Difference between revisions of "Earthquake"
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| − | An '''earthquake''' is the | + | An '''earthquake''' is when the [[Earth]] shakes, caused by [[plate tectonics|tectonic]] activity in an area after the release of stored [[energy]] from the [[rock]]. Earthquakes most commonly occur on tectonic plate boundaries, and also occur along [[fault|faults]] where previous movement has occurred. There are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. |
| − | Earthquakes are a significant natural [[hazard]] to populations living in areas prone to | + | Earthquakes are a significant natural [[hazard]] to populations living in areas prone to them, and emergency responses to the hazard vary with economic development. The most powerful and destructive earthquakes occur at tectonic plate boundaries like the [[San Andreas Fault]]. |
The severity of earthquakes is measured using the [[Richter scale]]. | The severity of earthquakes is measured using the [[Richter scale]]. | ||
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| + | ==Also See== | ||
* [[seismic]] | * [[seismic]] | ||
* [[Loma Prieta Earthquake]] | * [[Loma Prieta Earthquake]] | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[http://www.drgeorgepc.com/EarthquakesChina.html Historical Earthquakes in China] | *[http://www.drgeorgepc.com/EarthquakesChina.html Historical Earthquakes in China] | ||
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[[Category:Seismology]] | [[Category:Seismology]] | ||
[[Category:Natural Disasters]] | [[Category:Natural Disasters]] | ||
Revision as of 20:31, December 25, 2010
An earthquake is when the Earth shakes, caused by tectonic activity in an area after the release of stored energy from the rock. Earthquakes most commonly occur on tectonic plate boundaries, and also occur along faults where previous movement has occurred. There are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
Earthquakes are a significant natural hazard to populations living in areas prone to them, and emergency responses to the hazard vary with economic development. The most powerful and destructive earthquakes occur at tectonic plate boundaries like the San Andreas Fault.
The severity of earthquakes is measured using the Richter scale.