megaquakes
Catastrophic tectonic ruptures
Megaquakes are earthquakes of exceptional magnitude, typically 8.0 or higher on the Richter scale.
These are the most destructive seismic events, capable of leveling cities and triggering tsunamis across ocean basins: The 2011 megaquake off Japan's coast caused catastrophic damage.
The term emphasizes scale beyond ordinary large earthquakes.
Slight shaking movements
- aftershocksTremors following main earthquake
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- magnitudeSize or scale
- faultlinesFractures between tectonic plates
seismograph · subduction · tectonics · liquefaction · foreshocks · mainshock · rupture · shockwaves
Severe widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- displacementRemoval from usual location
- collapseSudden structural failure
ruins · wreckage · survivors · emergency · rescue · recovery · aid · shelter
Overwhelming surge of water
tremors
Slight shaking movements
- aftershocksTremors following main earthquake
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- magnitudeSize or scale
faultlines · seismograph · subduction · tectonics · liquefaction · foreshocks · mainshock · rupture · shockwaves · P-waves
devastation
Severe widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- displacementRemoval from usual location
collapse · ruins · wreckage · survivors · emergency · rescue · recovery · aid · shelter · evacuation
inundation
Overwhelming surge of water