Earthquakes
One of the most dramatic manifestations of the movement of the Earth’s crust is the earthquake. Even though continental plates move very slowly, when they bump into each other, the force is huge. Fortunately, most of the scraping occurs under the oceans and the effects are hardly noticed. However, the Pacific and North American plates also meet on dry land, along the San Andreas fault in California.
The force of the plates pushing together can build up tremendous energy. When this energy is released, it causes the Earth’s crust to vibrate. Occasionally, the energy builds up so much that its release causes a severe earthquake. By measuring the intensity of the resulting shock waves, scientists can determine its magnitude. The severity of an earthquake is measured on a ten point logarithmic scale called a Richter Scale. This means that a shock of magnitude seven is ten times greater than six, and a hundred times greater than a quake of five and so on.
Earthquakes are still difficult to predict. Foreshock may or may not indicate a big quake is coming. However, changes in the level of the ground, and increases in the amount of radon gas seeping from the ground are warning signs. People living near the San Andreas fault need to have emergency procedures ready for the next big vibration.
So next time you feel shaky, check the china cabinet as well. It may not be just you.
With all our modern technology Earthquakes are still difficult to predict. Geological and historical records are kept and studied about where and when earthquakes have occurred in the past and this information is helpful in long term forecasting. The benefit of knowing in advance of the possibility of an earthquake could dramatically reduce the devastation they cause.
Sometimes I think it would be a real advantage in life to know about things in advance, like the result of a job interview but the other side of this scenario is there probably would be circumstances I wouldn’t want to have foreknowledge of, perhaps the untimely death of a loved one. The key to this then would be to have control.
Like earthquakes, unresolved conflict, unforgiveness and bitterness brewing within us have the potential to erupt quickly and without notice in uncontrollable emotion. Preventing the personal and relational damage this causes is once again a control issue - control over how we manage our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
One of the dictionary definitions for control is to “have power over, to exercise restraining or directing influence over.” Almost everyone is familiar with the great demonstration of power over nature Jesus displayed when He calmed the storm that raged about the fishing boat He and His frightened disciples were in. Here was the One who controlled all things, who as the Bible proclaims holds all things together, directly influencing and restraining His own creation.
Often we don’t understand why God allows natural disasters to occur. But He can and does bring great good out of terrible tragedy, like the recent Tsunami. Christian ministries rushed into the region to help, minister, counsel, and pray for the millions of people who have had to reevaluate their priorities in life. All over the world fund-raising has generated hundreds of millions of dollars towards rebuilding the devastated areas.
We can hardly imagine living in a perfect world, one not affected by tragedy and death. A place where the news is always good, laughter replaces tears, no one is ever hungry and hatred is replaced by love - sounds like heaven to me.
David Humphreys and Deborah Piggott
