Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hazard Map Key

On the hazard map, green represents areas that would be high damage zones if an earthquake were to strike Charleston. This is because these areas are built on artificial fill, which would be highly susceptible to liquefaction. Liquefaction occurs when water is present in sediment. When shaken, this water causes the sediment to lose its stability, meaning it acts like a liquid. This would uproot any buildings or structures built and cause great damage.

Yellow represents intermediate damage. This is because it is built on sand and gravel, which would be more sturdy than artificial fill but could contain water that would allow liquefaction to occur.

Pink represents low damage. These areas are built on more solid foundation.

The red boxes represent schools, public buildings, and other points of interest that would be prone to damage.

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