Earthquake Effects and Measurements

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the sudden shaking or movement of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy from the Earth's interior. This energy is generated when tectonic plates—large sections of the Earth's crust—move or shift due to stress buildup along faults, which are fractures in the Earth's crust.

Front

Distance from epicenter

Back

Different shaking levels due to local geology, building structures

Front

Magnitude vs. Intensity

Back

Magnitude measures energy; intensity measures shaking effects

Front

Damage comparison

Back

Same magnitude, different intensity = more damage in higher intensity region