Why did the Haiti earthquake happen?
97It's hard to predict earthquakes
When the devastating earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010, around three million people were directly affected with between 100,000 and 200,000 losing their lives. The quake measured 7 on the moment magnitude scale (the successor to the Richter Scale for large quakes) and it was followed by a large number of aftershocks leaving scarely any buildings undamaged in Port-au-Prince.
The questions inevitably arise as to why the quake occurred, why it was so devastating, and why it wasn't predicted?
Haiti and its neighbour the Dominican Republic lies on the junction between two enormous tectonic plates, the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate. As the molten magma circulates deep beneath the surface of the earth, currents try to move the enormous rock masses making up the plates causing them to rub against each other. Sometimes plates move over each other, and in other places, they try to slide against each other.
Such lateral movements are typically relatively small and in this case seems to have been only around two metres, with the land height moving by up to four metres. But the movement is along a fault line and there are enormous pressures involved.
In Haiti's case, the movement along the fault line occurred along a stretch of more than 60km. That is more than enough to destroy buildings, tear up roads, and reduce everything to rubble.
For more than 250 years, Haiti has been free of earthquakes, although neighbouring Dominican Republic had a quake in 1946. Then the death toll was under two thousand whereas now the death toll is a hundred times greater.
Could it have been predicted?
The problem with predicting earthquakes is that once the built up stresses are released, the events happen very quickly so the warning signs only give you seconds to respond. Nevertheless, five geophysicists presented a paper to the Caribbean Geological Conference in March 2008 highlighting the earthquake risk in a fault line in neighbouring Dominican Republic. The whole area is well-known to be on a seismic fault line so there was always a chance of major earthquake. But for more than 250 years, the fault line has been stable.
When two plates rub against each other rather than moving one over the other, there is very little indication of when they might move. The forces accumulate while the zone appears dormant, and then when the stresses are released, the earthquakes are sudden and devastating. Exactly the same type of fault line exists along the San Andreas fault off California and there is the same lack of predictability.
So although seismic monitoring might have provided more information in Haiti, it would still not have enabled scientists to predict the quake.
Does it have anything to do with global warming?
In Haiti's case, it is very unlikely to have anything much to do with global warming.
But there is some link between the loss of the ice caps and tectonic plate movement because the sheer weight of the ice holds down the plates in Greenland and the polar regions. When that weight is removed through melting, stresses are released causing movement in the plates.
For that reason, New Zealand is at increased risk of earthquakes as the Antartic ice sheets melt. The weight holding down the plate is removed causing the plate to move.
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Hello to you,
A terrible tragedy to strike a nation where already 80% were below the poverty line before this earthquake. Please help me raise money for all of us to make a difference to the people here.
On March 14th 2010, I will be running 26km to raise money for the disasters relief fund. Your donation would mean so much to me and will go directly to help the people of this tiny island.
Any donation no matter how small or large is welcome and, your support for me is so gratefully received. Please help - Take a closer to help these people at http://www.justgiving.com/Monica-Rafiq - all currencies accepted and just giving take privacy very seriously.
Other types of support could be just posting this appeal in your facebook or Twitter, this would make all the difference in reaching out to people who can all make the difference.
Whichever way you want to help me, I am grateful for your support.I want to thankyou from the core of my heart.
best wishes Monica
Katrina,
Although it's good that you're sympathetic to the people of Haiti, I really think it is unhelpful to pretend that sending "intention and energy for healing" is doing anything more than making you feel better.
If the million or so Reiki masters send $20 each to a disaster fund, they would actually achieve something. But even if all of them got together and decided to send healing energy, literally no-one on the planet would be affected, except they themselves who would make themselves feel better. The point is to provide practical help to those who need it, not publicity for Reiki which is actually a non-therapy based on a non-existent energy source.
Maybe you could donate something as well - at least then, the Haitians would get something tangible. I've blocked the comment because I think it's more important to provide practical support than to divert the discussion into talk about non-existent healing energy. Already the Reiki world is jumping on the bandwaggon and I think it's most unfortunate that it's being used as a publicity vehicle.
Petra, thanks for your comment and you're absolutely right. With any complex non-linear system like the weather, earthquakes, etc, although the principles behind it might be understandable, the amount of inaccuracy rapidly increases as we try to predict the future.
The weather, we can predict a few days reasonably accurately but locally. As we extend either the time, or the geographical area, the randomness quickly overwhelms the predictability.
In a recent San Andreas fault quake, the instruments didn't give any predictive warming at all although they gathered loads of data after the event. One ray of hope is that once we have much greater computing power (massive parallel machines and quantum computing) we'll be able to run simulations with much more predictive power - unfortunately we're still decades away from that point.
Good for you Monica. I've made a donation and I hope everyone else does too. It's good to see an immediate practical tangible response to the desperate needs on the ground.
Youve gotta be joking about "non-existent energy force"!!! Everything is energy and if you are prophesing to be any sort of scientist or have a scientific mind with all the calculations youve given, you will know that everything is energy and energy affects other energy sources through resonance. Certain energy frequencies will injure and destroy physical matter, other frequencies will heal and mend. Quantum Physics fact.
Check out other peopls views on the type of earthquake this was, because according to videos of the moment it hit, the way the vibrations affected things this was quite different to other earthquakes which gives reason to consider other ways this came about. A lot of info is available if you search.
Linda at UNIVERSAL LAWS
Just checked out your book and was taken to website where you seem to be calling forth Reiki healers to prove they are healers by using their energy for assistance in Haiti??? And then above you are criticising and ridiculing someone who obviously offered to do this very thing. Very strange behaviour indeed.
UL:
It is common for people to claim that everything is energy, and sometimes appeal to quantum physics as some kind of justification. But often it is forgotten that it is scientific research that establishes how these things occur and interact.
All matter can be considered equivalent to energy on a theoretical level and the relationship is covered by Einstein's equation. But that is not the same thing as saying we can treat all matter as being some kind of automatically INTERCHANGEABLE energy.
You are right that energy exists in various forms (one being matter) but the conversion into different forms follows universal physical laws which are evidenced and demonstrable. As an example, when two moving objects collide, there is a transfer of momentum which can be calculated and tested.
When we come to the claims of Reiki, they are claiming extraordinary things which are completely unevidenced. They claim to be able to transfer energy, a special kind of energy not known to physics, which enhances the healing power of the human body. There is literally no evidence for the existence of this healing energy, nor any means of detecting it, nor consequently of controlling and applying it.
There is no doubt that energy exists and it is evidenced, detectable, and measurable in various forms: mechanical, gravitational, thermal, electrical, chemical, nuclear, and mass. We know a great deal about the conditions under which one form of energy can be converted to another.
But Reiki is claiming a different kind of energy, undected and unevidenced. If they are right, then the whole accumulation of physical knowledge is incorrect. The technology that we know works, couldn't work. Chemical processes that we use, couldn't take place. They are making claims which are utterly inconsistent with the known real world - ironically most of them have so little understanding of science, that they don't realise the extraordinary nature of their own claims.
As a simple example: there is a fundamental principle called the law of the conservation of energy. If that's wrong, then Einsteins Theory of Relativity is also wrong. It isn't. If Reiki is right, then this new energy has to be included in the conservation rendering all of our previous physical laws wrong. They're not.
You could check out the physics of vibrations for example and learn about what frequencies and wavelengths are most powerful in the context of buildings and other structures. It has absolutely nothing to do with energy healer claims about being able to transfer energy to people. Their claims also have absolutely nothing to do with resonance which is very well-understood phenomenon.
As far as the Reiki folks are concerned, they delude themselves into thinking they can manipulate some unidentified form of energy. They think that by naming an idea, they have found something real. It doesn't work like that in the real world.
UL:
Just to clarify, what I commented on was the growing appeal amongst Reiki believers that they should all send "healing energy" to the victims of the Haiti disaster. I suggested they should do real world things like sending money to disaster relief funds since "sending healing energy" is a nonsense and won't affect anyone at all.
It is, however, quite true that this provides them with an unprecedented empirical test of their claims. If they have anything real to offer, the million of so Reiki masters should be able to demonstrate it. They won't and can't. I wanted to encourage them to keep the mystical stuff out of the way while they provide real practical support of the financial kind.
Bob excellent hub - I guess I can now officially remove the Devil from my list of possible causes..:)
UL:
It is with regret that I note that you have blocked a comment from me on one of your hubs - I was providing access to climate change data in the public domain which I encourage people to look at.
The source, for those wanting uncensored access to the raw data is at: http://www.ipcc.ch/
You can also see another of my hubs proving access to graphical data: http://hubpages.com/hub/Accessing-data-about-clima
UL: censorship is no way to conduct a discussion about the causes of climate change, even if your are committed to arguing that it is all a conspiracy. By rejected access to the data itself, you have shown yourself to be rather scared of the effect the real evidence might have on people considering your claims that it is all a conspiracy.
But the information is available, and open to all, free and available for consideration and criticism. I'm sure those who want to know about the issue will access the data and think about it for themselves.
The proactive measure to avert gigantic catastrophe like tsunami, earthquake is not conducive in its approach. The scientists across globe are trying to build some warning signals but it works only once the disaster had occurred. The article can be regarded as one of the most intriguing article.
the thing that sucks about this the most is i have no money to donate.
MR: You shouldn't feel bad about that. Your post alone is most welcome and will probably persuade others who can donate to do so. Thanks for commenting.
i wanna help any way i can will sending food to haiti help them at all?
I think it's best to talk to one of the aid agencies near where you live. They'll almost certainly be coordinating collections of food, clothing, tools, etc.
will a fighter jet help them?
opo:
A fighter jet is the last thing they need. But they do need a donation from you. Perhaps you've already helped.
The number of US troops in Haiti is already absurdly high and they should be replaced by doctors and paramedics, aid agency staff, health workers, engineers and construction workers.
Cancelling the debt, returning sovereignty, abolishing the ban on subsidising agriculture, cancelling the trade restrictions imposed by the IMF, all those things would help too.
I FINALLY HELPED THEM BY SENDING $3 IAND I FEEL PROUD
I FINALLY HELPED THEM BY SENDING $3 OVER THERE AND I THINK MY MOTHER SENT $10 OVER THERE ANYWAY WE FEEL PROUD.
MR:
You're a star! I hope that your efforts encourages others to do something too. Many could contribute but assume that the aid agencies will do it all for them.
well done bob you have clearly done some research!
how did the haiti disaster happen who was involved?
how has/did this disaster affect people? Could it have been prevented or reduced?
what about the future? What could/should be done to prevent something similar to the haiti disaster happening in the future?
what actually happened with the haiti disaster
how did the haiti accident happen?
Thanks for all the comments. I'll try to answer the questions.
student #93:
Thanks for commenting. As it says in the article, two tectonic plates rubbing against each other caused an earthquake. There were around 3 million people affected, and over 230,000 deaths.
Although the join between the plates was stable for 250 years, the sudden movement caused a devastating earthquake.
Herrie:
Thanks for your comment. These points ought to be dealt with in another article but there are already very many articles available on the web that look at this. As I said in the article, the earthquake couldn't have been predicted because in the case of tectonic plates rubbing alongside each other, the stresses build up until a break point is reached and then events occur very rapidly. It makes it impossible to predict the actually timing.
It isn't currently possible to prevent an earthquake and it is only possible to predict them where plates are moving one over the other. Even then, the warning time is relatively short and predictability is poor.
Hayley:
Thanks for your comment. There are many things that could be done but particularly cancelling all foreign debt, replacing the troops with medical and aid personnel, returning sovereignty to Haiti, and turning the aid loans into aid gifts, removing the economic strings. I've written about this elsewhere on: http://blogcritics.org/politics/article/haiti-and-
Kyle:
Thanks for commenting. What actually happened was that there was an earthquake in Haiti, caused by two tectonic plates grating against each other. The join had been stable for 250 years but then they moved along a line about five miles long. That caused massive ground vibrations which brought the buildings down and wrecked the roads killing over 230,000 people. More than 3 million people are affected.
Earl:
Thanks for your question. The Haiti earthquake was caused by the movement of the tectonic plates that cover the earth's surface. Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, lie on a the line joining the American and Caribbean tectonic plates and as they grind against each other, they cause earth vibrations. They haven't moved for 250 years and then they did. It was enough to kill 230,000 people.
Of course, in a very poor country, building standards are also poor so the buildings couldn't withstand the vibrations though even in a modern city, there would have been massive damage.
for those wishing the haitians well, i applaude you. for those getting their boots on the ground you are heros. unfortunately for those who are sending money by way of u.s.government or red cross, only 20-40 % is getting to haiti and 10 % of that to the citizens. those sending it directly to the haitian government is only supporting the dictator.
the only charity i have found that gives over 90 % to those in need anywhere is the salvation army. they get boots on the ground and bring supplies when they can. they bring caring and a helping hand always.
my uncle was coming back from the front lines in korea and came upon a red cross stand. they were "selling" coffee and donuts. the red cross wanted 25 cents for a cup of coffee. meanwhile the salvation army was giving these things and more to our brave troops.
as far as why, same reason people elsewhere get smacked by tornadoes. there is danger everywhere man lives and earthquakes are just one of many things that can go wrong. we as people are in the way, that's all.
Commissioner:
Thanks for your comment. I think it's true that the puppet regime in Haiti has been riddled with corruption but I hope that won't stop people donating relief funds.
One way to check up on charities and how much they get through to the needy is by looking on http://www.charitywatch.org and they have a page covering Haiti charities and their ratings. They rate some A and that means that three quarters of more of the funds gets through.
http://www.charitywatch.org/hottopics/Haiti.html
No doubt there will be some corruption even during such a disaster but at least the organisations collecting funds are bona fide.
Awesome hub!
Thanks GJG. Glad you stopped by.
it seems that the earth is taking its revenge on the people because they are abusing it....Great Hub....
Pat Robertson says that Jesus Christ killed all those Haitians because they didn't want to be ruled by white Christians.
terced ojos: exactly why Pat Robertson is held in such esteem by idiots, mysogenists, misanthropes and the generally barking mad :) Unfortunately those groups are rather large. Fortunately rationality is infectious :)
well i think this is very useful information :) xxx
I'm a retired government employee in a far Asian country, not yet receiving retirement benefits for the next 4 years. I shared my thoughts about the Haiti tragedy here at HP, as soon as the sad news reached me. It somehow took away little of my guilt for not donating in cash. I prayed that my post would encourage people with the means to help Haiti. You have done the best for Haiti through this hub. God Bless you, Bob!
This website is great and I have learned alot from it, Thank you very much
this is very helpful for my school work... thank you
how is the earth quake recovery goin now?
no the earthquake had happened because haiti have sinned allot and that is why god made haiti have an earthquake.
Michael, only very badly informed people actually argue this. There is absolutely no link between the behaviour of people and events such as earthquakes. You might have noticed that such massive disasters are quite indiscriminate in who gets hurt. The view that it is some deity punishing people is nothing more than prejudice.
this is a great website, but i have a question: How is Haiti doing today?
Kat, you may know that there is a cholera outbreak. The aid that has been offered has come with strings about restructuring the economy, becoming a US client state. A lot of cash has gone into the supply of US military personnel and equipment and the health infrastructure is still very poor. Had the aid been directed at the population, had the international debt been cancelled instead of "restructured", had the infrastructural resources been a priority instead of contracts for foreign companies, things would be very different by now.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your help!
Very informative post. You made some good points. I especially found it useful where you stated the value of technology.
Safety First Earthquake Emergency Campaign
I don't understand why this should happen to a less fortunate country than america. It isn't fair that such hungry, poor, and fragile people have to go thru another disaster. Well now u have my word for it.
which areas did it affect ?
Hospital Seismic Mitigation is required during Earthquake Preparedness.
Poor countries are at disadvantage when it comes to fight natural disasters. Global warming related climate change and disasters will only add more hardships for the poor of the world.
Thanks for drawing attention to the human suffering in Haiti.
we had an earthquake the other day
when will this earthquakes end it is killing alot of people#
I read up on this and it helped me with my homework alot, thanks for the hub =)
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hi love jamie de
i love beth daley
Good information but could have included more x
yum, i love haitians
When the devastating earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010, around three million people were directly affected with between 100,000 and 200,000 losing their lives. The quake measured 7 on the moment magnitude scale (the successor to the Richter Scale for large quakes) and it was followed by a large number of aftershocks leaving scarely any buildings undamaged in Port-au-Prince.
what tools where used to know when this Earthquake will happen?
this like helped me with homework, thanks for the hub ;)
that wass horrible wat happen
dont be hoto
Im working on a Research Project . I want to know how this Terrible earthquake occured ?
Petra Vlah Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
What happened in Haiti is a tragedy. In regards to earthquake we know the "WHY", but we don't know the "WHEN".
Predictions are nothing more than speculations and the big experts have an equal 50/50 chance to be right or to be wrong.
Sophisticated technology is being used to predict weather and they still getting it wrong half the time