How it helps when you report feeling an earthquake

Local people's earthquake experiences help governments prepare for future earthquakes.

After an earthquake, Earthquakes Canada creates a “Did you feel it?” message. The questionnaire is on their website.

The 18-question survey asks people to say where they were when the earthquake struck, how long the shaking lasted, and asks a number of multiple-choice questions such as: “Did the pictures on the walls move?” and “Did any furniture or appliances slide, tip over, or move?”

Section of the questionnairePart of the “Did you feel that way?” Survey that Earthquakes Canada creates after each earthquake. People near the earthquake are asked to fill out a questionnaire to help determine where the tremors were most intense. (Canadian Natural Resources)

According to seismologist John Cassidy, the information is useful for determining the intensity of an earthquake, which is different from its magnitude.

Magnitude shows how much energy an earthquake releases at its source, but it does not translate directly into how people feel.

“What people feel during an earthquake is really important for us as scientists to better understand how ground shaking varies across the region during an earthquake,” Cassidy told a CBC podcast.

The intensity or amount of shaking caused by an earthquake will vary based on the distance from the epicenter – and the type of ground.

Both Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria lie on a mixture of rocks and different types of soil – each of which will respond differently to an earthquake.

While scientists have tools to measure the amount of shaking, those tools are not on every building or on every street, so reports from residents across the area can help bolster that information.

“We found a very good correlation between what people feel and the actual ground shaking, which we can compare to recordings of real ground shaking from seismometers and with damage,” Cassidy said.

It's also useful to know if people don't feel the vibration, he said.

Information is shared with engineers and other levels of government.

It can be used to help properly design infrastructure like bridges, for example, and to help emergency planners determine which parts of a city will be most damaged during a major earthquake.

Alleviate fears

For people like Jennifer Rowan, sharing such information can also bring peace of mind.

Rowan loves living in Victoria but admits the possibility of a major earthquake makes her think twice about moving.

She felt the recent 3.8 magnitude earthquake on Vancouver Island and said knowing she could contribute to the research might help.

“I think if I was more involved in it, maybe I would feel better about it. I think being a part of something is a good thing.”

Rowan said she will fill out a report the next time she feels an earthquake.

To learn more about how researchers use information from Did You Feel It? Questionnaires and about how Canada's new earthquake warning system works, listen to the latest episode of This on Vancouver Island:

17:58 Did you feel it? Why it helps researchers when reporting earthquakes

Every time the ground shakes on the island, we flock to social media to find out who felt the quake. But did you know that you can also report your experience to Earthquakes Canada to help with future research? Seismologist John Cassidy explains how researchers like him rely on such information. In addition to: the latest in earthquake warning system.

Islanders, this is a podcast for you. Life on Vancouver Island isn't just about sunset walks and forest bathing, it can be frustrating, isolated and expensive. We'll talk about good, evil, and everything in between. Hosted by Katherine Marlowe every Tuesday.

Listen to This is Vancouver Island every Tuesday on CBC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos