Earthquakes

Definition

Earthquakes are sudden and violent shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates. They occur when stress builds up along faults in the Earth's crust and is released in the form of seismic waves.

Related terms

Seismic Waves: These are waves of energy that radiate from an earthquake's focus and can cause damage to structures.

Faults: These are fractures or cracks in the Earth's crust where rocks on either side have moved relative to each other.

Epicenter: This refers to the point on the Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's focus or origin.