Why do earthquakes shake buildings differently from the ground?
Quick Answer
Buildings have their own natural frequencies, so they can move more or less than the ground depending on the shaking. Soft soils can also amplify motion compared with solid bedrock.
The Full Story
Seismic waves move the ground, but structures respond according to their height, stiffness, and construction. If the shaking matches a building's natural period, resonance can make the motion much stronger. Local geology matters too: soft sediments can amplify shaking, while bedrock may transmit it differently. This is why two places only a few kilometers apart can experience very different damage from the same earthquake.
Key Facts
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"Why one quake can hit two buildings in completely different ways"
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