The year 2022 was particularly active when it came to earthquakes, counting 15,438 magnitudes from 4.0 to 8.0. Out of those earthquakes, 11 of them were major , with more than 2,000 fatalities. The one with the highest fatality was in Afghanistan, which killed more than 1,000 people last year.

With the number of earthquakes intensifying every year, understanding how such a phenomenon happens has become essential. This way, these catastrophes can potentially be predicted so that their impact is mitigated in the future.

What Are Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by sudden slips in faults beneath the ground. Many people believe that earthquakes occur when tectonic plates begin moving underground – however, there is more to that. In fact, these tectonic plates are constantly moving, the friction occasionally causing them to get stuck at the edges.

When stress at the edge overcomes that friction, it quakes the earth around it, sending energy in waves into the earth’s crust. This turns into the shaking feel we get whenever there is an earthquake.

Earthquake intensities are described on the Richter scale, numbered from 1 to 10. Each type of earthquake has different occurrences and movement levels that determine its potential for danger. The table below is a representation of what each level looks like.

The numbers above are based on averages, especially when it comes to their occurrence. Over the past century, there has been a 265% surge in earthquakes of magnitudes past 8.0, raising concern over what’s to come.

What Human Activities Cause Earthquakes?

Earthquakes can happen whether we do anything about them or not. As the tectonic plates underneath the ground are constantly on the move, there will be times when they would naturally create friction. However, some human activities can lead to a higher frequency of earthquakes, including the following:

Mining

Mining has been around since old times, and nowadays, miners are digging deeper than ever before. With so many materials being removed from underneath the ground, this causes instability, which can further trigger earthquakes.

Dam Building

Dam building has also been deemed as a cause for earthquakes, leading to some of the deadliest incidents in history. For example, the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China, reached a 7.9 Richter scale and presumably killed more than 80,000 people. Scientists believe the earthquake was caused by the 320 million tons of water that connected on top of the fault line, creating stress points when the tectonic plates moved.

Fracking: Drilling

Fracking for natural gas and oil has become a common practice, and the United States currently has more than 1.7 million active fracking sites. During the fracking process, liquid is injected at high pressure into the rocks, hoping to create fissures that can expose oil. The pressure caused by fracking was believed to trigger earthquakes, which is why many people living near these sites have issued a multitude of lawsuits.

Fracking: Wastewater Disposal

Fracking involves using a lot of water, sand, and chemicals, which eventually turn into wastewater. The high pressure caused by the water as it is disposed in the ground is believed to crack rocks and lubricate the faults underground, leading to earthquakes.

Nuclear Explosions

Last but not least, earthquakes can also be triggered by nuclear explosions. The test bomb in North Korea in 2017 sent an aftershock that lasted about 8 months. The bomb was situated near a fault line that was not mapped up until that point, and it triggered two earthquakes at first: a 6.3 one and a 4.0 after-quake only a couple of minutes later. Multiple other earthquakes were recorded in South Korea and China, which is why scientists determined a nuclear explosion could potentially trigger this phenomenon.

How to Mitigate the Impact of Earthquakes

There is little that you can do to stop an earthquake. Once it starts, all that’s left for you is to ride it out. However, there are certain things that you can do to mitigate its damage.

Securing the Interior

First things first, you need to secure the interior by identifying potential hazards. Earthquake-induced shaking or potential aftershocks can cause even the heaviest appliances to move, which is why you’ll want to secure them. For example, if you own a casino, you should make sure to place heavy casino slots on the floor. If you have items that need to be put on shelves, then you can place them on lower shelves. Also, you can:

• Apply safety films to glass and windows.
• Install ledge barriers on shelves.
• Anchor filing cabinets and TVs to the wall.
• Use closed hooks to hang pictures and mirrors.

Moreover, discover the best places to shelter yourself. During an earthquake, you should find shelter underneath sturdy furniture or next to an inside wall. Avoid areas with shelves, glass, mirrors, or items that could potentially fall over (big or small).

Providing Earthquake Education

Earthquakes cannot be avoided, which is why the best way to survive or protect your belongings is to remain knowledgeable. If you own or manage a structure, a good way to mitigate the impact of the earthquake is to provide access to educational resources.

Even a secured interior has the potential to sustain damage during a big earthquake. Plans on where to shelter or what to do in an emergency should be shared with your house and office mates. Some good ways to keep them informed may include the following:

• Posters on the building walls on how to protect themselves.
• Online web pages where they can find the information they require.
• Webinars and articles where they can find out how to protect themselves and others.
• Regular introductory classes on safety protocol for new or returning members.

One good tip would be to offer them incentives to take the earthquake safety course. For instance, to continue the casino example above, you can offer incentives such as 20 free spins on registration add card no deposit. You can choose the rewards you give them yourself, but the incentive will make them more likely to familiarize themselves with the safety protocol.

Building Safe Structures

When building or choosing an earthquake-safe structure, there are certain techniques that you can keep in mind. A combination of the following items will ensure that the building will withstand even the heaviest of earthquakes.

One thing that you may want to avoid is adding columns to the ground floor instead of walls. While these are aesthetically pleasing and create an open space, they cannot handle the shaking caused by a big earthquake. Instead, shear walls can offer a sturdier structure since they feature diagonal steel cross braces.

When choosing the material, you should know that reinforced concrete has the best chance of withstanding a bigger earthquake. The concrete also needs to be properly anchored to the foundation, which is why strong connections are necessary. If the connections are weak, then the building is at risk of shifting during an earthquake.

Conclusion

Earthquakes cannot be avoided, and they are just as difficult to predict. While scientists have uncovered most quake causes, there is little to be done once it starts. This is why it is essential to secure the environment and learn to protect yourself during an earthquake.

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These tips were researched in partnership with Nick Wilson, the founder of Advance SOS – a reputable financial company with extensive experience in the cash advance industry. Our collaboration aims to provide you with valuable insights and strategies to transition effectively into the business industry.

These tips will be helpful to you because making a career switch can be daunting, especially when it involves moving from a technical field like geology to business. However, it is entirely possible to make the transition with a well-planned approach and some perseverance. Here are some tips on how to switch careers from geology to business.

Understand Your Motivations

Understanding your motivations is the foundational step in making a successful career switch. You must identify why you want to leave your current field and embark on a new career path. It could be because you are seeking new challenges that your current role doesn’t offer, or you may be looking to earn more money. It could also be due to a newfound passion for business and a desire to explore this field further. Understanding your motivations is crucial as it helps you set clear goals for your new career.

Research the Business Field

Before making the switch, it is essential to research the business field thoroughly. What are the different types of business roles available, and which ones interest you the most? What skills and qualifications do you need to be successful in these roles? What are the job prospects and earning potential? Talk to people in the business field, attend networking events, and read industry publications to gain a better understanding of what to expect. You may also want to consider pursuing a business degree or taking online courses to gain additional knowledge and skills.

Consider Your Transferable Skills

As a geologist, you may have developed skills that can be transferred to the business field. Take an inventory of your skills and experiences, and determine how they can be applied in the business field. For example, geologists are trained to analyze data, work independently, and communicate effectively. These skills are highly valued in business roles, so be sure to highlight them on your resume and during interviews.

Gain Relevant Experience

To switch to a business career, you may need to gain some relevant experience. You can do this by volunteering or interning in a business-related field, taking courses or certifications, or freelancing. This will help you to build a network, learn new skills, and gain practical experience that will make you more attractive to potential employers.

Network

Networking is an essential part of any career switch, especially when moving to a new field. Attend business events, join professional associations, and reach out to people who work in the business field. This will help you to learn about job opportunities, get advice on how to switch careers and build connections that could lead to job offers.

Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. Be sure to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience, and tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the role.

Prepare for Interviews

When preparing for interviews, be ready to explain why you want to switch careers and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the role. Be prepared to answer questions about your business knowledge and demonstrate your passion for the industry.

Be Prepared for Challenges

Switching careers is not easy, and there may be challenges along the way. You may face rejection, have to start at a lower level, or need to take a pay cut. However, with perseverance and a positive attitude, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your career goals.

With careful planning and persistence, switching careers from geology to business can be a feasible feat. It’s crucial to identify your motivations, research the business field, accentuate your transferable skills, acquire relevant experience, expand your network, craft a strong resume and cover letter, and prepare for potential obstacles. These critical steps can pave the way for a successful career transition. Wishing you the best of luck on your career journey!

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• Geometric parameters of the Earth, or parts of it, specifying dimensions, coordinate grids, positions of specific points in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
• Analysis of the relief of the Earth’s surface with determination of high-altitude coordinates.
• Studying and recording geodynamics, i.e., changes in the shape of the Earth’s crust over time to correct maps.
• Calculation of gravitational forces in different areas of the globe.
• Fixing coordinate systems report, height marks, from which is measured with the installation of reference points and relative coordinates.
• Creating, analyzing, correcting maps, atlases, using analytical ways of constructing a geodetic grid.
• Creation of coordinate systems for the convenience of conducting measurements of the earth’s crust.
• Conducting measurements of areas of the earth using various techniques.
• Analysis of results obtained as a result of measurements with their subsequent practical application for the creation of site plans, atlases, maps and other analytical products.

Thus, modern geodesy provides not only valuable reliable knowledge in the field of various parameters of the Earth, but is also used for applied purposes in the direction of territory boundaries for its further registration for the right holder.

Types of geodesic works
Geodesy is such a natural and technical science, which requires the mandatory performance of the following types of basic and auxiliary works:

• Preparatory work, which consists in analyzing the territory, determining the existing reference points, geodetic grids and coordinates for the possibility of surveying a specific plot or object with a georeferencing.
• Field work consisting in application of specialized professional equipment having a connection with GPS coordinates and characterized by a higher precision for determining coordinates or height marks with a view to georeferencing a specific object or checking the correctness of its location.
• Desk processing of the results of field work, which consist in transferring the coordinates and geometric parameters identified in the field into an electronic file, on paper, in order to create official documentation, or to provide designers, as a reference scheme for planting a building, development of drawings of landscaping, vertical layout, location of external utility networks, land surveying.

The final product of geodesy is an executive survey, map, master plan, or other types of graphic representation of the terrain, tied to the object of capital construction.

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• The main geodesic disciplines is topography, that is, the determination of geographic coordinates and elevation of a specific area or point on the ground with the designation of this object on the plan.
• Higher geodesy is an independent science, which implies the application of elements of higher mathematics in order to describe the laws of gravity, changes in coordinate systems, kinematic and dynamic phenomena occurring on the planet.
• Engineering geodetic discipline – is applied for applied purposes in surveying a specific plot, terrain, for the purpose of drawing up cadastral documents, registering property rights, conducting land surveying, assigning easements and other legal actions.
• Cartography – from the definition it is clear that this applied science is engaged in drawing up plans of the area at different scales with the denotation of the territory boundaries, horizontals, elevation marks of relief and other important nuances, which allow to draw up an accurate map of the area, district, region or more extended territories.
• Photogrammetry – a relatively modern branch of geodetic sciences, which implies the design of maps and plans of areas inaccessible to humans on photographs from satellites or other graphic materials derived from the results of photo fixation of the territory, objects located on the ground.
• Geodesic astronomy or space geodesy is also an independent discipline, which implies determination and registration of geographic coordinates by location and movement of celestial bodies in space, based on long-term observations of them.
• Auxiliary disciplines that are also separate divisions of geodesy are military, marine topography, gravimetry and some other less well-known scientific fields, distinguished by narrow specialization.

To accurately answer the question of what is geodesy, it is recommended to study all the maps and other executed surveys of different types of terrain, made by profile specialists. Each object in the studied territory, its coordinates, altitude marks, kinematic phenomena and other processes are described precisely in geodesy. Thus, without knowledge of geodesic disciplines, mankind still would not have had an accurate idea of the size of our planet, the features of the relief and other important facts.

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Above all, it is used in the construction industry. It helps to accurately calculate and evaluate the geometric parameters of any structures. Geodesy is necessary for construction of buildings, linear structures (roads and railways, communication lines and power lines, tunnels, bridges), hydraulic engineering facilities.

The tasks of engineering geodesy in construction:

• conducting measurements and calculations necessary for the design of buildings and structures;
• Separation works for construction purposes: creating a basis for separation on the ground, taking points and axes of the structure in situ, detailed breakdown;
• checking compliance with the project during construction, installation work;
• field surveys;
• control over object operation, prevention of deformation and destruction.

Also geodesy is required for land surveying and cadastre purposes. It helps to determine the position of plots and objects in space for their inclusion in the state register of real estate. Without geodetic works it is impossible to register rights to a land plot and real estate object. Geodesy helps to determine the boundaries of plots, forests and forestry, territories with special procedures and other land management objects.

What geodesy means includes determining the coordinates of real estate objects, taking borders to the ground and fixing them on the ground by means of boundary marks.

Also geodesic works are necessary for making maps and plans, for land planning, for development of building and land use rules. One cannot do without services of geodesists in geological prospecting, mining, extraction of minerals. They are also needed for security and defense.

When geodetic work is needed
In construction, geodesy is needed at every stage: during planning and preparation of territory, during excavation work, construction of excavations and foundations, construction of buildings or structures and putting them into operation. Surveyors calculate and control construction of excavations, foundations and other underground parts of the building, monolithic piers, above-ground parts of the structure, installation of columns and cantilevers, floor slabs, crane beams, utility networks.

For land management purposes, geodesy helps to form or change, clarify existing land plots and real estate located on them.

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• Tachymeter – a universal device for determining the coordinates of a point in a three-dimensional system, which has a connection with a satellite using the GPS module.
• Theodolite – optical or electronic geodetic instrument used to identify directions and values of plane geodetic angles.
• Leveling instrument – a highly specialized instrument used to determine the difference between adjacent elevations.
• Rangefinder – laser metrology equipment for taking measurements between two points in order to identify the distance between them.

In order to make an official report, all of the above equipment must undergo periodic verification and, if necessary, calibration, which involves making accurate adjustments in relation to the readings of the reference device. Each officially operating geodetic organization provides copies of official verification certificates for each type of equipment used in the measurement process.

How the geodetic work is carried out
When a geodesist is called to an object, he performs the following stages of mandatory work that allow him to achieve the expected result:

• Analysis of old surveys.
• Determination of the scope of work.
• Binding to existing reference points.
• Visiting the site.
• Installing and calibrating instruments.
• Determining coordinates of the site.
• Determination of height marks.
• Bounding of existing object.
• Identification of point displacement in space, deflection and other types of plastic deformation.
• Determination of ground settlement, building roll and other disturbances.
• Analyzing irregularities and deviations from required parameters.
• Registration of coordinates in the three-dimensional system.
• Processing the results.
• Compilation of topographic survey, cartographic documentation.
• Drawing up official report, cadastral plan or other official documentation as required.

As a result of the above-mentioned works the geodesist draws up a report consisting of an explanatory note and graphic materials, which is an official document that can be used for presentation in various instances on demand.

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