Earthquakes
Earthquakes happen when two blocks of earth pass each other. In between the two plates is the fault. The hypocenter is the place under the earth where it starts from and right on top of the hypocenter on the surface, is called the epicenter. Earth's crust is separated into plates, like puzzle pieces, (tectonic plates) and when they slide past each other earthquakes, mountains, tsunamis, and volcanoes occur. Scientists cannot predict when earthquakes can happen but they can be recorded and the scientists know where the plates are and therefore know where earthquakes are more likely to occur at.
This video gives details and information on both the causes and the effects that the earthquake had on the country.
CAUSES
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred the 28 February 2010. The causes of this earthquake was that the South American Plate (continental crust) and the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) collided. The Nazca plate crushed eastward towards the South American one and was submerged under the South American Plate.The epicenter was not far from the capital, Santiago. The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 and caused many effects on the country.
EFFECTS
This earthquake had a lot of effects on Chile. It caused a tsunami that hit the coasts of the country. Because of its strength and energy, it demolished thousands of buildings. 1.5 million people were displaced after the earthquake. Around 525 people lost their lives, 25 went missing and 9% of the population lost their homes. After the main shock, people slept in tents, in parks, or even on streets in fear of possible aftershocks. The government started giving out food to the people who were affected by the earthquake. The ports situated more in the north of the country were 80% active by the 3 March, 4 days after the earthquake. But the day after that, the President stated that Chile would need 4 years to rebuild and that they would need international loans. During the earthquake, 203 prisoners escaped from the prison, El Manzano, and only 36 prisoners were recaptured which caused additional chaos and disorder.