Friday, August 5, 2011

PHIVOLCS Liquefaction Susceptibility Map

In the previous post, I talked about the dangers of landslides that usually occur during earthquakes. Because of the dangers of landslides, PHIVOLCS created Earthquake-induced Landslide Susceptibility maps to help the public know which laces in the Philippines are under the risk of landslide. Another effect that may result from earthquake is liquefaction.

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where the soil that has mixture of liquid, which the usual example is underground water, act like a liquid because of intense shaking caused by earthquakes. Liquefaction usually occurs in places that have During an earthquake, the soil became separated because of shaking and water will come in to fill the gaps between soil particles. Because of this, soil will act like a fluid and will cause the structures on it to sink. Liquefaction usually occurs on areas where the ground is saturated with groundwater or salt water coming from the sea.

The effect of liquefaction is grave, that's why PHIVOLCS created the Liquefaction Susceptibility Map. However, unlike the other maps from PHIVOLCS, Liquefaction Susceptibility Map has only two maps. One is a general map that covers the whole Philippines. The other Liquefaction Susceptibility Map covers Metro Manila and vicinity.
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Metro Manila Liquefaction Susceptibility Map created by PHIVOLCS
Metro Manila Liquefaction Susceptibility Map.

According to PHIVOLCS map, the areas in Metro Manila that are high risk from liquefaction are the City of Manila and the areas in Pasig City located beside Laguna Lake. Areas that have moderate risk from liquefaction are areas beside the Manila Bay, Laguna Lake and Marikina River. Areas on “higher” elevation, like Quezon City, have low risk of experiencing liquefaction.

Soil liquefaction is an important factor to consider when buying real estate properties. You must ensure that the land that you are buying is safe from this phenomenon. If you are already owning a lot located on an area that is at risk from liquefaction, then you must make sure that the house or structure that you are building on it are “liquefaction-proof.”

For more information, see the liquefaction susceptibility maps on PHIVOLCS website.

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