Earthquakes are caused by the sudden movement of Earth's tectonic plates huge pieces of the planet’s crust that float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath them. These plates are constantly shifting, but when they get stuck due to friction, pressure builds up over time. Eventually, that pressure is released in a burst of energy, causing the ground to shake. This release happens along cracks in the Earth's surface called faults.
Types and Effects of Earthquakes
There are different types of earthquakes depending on how the tectonic plates move some slide past each other, some collide, and others pull apart. The strength of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). Strong earthquakes can cause severe damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure, and may trigger landslides or tsunamis. Understanding the science behind earthquakes helps scientists predict risk zones and improve safety measures for communities. Shutdown123