Earthquakes: Understanding the Shaking Earth
Causes and Characteristics
An earthquake refers to the sudden shaking of the ground resulting from the passage of seismic waves through Earth's rocks. These waves arise from seismic events, ranging from natural occurrences to human-induced activities.
Tectonic Origins
Most significant earthquakes are caused by tectonic plate movements. As these plates interact, friction builds up along their boundaries. When the accumulated stress becomes too great, a sudden slip occurs, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.
Other Causes
Earthquakes can also be triggered by volcanic eruptions, landslides, and human activities such as fracking and underground explosions. However, these events typically produce tremors of lesser magnitude compared to tectonic earthquakes.
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