An earthquake results from the shaking or trembling of the ground due to a sudden release of energy in the earth’s crust. Waves generated during earthquakes are measured using a seismometer. Also, its strength or magnitude can be measured using the Richter scale.
Earthquakes result from several causes such as tectonic movement. This is when the tectonic plates under the bed of a rock shift thereby causing a major release of energy. Other causes include volcanic activity, high carbon dioxide pressure, and so on.
The magnitude or strength of an earthquake determines whether it would be mild or destructive. For instance, an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.0 might happen unnoticed while a magnitude of 6 or more can be classified as strong and severe respectively.
Earthquakes can result in several effects such as the collapse of buildings, Tsunamis, fires, landslides, injuries, loss of lives and properties. Unfortunately, nobody can prevent an earthquake rather you can build your homes to be earthquake resilient. Also if you live in earthquake-prone areas you can take necessary precautions to be safe once it is detected.
Annie Watson
