Over the period of many years, earthquakes have had a major effect on the economy of the United States of America. In this paper I plan to discuss how earthquakes have an effect on the economy. And what type of effect (positive or negative) earthquakes have on the economy.

Earthquakes are violent trembling of the ground that are caused by the slipping of a fault. A fault is a huge crack in the earth's outermost crust. The slipping is caused when stress builds up in one spot to a level sufficient to overcome the forces resisting the slipping of that fault. The slipping causes seismic waves to radiate from around the source (also called the epicenter). These waves cause the vibratory motions that cause the destruction to property.

Earthquakes are measured on the Richter Scale. This scale, developed by seismologist Charles Richter, measures the magnitude of the earthquakes on a scale of one to nine. (Earthquake! 126) One being not felt by humans, and nine signifying total destruction.

Earthquakes have forced the government to stipend billions of dollars for earthquake hazard prevention, th

Prediction techniques have also taken a big "chunk" out of federal funds. Although there is no "airtight" way to predict earthquakes, many scientists and seismologists have come up with some ways they believe can predict earthquakes.

Another prediction method, which is still in experimental stages, is capturing seismologist attention all over the world. It works on the theory that the rocks along the epicenter emit small currents of electricity before an earthquake. (Shocker 1) It is their theory that these currents can be used to predict major earthquakes before they happen. This method is still in it's experimental and will cost millions of dollars to fully develop it. (Shocker 1)

"The goal of prediction is to be able to forecast the location, strength, and time of occurrence of earthquakes, says Grolier's Multimedia Encyclopedia. One of the more prominent prediction techniques is called Statistical Analysis. (Gray 4) In Statistical Analysis, the earthquake history of a given place is studied to see if there is a recurrent or cyclical pattern. Based on these predictions a long-term prediction can most likely be made. (Gray 4)

e establishment of and compliance with building codes requirements, prediction programs, and recovery programs.

All these programs and laws relate to the economy because they are some of the many bills and acts that earthquakes force the gov

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