what is earthquakes?
Answers
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of stored energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. ... Earthquakes may occur naturally or as a result of human activities. Smaller earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity, landslides, mine blasts, and nuclear experiments.
Many factors, such as volcanic eruptions, movement of the lithospheric plates or even bomb explosions can cause the surface of the earth to shake. This shaking of the earth's surface is called an earthquake. The place of origin of an earthquake is called focus. The point on the earth's surface, which is vertically above the focus is called epicentre. The vibrations of an earthquake spread out as concentric waves from the focus. The intensity of an earthquake is maximum near the epicentre. According to the mode of travel, earthquake waves are classified into three main types:
- Primary waves
- Secondary waves
3. Surface waves.
The intensity of earthquake waves is measured on the Richter Scale. The earthquake tremors are recorded by an instrument called seismograph. The Science that deals with earthquakes is called seismology, and the earthquake scientists are called Seismologists.