Magnitude 8.8 Quake: Equivalent To 14,300 Hiroshima Bombs – Why Russia, Japan, US Fear ‘Great Earthquake’ Impact | EXPLAINED | World News
The last size of Russia’s last size in the Kamchatka Peninsula 8.8 earthquake sent tremor in Russia, Japan and the United States because it was equivalent to releasing energy that could be equal to the explosion of the atomic bombs of thousands of Hiroshima, not only because of its pure power, but also thousands of Hiroshima. According to scientists, an earthquake of 8.8 is about 9 x 10^17 Joule, approximately 14,300 Hiroshima -type atomic bombs an equivalent energy. Although some estimates are around 9,000, this figure still emphasizes the enormous power of such an event.
Understanding the scale of the threat
The density of earthquakes is recorded on a logarithmic scale such as Richter or Moment Size Scale (MW). A single -point increase represents approximately 31.6 times increased in the released energy. For this reason, an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude is 31.6 times stronger than an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude and is 1000 times stronger than an earthquake of almost 6.8 magnitude.
8.8 Earthquake is one of the “major earthquakes” that can destroy buildings, infrastructure and all cities. In order to make this tremendous energy perspective, the “small child” atomic bomb left to Hiroshima in 1945 contained 6.3 × 10^13 Joule (15 kiloton TNT).
8.8 earthquakes are equivalent to 6,27 million tons of TNT, based on a study on Researchgate, which is compared between TONS TNT and seismic energies released during earthquakes “.
Why are Russia and Japan afraid?
The last 8.8 -magnitude earthquake took place on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, which is in the Unstable Pacific Fire Ring, where most of the earthquakes of the world took place. The concern of countries like Russia and Japan is multidimensional:
Japan’s history: Japan, a deadly tsunami and fukushima nuclear accident, causing about 28,000 people killed and resulted in a damage of 360 billion dollars of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (size 9.0) with tragic earthquakes in the past. An earthquake of 8.8 magnitude can be dangerous, especially near the coast.
Russia Kamchatka: Although not very densely populated, the earthquake in Kamchatka may have an effect on the shores of Japan. The last earthquake caused tsunami warnings that increase the tension in both countries.
Tsunami risk: Such a powerful earthquake that occurred under the sea, as it is tragically shown in the case of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (9.1-9.3 size), has the chance to create tsunami, which resulted in a tsunami that caused 230,000 deaths in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Economic and Social Impact: Japan and Russia are developed countries, but such an earthquake economies, infrastructure and life of their citizens can cause catastrophic damage.
Earthquake and atomic bomb: a critical distinction
8.8 Earthquakes equivalent to thousands of atomic bombs, although the energy is released, the effects are quite different:
Energy distribution: Earthquake energy is spread as seismic waves (P and S waves) from water. While more than hundreds of kilometers can cause damage, most of the energy is dispersed underground. Atomic bomb energy, on the contrary, spreads rapidly as air explosion, heat and radiation and causes intense localized destruction within a limited radius (1-2 km).
Duration of effect: Earthquakes, landslides, liquefaction (liquid -like soil) and tsunamis, such as secondary dangers such as continues to seconds. An atomic bomb explodes immediately, but the effects of radiation may last for years.
Damage type: Earthquakes weaken buildings, roads and bridges. Atomic bombs cause direct destruction with fever, radiation and explosion.
Lessons from the Past: 2010 Chile Earthquake
In addition, the 2010 Chilean earthquake, a 8.8 -magnitude earthquake, collapsed hundreds of structures and 525 was killed and produced a tsunami. The energy could be compared with 10,000 Hiroshima bombs. Thanks to Chile’s powerful earthquake -resistant building codes, the damage decreased slightly. However, experts warned that if such an earthquake will take place in a flat area with densely populated in a flat area such as Delhi, Patna or Lucknow, the destruction would be greater. India’s 2001 BHUJ Earthquake (size 7.7) took 20,000 lives and an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude would be quite bad in regions with a soft, alluvial floors that shake the seismic waves and are sensitive to liquidation.
