As a geophysicist with a focus on earthquake studies, I can outline several significant effects that earthquakes have on the environment and human society. Here are three primary effects of earthquakes: 1. Surface Rupture: Earthquakes can cause the ground to break apart and shift along fault lines. This can lead to the formation of new cracks in the earth's surface and the widening of existing ones. The damage caused by surface rupture can be severe, especially in areas with high population density or critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, and pipelines. 2. Tsunamis: A significant effect of earthquakes, particularly those that occur underwater or near coastal areas, is the potential to generate tsunamis. These are large, destructive waves that can travel vast distances across the ocean and cause widespread damage when they reach the shore. The impact of a tsunami can be devastating to coastal communities and can result in loss of life and significant property damage. 3. Landslides and Ground Failure: The shaking from an earthquake can also trigger landslides and other forms of ground failure, especially in areas with steep slopes or loose soil. Landslides can block rivers, destroy homes, and create new hazards such as mudflows. Ground failure can also lead to the collapse of buildings and other structures, posing a significant risk to human life. read more >>

Earthquake environmental effects are the effects caused by an earthquake on the natural environment, including surface faulting, tectonic uplift and subsidence, tsunamis, soil liquefactions, ground resonance, landslides and ground failure, either directly linked to the earthquake source or provoked by the ground ...read more >>