Earthquakes

Earthquakes are sudden, unpredictable events caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These movements can lead to the plates getting stuck, building pressure, and then slipping, resulting in an earthquake. The point where this occurs is known as a fault line. Seismic waves, which spread from the epicenter, are followed by aftershocks. The Richter scale measures the energy of these waves, with higher readings indicating more severe earthquakes. Despite advancements, scientists cannot reliably predict earthquakes, making them a formidable natural force.

What causes the sudden release of pressure that results in an earthquake?

• The smooth movement of tectonic plates

• The constant movement of the Earth's crust

• The sudden slip of stuck plates

• The gradual buildup of pressure

What is the term for the boundary where an earthquake occurs?

• Tectonic boundary

• Seismic zone

• Fault line

• Epicenter

How are seismic waves measured?

• By the Richter scale

• By the Fujita scale

• By the Beaufort scale

• By the Mercalli scale

What can a severe earthquake do to a city?

• Completely transform landscapes

• Have no noticeable effect

• Cause minor structural damage

• Only affect rural areas

What is the current state of earthquake prediction?

• Highly accurate

• Easily forecasted

• Somewhat reliable

• Completely unpredictable