The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Campus Life

With the recent earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, some students and faculty members at Kean University may wonder if such an event could ever occur on or around campus. The truth is that although an earthquake of the same magnitude which struck Haiti is not as likely to occur, the event of an earthquake happening near this region is possible. Earthquakes occur every day in different regions of the world. These earthquakes are monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS, and although most of the magnitudes of these earthquakes are lower than 3.0 and cause little or no damage to the area, some such as the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti, are very significant and can cause great loss and structural damage.

So what really classifies as an earthquake? When the surface of the Earth rolls, shakes, or a sudden shock is felt, the movement is identified as an earthquake. Though some may include the shaking felt when the train at Union Station moves past on the tracks to be considered as some form of an earthquake, the actual "quake" in earthquake is normally caused by the movement of the tectonic plates or fault lines, shifting or breaking, below the surface of the earth or underground trembling caused by volcanic forces. There are 20 tectonic plates around the world and everyday these plates move slowly past one another. As they move, force is placed on the plates and when this force becomes too great, the crust breaks and the stress is released in a trembling in the form of waves underneath the ground and can be felt for the region where or around where the break occurred. Faults, such as the Enriquillo-Plaintain Garden Fault System that caused the earthquake in Haiti, are fractures that can be as small as millimeters or as large as kilometers in length and the fractures are between two types of rock or blocks. When the movement between the faults is quick, the resulting release of stress causes earthquakes to occur. A well known fault system in New Jersey is the Ramapo Fault, which is also seen as a threat to New York.

The Ramapo Fault is located much further north of the Kean University area and there are no fault lines around Kean University. Recently, three cases of seismic activity occurred in Morris County along the Ramapo Fault, in the first three weeks of February last year. These quakes were however, minimal and measured less than 3.0 on the Richter Scale causing little to no damage.

In knowing about the occurrence of earthquakes, safety is important. It is best to have a plan of action as well as an emergency safety kit, in case of an earthquake. If it happens while indoors, go under a sturdy piece of furniture. Do not go outside until shaking stops. If it happens outside, find a spot away from power lines, trees or buildings, drop to the ground, and take cover. If driving, slow down and stop on the side of the road, avoiding bridges, overpasses, and large signs, and remain in the car. After the quake, expect aftershocks, also check for injuries and damage; and if there is no electricity, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the electricity returns. For more information and safety tips about earthquakes, visit the U.S. Geological Survey website at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/.

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