Earthquakes: A Brief Overview

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the release of energy in the lithosphere. These seismic events result from
the movement of tectonic plates along geological faults. Here are some key points:

Causes and Mechanism:

Tectonic plates are in constant motion but can get stuck due to friction at their edges.
When stress overcomes this friction, the plates suddenly slip, releasing energy.
This energy travels as seismic waves through the Earth’s crust, causing shaking.
Magnitude and Intensity:

Earthquakes are measured by magnitude (e.g., 5.2, 4.5) using the Richter scale.
The intensity of shaking is described using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.
Hazards and Effects:

Earthquakes can lead to ground shaking, surface rupture, and tsunamis.

Buildings, infrastructure, and human lives are at risk during strong quakes.
Monitoring and Preparedness:

Seismologists use seismographs to detect and locate earthquakes.

Preparedness includes building codes, early warning systems, and public education.
Remember that earthquakes are natural phenomena, and understanding them helps us mitigate their impact.