Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Data Acquisition Protocol for Determining Embedded Sensitivity Functions
Published on: April 20, 2016
Lessons from the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake
1Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, 91125, USA. hiroo@gps.caltech.edu
Abstract:
The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake (M(w) = 9.0-9.3) is one of the greatest earthquakes ever recorded. In terms of its physical size, it is comparable to the 1960 Chilean (M(w) = 9.5) and the 1965 Alaskan (M(w) = 9.2) earthquakes. However, the damage caused by this earthquake is far greater than that caused by other great earthquakes. The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake has been studied in great detail over broad time-scales, from a fraction of seconds to hours and months, using the modern seismic data available from global seismic networks and the Global Positioning System data. We summarize the findings obtained mainly from seismic data, and discuss the unique feature of this earthquake, and possible directions of research to minimize the impact of great earthquakes on our society.
Related Concept Videos
Errors in Taping
Moment-Area Theorems
The theorem is divided into two parts. The first part connects the angle between tangents at any two points on the beam's elastic curve to the area under a curve derived by plotting...
Shear and Bending Moment Diagram: Problem Solving
Draw a Free-Body Diagram: Start by drawing a free-body diagram of the entire beam, including the concentrated loads, distributed load, and reaction...
Bending Moment Diagram
Determine reactive forces and couple moments: Calculate all the reactive forces and couple moments acting on the beam. In certain cases, when the beam is inclined at an...
Resultant of a General Distributed Loading
Examples such as load distribution due to wind and load distribution on a bridge illustrate how this concept is used to analyze and design safe, reliable structures under variable loading conditions. Most structures, such as residential buildings, bridges, and towers, are...
Elastic Collisions: Case Study