The Earth's Fury: Understanding Earthquakes

What are Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are sudden, violent shaking of the earth's surface caused by the rupture of rocks beneath the surface. They can range in intensity from barely noticeable to catastrophic, and can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

Causes of Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates, the large pieces of rock that make up the earth's crust, move against each other. When the built-up stress between the plates becomes too great, the rocks rupture and release energy in the form of waves that travel through the earth and cause the shaking.

Measuring Earthquakes

Earthquakes are measured using two main scales: the Richter magnitude scale and the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The Richter magnitude scale measures the energy released by an earthquake, while the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale measures the perceived severity of the shaking at a particular location.

Earthquake Hazards

Earthquakes can pose significant hazards, including:

• Building collapse
• Ground shaking
• Landslides
• Tsunamis

Understanding earthquakes and their potential risks is crucial for mitigating their impact and protecting lives.