Can you feel an earthquake while standing?

1) A large earthquake nearby will feel like a sudden big jolt followed by stronger shaking that can last a few seconds or up to a few minutes if it's a rare large event. The shaking will feel violent and it will be difficult to get up.

How does an earthquake feel far away?

A large earthquake far away will feel like a gentle bump, followed several seconds later by stronger rolling tremors that can last for ten seconds or up to a few minutes for the largest events. A small earthquake nearby will feel like a small sharp jolt followed by a few stronger sharp tremors that pass quickly.

How do you compare two earthquakes?

To compare two earthquakes in terms of shaking, subtract one magnitude from the other and raise 10 to this magnitude: 10^(M1-M2). For example, if the magnitude of one earthquake is 6 and another is 4, the difference in magnitude is 2, so the stronger earthquake shakes 10^2 or 100 times as hard as the milder one.

Where is the safest place to be during an earthquake?

COVER your head and neck (and if possible your entire body) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won't fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

How does an earthquake feel far away from you?

A large earthquake far away will feel like a gentle bump, followed several seconds later by stronger rolling tremors that may feel like sharp tremors for a while. A small earthquake nearby will feel like a small sharp jolt followed by a few stronger sharp tremors that pass quickly.

What makes an earthquake feel stronger?

The second waves that arrive are called "S" (secondary) waves, and while these high-frequency waves are slower, they are also larger, so they produce a much stronger shock. Eventually, the low-frequency waves rumble through, causing the ground to rattle.

Why does an earthquake last a few seconds?

If the energy happens to bounce around and become focused on where you are, that will also amplify the shaking. Low-level vibrations that last more than a few seconds are not indicative of an earthquake, but are more likely an environmental human-made source. How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?

What is the difference between a 5.5 earthquake and a 4.5?

Workers in office buildings in downtown Los Angeles, for example, reported feeling a strong jolt from the 4.5-magnitude Montebello quake, while Wednesday's 5.5 temblor produced a long rolling motion. Why should one earthquake give sharp shocks and another cause the Earth to roll back and forth like a ship at sea?