Earthquake

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground caused by the release of energy in the Earth’s crust, usually when tectonic plates move along faults.

Key facts:

• Cause: Movement of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, or sometimes human activities.
• Focus (hypocenter): The point underground where the earthquake starts.
• Epicenter: The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
• Magnitude: Measures the energy released (commonly using the moment magnitude scale, Mw).
• Effects: Ground shaking, surface rupture, landslides, liquefaction, and sometimes tsunamis.

If you’re asking about:

• a recent earthquake, tell me the location or date;
• earthquake safety, I can provide preparedness and response tips;
• earthquake science, I can explain how they occur in more detail.