Earthquakes cause massive vibrations in the Earth’s crust. This can cause a number of problems in the ground, which in turn becomes a hazard to all life and property. The effect depends on the geology of soil and topography of the land.

1964 Niigata earthquake

Ground Motion

The most destructive of all earthquake hazards is caused by seismic waves reaching the ground surface at places where human-built structures, such as buildings and bridges, are located. When seismic waves reach the surface of the earth at such places, they give rise to what is known as strong ground motion. Strong ground motions cause’s buildings and other structures to move and shake in a variety of complex ways. Many buildings cannot withstand this movement and suffer damages of various kinds and degrees.
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