During an earthquake certain types of ground may undergo a process called liquefaction. The earthquake causes small particles to vibrate, which changes their physical properties so that the act more like a liquid than a solid.
Ground that is at risk for liquefaction:
(1) sand, silts, clay or landfill
(2) saturated with water
During liquefaction the ground may develop into:
(1) quicksand
(2) quickclay
(3) turbidity currents and landslides
Consequences of liquefaction:
(1) persons or objects may be sucked down
(2) buried utilities such as sewer lines or pipelines may be pushed up
(3) utility poles carrying suspended utilities may sink down
(4) buildings may sink
(5) supports for bridges and dams may disappear
(6) surfaces of highways and airports may be damaged
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