The Phenomenon Behind the «Melting Ground» After the Ecuador Earthquake
On April 16th, 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Ecuador and left a path of devastation behind. One of the most dangerous effects of the quake was the phenomenon known as «melting ground».
What is Melting Ground?
Melting ground is when the surface of the earth starts to act like liquid and can cause serious damages.This phenomenon occurs in areas where there is soil deformation due to an earthquake or other shock.
What Causes it?
The main cause of melting ground is a strong shock wave, like the one created by an earthquake. This shock wave causes the materials, mostly sand and gravel, in the ground to move around, creating an unstable surface. The movement of the material is what causes the ground to appear to be melting.
Effects of Melting Ground
The effects of melting ground are destructive. Bridges, roads and buildings can collapse due to the unstable surface, causing even more damage than the earthquake itself. Landslides and mud slides can also be triggered, leading to injury and death.
How to Minimize Impact
There are steps that can be taken to minimize the impact of melting ground.
- Properly assess the environment: Before a construction project is undertaken, it is important to assess the type of soil, its stability and its surrounding environment to determine if it is suitable for the project.
- Incorporate safety features: The use of special reinforcement techniques and materials can be used to make buildings more stable and keep them standing during an earthquake.
- Emergency response: Having a plan in place and the necessary equipment to respond quickly and effectively to a melting ground event is essential in order to save lives and minimize structural damage.
Melting ground can be a destructive force, but with proper preparation and response, the impacts can be minimized.
