Soil and Earthquakes *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
Is soil structure an important factor in earthquake dynamics? Investigate soil liquefaction and how different soil types respond to earthquake movements. Are movements more dramatic in sandy/loamy or clay type soils? Which soil structures are most stable? Which are the most volatile? (MCEER, 2005)Share your story with Science Buddies!
Last edit date: 2013-03-21
Bibliography
- Utah Geological Survey. (n.d.). Liquefaction. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://geology.utah.gov/utahgeo/hazards/liquefy.htm
- Johansson, J. (2000, January 27). Soil Liquiefaction. University of Washington. Retrieved March 5, 2013 from http://www.ce.washington.edu/~liquefaction/html/main.html
- Rauch, A. F. (1997). Chapter 2: Soil Liquefaction in Earthquakes. Virginia Tech, Digital Library and Archives. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-219182249741411/unrestricted/Chp02.pdf
Share your story with Science Buddies!
Ask an Expert
The Ask an Expert Forum is intended to be a place where students can go to find answers to science questions that they have been unable to find using other resources. If you have specific questions about your science fair project or science fair, our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.Ask an Expert
Related Links
If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Soil Scientist
Not all dirt is created equal. In fact, different types of soil can make a big difference in some very important areas of our society. A building constructed on sandy soil might collapse during an earthquake, and crops planted in soil that doesn't drain properly might become waterlogged and rot after a rainstorm. It is the job of a soil scientist to evaluate soil conditions and help farmers, builders, and environmentalists decide how best to take advantage of local soils. Read more


