Answer:
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time. When the Richter measurement is reported it ranges from very small earth quakes Magnitude 1 right up to the catastrophic magnitude 9, with magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes being mostly imperceptible and magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas. Like in this case study with Haiti.
The quake will be felt - on some level - for years. Local industries have been set back, and the pall on a country afflicted by natural disasters will remain overhead, discouraging risk-averse investors. Haiti is currently the 17th-largest supplier by volume of products to the US, with exports worth $424 million in 2009, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Interruption in this industry will have a clear, immediate impact on the local economy.