Everybody hears “earthquake” and thinks California. And admittedly we get a lot of them. But the Appalachians didn’t just appear magically; they had to be folded up, with quakes, at some point. Not to mention that the biggest earthquake in recorded history in America was centered in . . . Missouri! (Google “New Madrid earthquake” for details.)
So the real difference is that California building codes make the damage much less than a similar size quake will cause elsewhere. And, of course, the fact that we are accustomed to them means that the level of panic tends to be less.
And, of course, the fact that we are accustomed to them means that the level of panic tends to be less.
Akin to what happens when ice and snow hits southern roads and freeways. What the northern states cope with on a daily basis in the winter brings southern cites to a screeching-bang halt.
By the way, I’ve experienced earthquakes — small ones — in Boston once and in New York City twice. I was awakened by one in NYC and instantly knew what it was. Why? Because I had experienced them in my grandmother’s living room in Palm Springs as a child. It felt like being on a train. Also, they make a sound. A groaning feel/sound in the bowels of the earth that is unmistakable.
So the real difference is that California building codes make the damage much less than a similar size quake will cause elsewhere.For example, if this quake had happened in California, that fourth plastic lawn chair would NOT have suffered a catastrophic loss of structural integrity.
But take a look some time at what an earthquake does to a brick building. Which is why, although the eastern US has lots of them, in California they are very rare. And the ones which do exist here are a) old, and b) usually only a brick facade — which can be dangerous for those outside when the bricks come tumbling down, but the structure itself can still cope.
Just a joke, wj. Different areas, different building codes. I wouldn’t want to be caught in one of those CA homes during a hurricane, and I wouldn’t want to be in a sizeable earthquake in one of our block and slab homes.
Sorry, I was obviously short on sleep, and it impacted my humor sensor.
I wouldn’t want to get caught in a hurricane anywhere! Or a tornado for that matter. I guess everybody is more tranquil about the forces of nature that they have to face regularly.
Ambiance
wj said,
June 26, 2010 at 6:09 am
Everybody hears “earthquake” and thinks California. And admittedly we get a lot of them. But the Appalachians didn’t just appear magically; they had to be folded up, with quakes, at some point. Not to mention that the biggest earthquake in recorded history in America was centered in . . . Missouri! (Google “New Madrid earthquake” for details.)
So the real difference is that California building codes make the damage much less than a similar size quake will cause elsewhere. And, of course, the fact that we are accustomed to them means that the level of panic tends to be less.
El Pollo Real said,
June 26, 2010 at 2:13 pm
And, of course, the fact that we are accustomed to them means that the level of panic tends to be less.
Akin to what happens when ice and snow hits southern roads and freeways. What the northern states cope with on a daily basis in the winter brings southern cites to a screeching-bang halt.
amba (Annie Gottlieb) said,
June 26, 2010 at 2:26 pm
God yes. One half-inch of snow and the Triangle is paralyzed.
amba (Annie Gottlieb) said,
June 26, 2010 at 3:25 pm
By the way, I’ve experienced earthquakes — small ones — in Boston once and in New York City twice. I was awakened by one in NYC and instantly knew what it was. Why? Because I had experienced them in my grandmother’s living room in Palm Springs as a child. It felt like being on a train. Also, they make a sound. A groaning feel/sound in the bowels of the earth that is unmistakable.
amba (Annie Gottlieb) said,
June 26, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Kinda like the earth is trying to move its bowels.
Ron said,
June 26, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Kinda like the earth is trying to move its bowels
Meta-Earthcil!
Icepick said,
June 27, 2010 at 8:37 am
So the real difference is that California building codes make the damage much less than a similar size quake will cause elsewhere.For example, if this quake had happened in California, that fourth plastic lawn chair would NOT have suffered a catastrophic loss of structural integrity.
Icepick said,
June 27, 2010 at 8:38 am
GRR, my html tags didn’t take.
wj said,
June 27, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Cute, Ice!
But take a look some time at what an earthquake does to a brick building. Which is why, although the eastern US has lots of them, in California they are very rare. And the ones which do exist here are a) old, and b) usually only a brick facade — which can be dangerous for those outside when the bricks come tumbling down, but the structure itself can still cope.
Icepick said,
June 27, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Just a joke, wj. Different areas, different building codes. I wouldn’t want to be caught in one of those CA homes during a hurricane, and I wouldn’t want to be in a sizeable earthquake in one of our block and slab homes.
wj said,
June 28, 2010 at 8:31 am
Sorry, I was obviously short on sleep, and it impacted my humor sensor.
I wouldn’t want to get caught in a hurricane anywhere! Or a tornado for that matter. I guess everybody is more tranquil about the forces of nature that they have to face regularly.