megaquake
Enormous seismic event
A megaquake is an earthquake of extraordinary magnitude, typically 8.0 or higher on the Richter scale.
The term emphasizes catastrophic scale and destructive potential: Scientists warned that a megaquake along the fault could devastate the region.
Megaquake appears more in journalism and popular science than technical seismology.
Point above seismic origin
- magnitudeSize or scale
- RichterSeismological scale eponym
- seismographEarthquake measuring device
- aftershockSmaller quake following larger
faultline · tectonics · subduction · liquefaction · hypocenter · P-waves · S-waves · seismology
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
- shakingRapid involuntary movement
- vibrationsRapid oscillating motions
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- shockwavePropagating pressure disturbance
groundswell · oscillation · rupture · displacement · shudder · rolling
Sudden structural failure
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- ruinsDecayed structural remains
- rubbleBroken building fragments
- debrisScattered broken fragments
damage · obliteration · flattened · leveled · demolished · annihilation · wreckage · crumbled
Removal from danger
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- survivorsThose still alive after
- displacementRemoval from usual location
- refugeesPeople seeking safety elsewhere
shelter · rescue · aid · relief · recovery · fatalities · grief · trauma
Enormous oceanic surge
- inundationOverwhelming surge of water
- coastal floodingSeawater overtaking shore areas
- warning systemDetection and notification apparatus
- wave heightVertical measure of swells
epicenter
Point above seismic origin
- magnitudeSize or scale
- RichterSeismological scale eponym
- seismographEarthquake measuring device
aftershock · faultline · tectonics · subduction · liquefaction · hypocenter · P-waves · S-waves · seismology · seismicity
tremor
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
- shakingRapid involuntary movement
- vibrationsRapid oscillating motions
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
shockwave · groundswell · oscillation · rupture · displacement · shudder · rolling
collapse
Sudden structural failure
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- ruinsDecayed structural remains
- rubbleBroken building fragments
debris · damage · obliteration · flattened · leveled · demolished · annihilation · wreckage · crumbled · shattered
evacuation
Removal from danger
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- survivorsThose still alive after
- displacementRemoval from usual location
refugees · shelter · rescue · aid · relief · recovery · fatalities · grief · trauma · loss
tidal wave
Enormous oceanic surge
- inundationOverwhelming surge of water
- coastal floodingSeawater overtaking shore areas
- warning systemDetection and notification apparatus
megaquaketremor
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
microquake · foreshock · earth tremor · aftershock · microseism