Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in seismic waves that cause the ground to shake. The primary cause of earthquakes is the movement of the tectonic plates, large sections of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid mantle below. These plates are constantly shifting, and when they collide, pull apart, or slide past each other, they create stress at the plate boundaries. This stress builds up until it is released in the form of an earthquake. The location where the earthquake originates is called the focus, and the point on the Earth's surface directly above it is known as the epicenter.

Impact and Measurement of Earthquakes

When an earthquake occurs, its intensity is measured using the Richter scale, which assigns a numerical value based on the magnitude of the seismic waves. A higher number on the Richter scale indicates a more powerful earthquake. The effects of earthquakes can vary greatly depending on their magnitude, depth, and proximity to populated areas. Large earthquakes can cause massive destruction, including building collapses, landslides, and tsunamis if they occur underwater. However, even smaller tremors can have significant impacts on local infrastructure and communities, particularly in regions near active fault lines. Shutdown123