REPORT TEXT
Report writing belongs to non-fiction genre. Report writing aims to classify and describe the natural, cultural, scientific and technological phenomena of our world (e.g. computers, earthquakes, floods, animals, habitats etc.) in contrast to a description, which focuses on one specific thing. When you write a descriptive text, you focus on describing one particular thing, for example, “my computer”, but when you write a report text, you write about computers in general, not only yours. Report texts are most common form of writing faced by students especially in science. The purpose of report writing is to give relevant and accurate information (Anderson, 1998).
Earthquakes
Earthquakes – being among the most deadly natural hazards - strike without any prior warning, leaving catastrophe in their wake with terrible loss of human lives as well as economic loss.
Technically, an earthquake (also known as tremor, quake or temblor) is a kind of vibration through earth's crust. This vibration occurs as a result of powerful movement of rocks in the earth's crust. These powerful movements trigger a rapid release of energy that creates seismic waves that travel through the earth. Earthquakes are usually brief, but may repeat over a long period of time. (Earth Science. 2001)
Earthquakes are classified as large and small. Large earthquakes usually begin with slight tremors but rapidly take form of violent shocks. The vibrations from a large earthquake last for few days known as aftershocks. Small earthquakes are usually slight tremors and do not cause much damage. Large earthquakes are known to take down buildings and cause death and injury (Richter, 1935).
According to some statistics, there may be an average of 500,000 earthquakes every year but only about 100,000 can be felt and about 100 or so can cause damage each year.
The study of earthquakes is called seismology. Seismology studies the frequency, type and size of earthquakes. Earthquakes are measured using observations by seismometers. The magnitude of an earthquake and its intensity is recorded on a numerical scale known as Richter scale. On this scale, 3 or less is hardly noticeable. Earthquakes with magnitude of more than 6.5 can cause heavy
damage (Earth Science. 2001).
The effects of an earthquake are strongest in the area which is near its epicenter. The extent of the earthquake vibration and further damage to the region is partly dependent on the features of the ground. The worst possible damage occurs in the densely populated areas where structures are not built to withstand intense shaking. Damage and loss of life incurred during earthquake is due to falling buildings and flying glass and objects. In certain areas, an earthquake can cause mudslides that can bury areas under it. Powerful submarine earthquakes cause tsunami or a chain of fast moving waves in the ocean that ripple outward from earthquake epicenter towards coastal areas causing
surmountable damage (http\\: www.USGS.Org). On an average, 1,000 earthquakes with intensities of 5.0 or greater are recorded each year.
Description and magnitude of earthquakes from the United States geological
survey (earthquake hazards program) :
Magnitude Description Average Earthquake Effects Average Estimated
of Frequency of
Earthquakes Occurrance/Year
Less than 2.0 Micro Micro earthquakes are not felt by Several Million/Year
people but are recorded by
seismograph.
2.0-2.9 Minor Generally not felt, but recorded. Over one million/Year
No damages.
3.0-3.9 Light Often felt, but rarely causes Over 100,000/Year
damage.
4.0-4.9 Light Noticeable shaking of indoor items, 10,000 - 15,000/Year
rattling noises. No significant
damage.
5.0-5.9 Moderate Can cause major damage to poorly 1,00 - 1,500/Year
constructed buildings over small
regions. At most slight damage to
well-designed buildings. Casualties
range from none to a few.
6.0-6.9 Strong Can be destructive in areas up to 100 - 150/Year
about 100 miles across in
populated areas. Death toll ranges
from none to 25,000.
7.0-7.9 Major Can cause serious damage over 10 - 20/Year
larger areas. Death toll from none
to 250,000.
8.0 - 8.9 Great Can cause serious damage in areas One/Year
several hundred miles across.
Building structures collapse -
skyscrapers are SERIOUS risk.
Death toll ranges from 1,000 to 1
million.
9.0 and greater Great Can cause near or total One/ 10 t0 50
destruction. Heavy damage and years
shaking extends to distant
locations. Death toll usually over
50,000.
As Indonesia is situated in the “Ring of Fire”, it is more prone to earthquakes. According to United States geological survey (USGS, earthquake hazards program), till now Indonesia has witnessed five great earthquakes with the magnitude ranging from 8.5 to 9.1. These earthquakes caused major destruction in the places they occurred. One of the major earthquakes that hit Indonesia was “2004 Indian Ocean tsunami”. It was the deadliest natural disaster in the area. Its magnitude was 9.1-9.3. Heavy loss of human lives was witnessed and damage was felt as far as east coast of Africa (http\\: www.USGS.Org).
Earthquakes have been a source of terror to people since ancient times, but only for the last few hundred years serious attempts have been made to understand them. Many methods have been developed to predict earthquakes despite all the research efforts by seismologists. The prediction cannot be made to a specific day or month. In future perhaps scientists will be able to predict
earthquakes exactly but for now science has yet to provide answers
A. Read and answer the questions carefully. .
1. Which of the following natural disasters do you think is the most horrifying:
earthquake, tsunamis, thunderstorms, or floods? Why?
2. What natural disaster have you experienced? Can you share what happened?
3. What is the worst earthquake that Indonesia has witnessed? How much
damage did it cause? How did you respond to the disaster? Explain.
4. Can you state an example of man made disaster?
5. What kinds of disasters are common in Indonesia?
6. What would you do if you knew there would soon be an earthquake and this
could be your last day on earth?
7. Do you know anything about the “Ring of Fire? Can you find information and
discuss it with your classmates?
8. If you could volunteer to help after a natural disaster, what would you do?
9. Do you think the world should be more concerned about natural disasters or
man made disasters? Discuss and give reasons to support your answer.
B. Fill in the blanks with the words given in the box:
catastrophic, deadly, damage, trigger, hazard, rapid,
incurred, casualties, destructive, predict
1. My brother claims that he can ________________ the future.
2. The trash dump outside the housing complex is a health ________________.
3. Snake bites can be very ________________.
4. The tsunami was a major ________________ event in the lives of people living
in north Sumatra.
5. Chocolates are a known ________________ of migraine headaches.
6. We went canoeing through ________________ waters. It was such a thrill.
7. Cigarette smoking causes ________________ to lungs.
8. I am responsible for all the extra charges ________________ during the trip.
9. The Indian Ocean tsunami caused heavy ________________ in the coastal
areas.
10. Earthquakes are ________________ in nature.
good luck !
This Task should be done and sent to my e-mail; yatidjoko@mail.com
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