground shaking and release of seismic energy. Fire, landslide and tsunami are common hazards following an earthquake. Apart from casualties, outbreaks of infectious disease can be a public health concern after earthquakes. Damaged sanitation facilities may increase gastrointestinal infections. Respiratory infections may occur in crowded shelters. Transportation of medication may also be disrupted because of the damaged roads or railways.
To prepare for an earthquake, a post-earthquake gathering place should be available. Members of the public should be able to locate the nearest fire and police stations as well as emergency medical facilities. Some emergency supplies such as food, liquids and shoes must be kept at home and work place. In case of fire or gas leak, locations of fire extinguishers and the main shutoff switch for gas, electric and water supplies must be known well in advance.
地震通常由斷層的突然滑動所致，除了地殼震動外，更因釋放能量引發其他災難，例如火災、滑坡及海嘯。除了地震期間造成的直接傷亡外，傳染病的爆發是需要關注的公共衛生問題。衛生設施被破壞，可增加腸胃感染危機，而收容中心密集的環境容易導致呼吸道感染。地震引起道路或鐵路中斷，往往阻礙了醫療物資的運送。
為加強震後的應變能力，社區內應設立避難場地。市民必須認清最近的消防局、警署及緊急救援設施的位置。家中及工作地方應存放一些應急物品，如食物、食水及鞋。為防火災或氣體洩漏發生，市民亦應預先知道滅火器的存放處及氣體、電力和食水總制的位置。
Related maps 相關地圖
Other resources 其他資訊
Organisations 相關機構
- Earthquakes, ESRI
Further information 詳細資料
- Earthquake Hazard Program, U.S. Geological Survey
- Earthquakes - Technical Hazard Sheet, WHO