Why does Christchurch have liquefaction?

Groundwater levels move up and down over time. Earthquake shaking – Stronger earthquake shaking causes more of the soil profile to liquefy and causes more severe ground damage.

What damage did liquefaction cause in Christchurch 2010?

The earthquake caused 182 fatalities, collapse of two multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings, collapse or partial collapse of many unreinforced masonry structures including the historic Christchurch Cathedral.

What does liquefaction mean in earthquakes?

Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes.

What is liquefaction NZ?

Liquefaction is a natural process where earthquake shaking increases the water pressure in the ground in some types of soil, leading to temporary loss of soil strength. It can cause significant damage to land, buildings, infrastructure and the environment, as well as economic and social disruption.

What liquefaction means?

of making or becoming liquid
Definition of liquefaction 1 : the process of making or becoming liquid. 2 : the state of being liquid. 3 : conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event.

What causes liquefaction?

Liquefaction occurs when vibrations or water pressure within a mass of soil cause the soil particles to lose contact with one another. As a result, the soil behaves like a liquid, has an inability to support weight and can flow down very gentle slopes.

Why does liquefaction cause damage?

Damage from liquefaction When the ground becomes liquid, it can no longer support the weight of buildings, so these tend to sink. The overlying ground can also sink, spread and crack. Underground pipes and tanks float and break. Power poles fall and break cables.

What is the cause of liquefaction?

What is the difference between liquefaction and liquefaction?

Liquification is the act of becoming liquid as in condensation from a gas or the melting of a solid. Liquifaction refers to soil acting like a liquid. It happens during earthquake. Hope it will help you!

Is liquefaction a natural disaster?

Flows and lateral spreads (liquefaction phenomena) are among the most destructive geologic hazards. – Subsidence or surface depressions result from the settling of loose or unconsolidated sediment.

How do earthquakes cause liquefaction?

Soil Liquefaction Due to Earthquakes Earthquake motion can turn loosely packed, water-saturated soil to liquid—”liquefaction.” Liquefied soil loses its density and ultimately the ability to support roads, buried pipes, and, of course, houses.

How did the Canterbury earthquake of 2010-2011 affect Christchurch?

The 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence consisted of four main earthquake events (4 September 2010 Darfield, 22 February 2011 Christchurch, 13 June 2011, 23 December 2011) and hundreds of aftershocks greater than M w 4.0 (GeoNet – GNS Science). The team observed the short- and long-term effects that liquefaction had on the area. •Liquefaction

What was liquefaction in the Christchurch earthquake?

Some reports of the Christchurch earthquakes referred to liquefaction covering streets and needing to be cleared up. The scientific term ‘liquefaction’ refers to a process – it was silt that was covering properties. Watch this news report soon after the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, highlighting the role of liquefaction.

What does Christchurch earthquake stand for?

… (Show more) Christchurch earthquakes of 2010–11, also called Canterbury earthquakes, series of tremors that occurred within and near the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Canterbury Plains region from early September 2010 to late December 2011.

What is liquefaction and how did it affect Canterbury?

Liquefaction is a process that temporarily turns firm ground into a liquid. During the Canterbury earthquakes of September 2010 and February 2011, liquefaction caused silt and fine sand to boil up and bury streets and gardens and caused buildings and vehicles to sink. This was a new phenomenon for most New Zealanders,…