GEOLOGIC

HAZARDS
earthquakes
Earthquakes of varying magnitude occur every day, all over Earth's
surface. Earthquakes may feel like jolting or rolling at the Earth's crust and
may have multiple aftershocks that continue after the main quake.

Earthquakes occur as a result of the

pressure that builds up at the
boundaries of tectonic plates that
move together, apart, or may slide
past each other at fault lines.

Earthquakes are measured by

seismographs which monitor seismic
waves that move through Earth's
crust after a quake.

volcanic eruptions
Volcanoes are cone-shaped landforms created by repeated volcanic
eruptions. They occur as molten rock (known as magma) seeps through an
opening in Earth's crust. In addition to lava flows, volcanic eruptions may
also blow ash and gases into the atmosphere.

Volcanoes are often found at plate

boundaries where tectonic plates collide or
move apart. As the plates continue to move
over time, once-active volcanoes may
become dormant.

There are between 1,500-1,900 active

volcanoes. Some are found below the
ocean's surface. Many volcanoes are found
in the "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific Ocean.

Landslides
Landslides are classified as the movement of rock, soil, or debris that falls
down a sloped section of land. This can be caused when the earth becomes
weak or fractured by earthquakes, volcanoes, water such as rainfall and
snowmelt, a loss of vegetation due to drought and/or fire, or human activity.
Landslides known as topples or falls occur
when large blocks of material separate from
steep cliffs.

Translational landslides occur when the top

layer separates from the underlying layers
below.

Lateral landslides can occur when the ground

moves sideways, often as a result of
earthquakes or volcanoes.