Earthquake is any sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic

waves through Earth's rocks. Earthquake is a term used to describe both sudden slip on a
fault, and the resulting ground shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip, or by
volcanic or magmatic activity, or other sudden stress changes in the earth.

Types of Earthquake

There are four main types of earthquakes: tectonic, volcanic, collapse and explosion. Each
type is caused by a different mechanism and results in a different type of shaking.

1.Tectonic Earthquake:

Tectonic earthquakes are caused by the movement of the Earth’s plates. The energy released
during these earthquakes is incredibly powerful and can cause extensive damage.

Causes:
Tectonic earthquakes occur when the Earth’s plates move. This can happen when two plates
collide, when one plate slides underneath another, or when a plate is forced to move by the
movement of the mantle.

Effects:
Tectonic earthquakes are incredibly powerful and can cause extensive damage. They can also
trigger other natural disasters, such as tsunamis and landslides.

2.Volcanic Earthquakes:

Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.
These earthquakes are often smaller than tectonic earthquakes, but they can still cause
significant damage.

Causes:
Volcanic earthquakes occur when magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface. This can
happen when the magma is forced up by the movement of the Earth’s plates, or when it is
released from a volcano.

Effects:
Volcanic earthquakes can cause significant damage, even though they are typically smaller
than tectonic earthquakes. They can also trigger other natural disasters, such as volcanic
eruptions and landslides.

3.Collapse Earthquakes:

Collapse earthquakes occur when buildings or other structures collapse. These earthquakes
are typically very small but can be deadly if they occur in a populated area.
Causes:
Collapse earthquakes occur when buildings or other structures collapse. This can happen due
to a variety of reasons, including poor construction, severe weather, or an earthquake.

Effects:
Collapse earthquakes are typically very small but can be deadly if they occur in a populated
area. They can also cause secondary disasters, such as fires and gas leaks.

4.Explosion Earthquakes:

Explosion earthquakes are caused by the detonation of explosives. These earthquakes are
usually very small but can cause damage if they occur near populated areas.

Causes:
Explosion earthquakes are caused by the detonation of explosives. This can happen due to a
variety of reasons, including mining, construction, or warfare.

Effects:
Explosion earthquakes are typically very small but can cause damage if they occur near
populated areas. They can also cause secondary disasters, such as fires and gas leakages.

What are Seismic Waves?

Seismic waves are caused by the sudden movement of materials within the Earth, such as slip
along a fault during an earthquake. Volcanic eruptions, explosions, landslides, avalanches,
and even rushing rivers can also cause seismic waves.

S waves and P waves

S waves also called secondary waves and shear waves, are the second waves to hit the
seismographs. They are transverse waves, which means that the motion is perpendicular to
the direction of wave propagation.

S waves can only travel through solids, and scientists have successfully mapped the earth’s
interior by studying the routes
of these waves.

P waves or Primary
waves are the first waves to
hit the seismographs when an
earthquake strikes. They are longitudinal waves which means that the direction of motion and
propagation are the same.

Where do earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes can strike any location at any time, but history shows they occur in the same
general patterns year after year, principally in three large zones of the earth:

 The world's greatest earthquake belt, the circum-Pacific seismic belt, is found along the rim
of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of our planet's largest earthquakes occur. It has
earned the nickname "Ring of Fire.
 The Alpide earthquake belt extends from Java to Sumatra through the Himalayas, the
Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic.
 The third prominent belt follows the submerged mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Earthquakes happen every day all over the world, along both tectonic plate edges and
interiors. Earthquakes occur along faults, which are fractures between blocks of rock that
allow the blocks to move relative to one another. Faults are caused by the bumping and
sliding that plates do and are more common near the edges of the plates.

Causes Of Earthquake

Earthquakes are generally caused by a mismatch in the earth’s crust. Several causes have
been linked to disturbed equilibrium or isostatic imbalances in the earth’s crust.

Natural Reasons

The Few most common natural reasons are:

 Volcanic Eruptions
  Isostatic Adjustments

 Tectonic Plate Movements

 Gaseous expansion and contraction inside the earth

Man-made/Anthropogenic Reasons

Some of the most common man-made or anthropogenic reasons are:

 Mining

 Dams

 Construction

 Explosions
 Hydrostatic Pressures

As you can see, there are several different causes of earthquakes. Some of these causes are
natural, while others are man-made. Earthquakes can have a devastating effect on the
environment and people’s lives.

Effects Of Earthquake

An earthquake can cause all sorts of damage to infrastructure and human life. The most
widespread form of damage caused by earthquakes is building collapse. Let us go through
some Consequences.

Human Life and Poverty:

The loss of human life is perhaps the most tragic consequence of an earthquake. In highly
populated areas, a large earthquake can result in thousands of casualties.

Environmental Destruction:
An earthquake can cause landslides, tsunamis, and other forms of environmental destruction.
This can lead to the loss of valuable ecosystems and habitats

Economic Effects:
Earthquakes can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and cause inflation. They can
also lead to increased costs of living and decreased productivity.

Other Natural Disasters:

Earthquakes can also trigger other natural disasters, such as volcanoes and tsunamis. These
disasters can cause even more damage and loss of life.
https://byjus.com/physics/s-waves/

https://www.mtu.edu/geo/community/seismology/learn/earthquake-location/

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/where-do-earthquakes-occur#:~:text=The%20world's%20greatest%20earthquake%20belt,nickname

%20%22Ring%20of%20Fire%22.

https://unacademy.com/content/nda/study-material/geography/earthquake-types/