INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to the fascinating world of earthquakes! In this earthquake scrapbook, we will embark on a
journey to unravel the mysteries of one of nature's most powerful and awe-inspiring phenomena.
Earthquakes, with their ability to shape landscapes, impact communities, and reveal the dynamic forces at
work beneath our feet, offer a window into the geological processes that have shaped our planet over
millions of years.

Purpose of the Scrapbook:

This earthquake scrapbook serves as a creative platform to document our exploration of earthquakes,
offering a blend of scientific knowledge, historical context, and practical insights into this natural
phenomenon. By compiling information, images, diagrams, and personal reflections, we aim to deepen
our understanding of earthquakes and their profound influence on our planet and daily lives.

As we embark on this scientific journey through the pages of our earthquake scrapbook, let us embrace
the wonder of Earth's dynamic forces, appreciate the resilience of communities in the face of adversity,
and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of geology, geography, and human society.

Let's dive into the captivating world of earthquakes and uncover the seismic secrets that shape our world!

"The Killer Earthquake"

Title: Killer Earthquake

Date: July 16, 1990 at 4:26 (PDT) or 3:26 (PST)

Magnitude: 7.9

One notable earthquake that occurred in the Philippines is the Luzon earthquake on July 16, 1990, with a
magnitude of 7.8. It affected the northern part of Luzon Island, particularly the provinces of Nueva Ecija,
Pangasinan, and Baguio City. The earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure, buildings,
and roads, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.

On July 16, 1990, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Luzon Island in the
Philippines, causing significant damage and loss of life. The earthquake affected several areas, including
Baguio, La Union, Dagupan City, Cabanatuan City, and Nueva Viscaya. In Baguio, 28 buildings and
132 residences were damaged or destroyed, including three hotels and two schools. The city was isolated
for 48 hours due to destroyed electric, water, and communication lines. Rescue efforts were carried out by
local volunteers and foreign rescue teams with sophisticated equipment.

In Cabanatuan, a major city in the central plain of Luzon, a six-floor school collapsed, trapping 274
people, primarily students. A total of 363 casualties were reported in Cabanatuan, with 154 fatalities.
Dagupan, a commercial city along the coast of Lingayen Gulf, experienced damage to approximately 90
buildings, with 64 casualties reported. In La Union, five municipalities were affected, with 2387 families
being displaced and 493 casualties reported.
The earthquake had a significant impact on the U.S. military presence in the Philippines. Operation Fiery
Vigil was initiated to evacuate all non-essential military personnel and their dependents from Clark Air
Base and U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay. Approximately 20,000 people were evacuated to Cebu, Philippines,
and later transferred back to the contiguous United States. Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Station
were heavily damaged by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

The earthquake caused different patterns of damage in different parts of Luzon Island. The mountain
resort of Baguio was most severely affected, it had a high population density and many tall concrete
buildings, which were more susceptible to seismic damage. Relief efforts proved difficult as all routes of
communication, roads, and airport access were severed for several days following the quake. These
efforts were further hampered by daily rainfall. Baguio is home to a large mining company and a military
academy; experienced miners and other disciplined volunteers played a crucial role in early rescue efforts.
Rescue teams arriving from Manila and elsewhere in Luzon were able to decrease mortality from major
injuries. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized equipment and supplies were brought to the area,
and victims were promptly treated. Patients requiring specialized care (e.g., hemodialysis) not available in
the disaster area were airlifted to tertiary hospitals. Damage was caused by landslides in the mountains
and settling in coastal areas. Relief efforts in these areas were prompt and successful, partly because those
areas remained accessible.

EFFECTS
The Effects of the July 16, 1990 earthquake in the Philippines:

1. Loss of life: The earthquake resulted in numerous fatalities, with estimates ranging from hundreds to
over a thousand casualties.

2. Injuries: Many people sustained injuries during the earthquake, requiring medical attention and care.

3. Damage to infrastructure: Buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure suffered extensive
damage, particularly in the northern provinces of Luzon.

4. Destruction of property: Homes, businesses, and other structures were damaged or destroyed, leading
to significant property loss.

5. Displacement of people: Thousands of individuals were displaced from their homes and communities,
requiring temporary shelter and assistance.

6. Economic impact: The earthquake had a significant economic impact due to the destruction of
property, disruption of businesses, and the need for reconstruction efforts.

7. Psychological effects: The trauma and stress experienced by survivors, as well as the loss of loved
ones and livelihoods, had long-lasting psychological effects on affected communities.

8. Response and recovery efforts: The earthquake prompted extensive efforts in search and rescue,
medical aid, relief distribution, and rebuilding of affected areas.
GROUND RUPTURE
- Magnitude and Intensity:
- The earthquake had an estimated moment magnitude of 7.7 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX
(violent).

- The depth of the earthquake was recorded at 25.1 km (15.6 mi).

- Epicenter:
- The earthquake's epicenter was near the town of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, northeast of Cabanatuan.

- Ground Rupture:
- The earthquake produced a 125 km-long ground rupture that stretched from Dingalan, Aurora, to
Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

- The event was a result of strike-slip movements along the Philippine Fault and the Digdig Fault within
the Philippine Fault System.

- The rupture occurred bilaterally, extending from the hypocenter, with most of the rupture happening
northwest for 75-100 km.

- The Digdig Fault displayed 5-6 m (16-20 ft) of left-lateral displacement.

- Impact:
- The earthquake caused significant damage within an area of about 20,000 square kilometers, affecting
regions like Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and more.

- Baguio, a popular destination over 5000 feet above sea level, was among the hardest-hit areas. It
experienced 28 collapsed buildings, including hotels, factories, and government buildings.

- In Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, the tallest building in the city, a six-story concrete school building housing
the Christian College of the Philippines, collapsed during school hours.

- Dagupan suffered damage to about 90 buildings, with liquefaction causing structures to sink and areas to
flood.

- La Union experienced the collapse or severe damage of many buildings, with two coastal villages
sinking due to liquefaction.

- Casualties:

- The earthquake resulted in 1,621 deaths, 3,513 injuries, 321 missing persons, and 126,035 displaced
individuals.

- Baguio was isolated from the rest of the Philippines for the first 48 hours after the quake, with rescue
and relief operations being challenging due to severed communication routes.

This earthquake had a significant impact on various regions in the Philippines, causing extensive damage,
loss of life, and displacements. The ground rupture and the subsequent effects underscore the destructive
power of earthquakes and the importance of preparedness and response in mitigating their impact.

LIQUEFACTION
- Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated soil loses strength and stiffness during an earthquake,
causing it to behave like a liquid. This process can lead to ground failure, sinking of structures, and other
related damages.

- In Dagupan, about 90 buildings in the city were damaged, and approximately 20 collapsed. Liquefaction
caused buildings to sink up to 1 meter (39 inches), leading to a decrease in the city's elevation and
flooding in several areas.

- La Union also experienced liquefaction, resulting in the sinking of two coastal villages. This process
displaced 100,000 families and caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure in the affected areas.

- Impact:
- Liquefaction contributed to the destruction and collapse of buildings, roads, and other structures in the
affected regions.
- In Dagupan, the sinking of buildings due to liquefaction led to casualties, injuries, and significant
structural damage.

- The phenomenon of liquefaction worsened the impact of the earthquake in La Union, where buildings
collapsed or were severely damaged, displacing thousands of families and causing casualties.

- Response:
- Dealing with liquefaction aftermath involves structural assessment, rebuilding efforts, and potential
mitigation strategies to prevent similar damage in future seismic events.

- Recovery efforts in liquefaction-affected areas typically involve infrastructure reconstruction, soil

stabilization measures, and urban planning to reduce vulnerability to future liquefaction events.

Liquefaction, as observed during the 1990 Luzon earthquake in the Philippines, highlights the destructive
potential of this phenomenon during seismic events. Understanding and addressing the risks associated
with liquefaction are crucial for enhancing earthquake resilience in vulnerable regions.

GROUND SHAKING:
Following the devastating earthquake that struck the Philippines on July 16, 1990, and the subsequent
impact it had on regions like Baguio, there have been efforts to develop ground shaking hazard maps to
help identify danger zones and enhance preparedness for future seismic events. Here is some information
about the ground shaking hazard map related to the earthquake in the Philippines on July 16, 1990:

- Purpose: Ground shaking hazard maps are crucial tools developed by organizations like The Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to outline the potential impact of ground shaking
during earthquakes. These maps help identify areas that are vulnerable to severe ground shaking, which is
essential for urban planning, building codes, and disaster preparedness.

- Mapping Process: The ground shaking hazard maps generated by PHIVOLCS outline the areas that
might suffer from severe ground shaking during earthquakes. These maps are based on scientific data,
including the magnitude of past earthquakes, fault lines, soil composition, and other geological factors
that influence ground shaking intensity.

- Impact Assessment: By analyzing the ground shaking hazard maps, authorities can assess the
vulnerability of structures already standing or being constructed in high-risk areas. This information is
crucial for implementing building codes, retrofitting existing structures, and planning evacuation routes to
mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

- Community Awareness: The availability of ground shaking hazard maps raises awareness among
residents and local officials about the potential risks associated with seismic events. It empowers
communities to take proactive measures to enhance their resilience and preparedness in the face of
earthquakes.

- Urban Planning: The data from ground shaking hazard maps influences urban planning decisions,
building regulations, and land use policies. By incorporating this information into city planning processes,
authorities can ensure that new developments are designed to withstand potential ground shaking and
minimize the risk to residents and infrastructure.

The development and utilization of ground shaking hazard maps play a vital role in enhancing disaster
risk reduction strategies and promoting a culture of resilience in earthquake-prone regions like the
Philippines.

GROUND SHAKE MAP:

The earthquake that struck the Philippines on July 16,
1990, was a significant event that caused widespread
ground shaking and devastation. Here is an
explanation of the ground shake map related to this
earthquake:

- Magnitude and Intensity: The earthquake had a

surface wave magnitude of 7.8, indicating a powerful
seismic event. The maximum intensity of the shaking
was classified as IX (violent), while the Peak Ground
Acceleration (PGA) was likely high in the areas closest
to the epicenter.
- Epicenter: The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Rizal in Nueva Ecija, northeast of
Cabanatuan. This region experienced the most intense shaking, resulting in severe damage to buildings,
infrastructure, and loss of life.

- Affected Areas: The ground shake map would have shown the distribution of ground shaking intensity
across different regions of Luzon Island and neighboring areas. Central Luzon, the National Capital
Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Bicol Region were among the areas affected by
varying degrees of shaking.

- Impact on Structures: The ground shake map would have indicated areas where structures experienced
the most damage due to the earthquake. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure in regions with higher
ground shaking intensity would have been more vulnerable to collapse and structural failure.

- Geological Factors: The map would have considered geological factors such as fault lines, soil types,
and local geology to predict the distribution of ground shaking intensity. Areas located near active faults
or with soft soil conditions are typically more susceptible to stronger shaking.

- Aftershocks: Following the main earthquake on July 16, 1990, aftershocks would have been recorded
and mapped to show the ongoing seismic activity in the region. Aftershocks can contribute to further
ground shaking and impact the recovery and response efforts.

Outro: Reflecting on Earth's Tremors

As we close the pages of this Earthquake Scrapbook, let us not forget the profound impact that seismic
events have on our planet and our lives. Through the lens of science, we have delved into the depths of
the Earth, unraveling the mysteries of tectonic forces and the aftermath of tremors.

From the rumbling of the ground to the upheaval of landscapes, earthquakes serve as a reminder of the
dynamic nature of our planet. They shape the land we walk on, the cities we build, and the lives we lead.
As we navigate the complexities of seismic activity, let us also embrace the resilience of communities and
the unity in times of crisis.

May this scrapbook serve as a testament to our curiosity, our quest for knowledge, and our commitment
to understanding the Earth's tremors. Let us continue to learn, explore, and protect our planet for
generations to come.

Thank you for embarking on this journey through the seismic wonders of our world. Remember, as the
Earth shakes, so do our perceptions, paving the way for new beginnings and deeper connections with the
forces that shape our existence.