Key Principles of Earthquakes

About the lecture

In this module, we think about the physical principles behind earthquakes, focusing on: (i) the different types of natural hazard – geomorphological, meteorological, hydrological, and geophysical – and where earthquakes fit into this; (ii) how earthquakes happen – the generation of seismic waves from energy release in the crust; (iii) the two main types of seismic waves – surface and body – and the characteristics of primary and secondary body waves; (iv) factors influencing earthquakes’ severity, particularly focal depth; (v) how earthquake magnitude is calculated, focusing on the Richter scale.

About the lecturer

Dr Servel Miller is Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Chester. He specialises in the development and application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other geospatial technologies to natural hazard management. His research focuses on the Caribbean region and the UK.