Earthquakes: Causes, Magnitude, and Impacts

Earthquakes are tremors caused by seismic waves due to tectonic plate movements. They vary in magnitude, with scales like the Richter scale measuring their strength. The epicenter is the surface point above the origin. Earthquakes can occur at plate boundaries (interplate) or within plates (intraplate). Volcanic regions also experience earthquakes, often signaling eruptions. Effects include landslides, tsunamis, and infrastructure damage. Safety measures are crucial to minimize harm.

What causes the ground to shake during an earthquake?

• Heavy rainfall

• Wind blowing across the surface

• Seismic waves traveling through Earth's layers

• Volcanic eruptions

Which scale is used to measure the strength of an earthquake?

• Fujita scale

• Beaufort scale

• Saffir-Simpson scale

• Richter magnitude scale

What is the term for the point on Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake starts?

• Focus

• Epicenter

• Hypocenter

• Fault line

Which type of fault is associated with the strongest earthquakes?

• Divergent faults

• Convergent faults

• Transform faults

• Strike-slip faults

What natural disaster can be triggered by an offshore earthquake?

• Blizzard

• Tsunami

• Tornado

• Hurricane