Earthquake

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere, resulting in seismic waves. This release of energy typically occurs along geological faults, where tectonic plates interact. Earthquakes can vary in magnitude, intensity, and duration, ranging from minor tremors that are barely felt to major quakes that can cause significant destruction and loss of life. The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates is called the focus, while the point directly above it on the surface is known as the epicenter. Earthquakes can trigger landslides, tsunamis, and aftershocks, posing further hazards. They are measured using seismographs, and their strength is quantified on the Richter scale or moment magnitude scale.