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Our World: Japan earthquake and tsunami in

Hello, dear Pandas:

sure you have already seen on the news or read in the newspaper the horrible news of the earthquake which struck northeastern Japan, larger earthquake in the history of this country and has also led a tsunami. We are seeing horrifying images in which cars, boats and even houses are swept away by a tidal wave. Many Japanese have lost family and friends . The search for survivors continues

is terrible what these people are living. So today I want to explain what are the earthquakes and tsunamis and how they occur.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes and tsunamis are natural disasters, ie devastating events generated from changes in nature, such as in climate or surface land.

What is an earthquake and how it occurs? Earthquakes are natural disasters related to soil structure. Our planet is made of several layers, the higher the temperature the closer it gets to the center. There, in the nucleus, is 4,700 degrees.

The thin outer layer is called the crust, which has an uneven thickness: 6-8 km in the sea and up to 70 km beneath the continents. The crust is composed of 15 plates scattered throughout the world. Here you can see the pattern:

The heat from the core generates a pressure that causes the plates to move slowly in small movements we do not notice. Earthquakes occur at plate margins, particularly when they are suddenly moving in the opposite direction and touch, producing a tension that leads to shock. The shock is what we call earthquake. The arrow on the map indicates Japan. As you can see, Japan is surrounded by plaques and margins that make it the world's most earthquake.

What causes a tsunami?
Tsunamis often result from sudden movement of the plates, but also from the eruption of volcanoes. When an earthquake occurs above the sea level rises sometimes the seabed. Other parts sink. The strong movements result in a tremendous wave that moves through the ocean at high speed (approximately 600 miles per hour

) over several miles until you reach land. A wave can become really montruosa. When it reaches land, can completely devastate entire coastlines. In Japan, the wave was 10 meters high!

What are the implications of these facts?
The earthquake and tsunami have destroyed houses, cars, trains, roads and entire villages. They have killed thousands, and hundreds of thousands have become homeless. 500,000 people have been evacuated and are living in emergency shelters, where they receive food and medicine and have a bed to sleep. In many parts of Japan has failed power supply, which, along with the devastating effects of water, has caused an even greater danger: a nuclear power plant supplying electricity to the population, and contain substances lethal, failed security systems.

How can we help?
experts are doing everything possible to prevent radioactive substances from reaching the water or air. In addition, many countries are sending humanitarian aid and rescue troops to Japan to deliver health care to refugees. Others go to the affected areas to continue searching for survivors.

Most of you are concerned about what is happening. Surely you afraid of the images on TV, you have nightmares or think the same thing could happen. It is normal and you should not feel bad about it. The events in Japan are something that rarely happens in the world, just that affects us. It is also unlikely that happening near where you live. Perhaps you feel better talking to your teachers, parents or friends about your fears and feelings. Most people are shocked when they see others are suffering. You must know that you are not alone. What you are experiencing helps you to understand the fears and concerns and move forward. If you want, you can write vuetras impressions as a comment. You'll see as there are many who share Pandas.

Love & Peace
Kamaria