The Nature of Earthquakes

Key Questions

  • In tectonic plate boundaries

    This is the map of tectonic plate boundaries:
    Environmental Physical Geography
    This is the map of eartqaueks since 1898
    USGS

    There is high correlation between plate boundaries and earthquake epicenter.

  • Answer:

    Refer to Explanation.

    Explanation:

    Tsunamis is one of the most damaging hazards of earthquakes. Tsunami refers to an unusually large sea waves.

    Formation of a tsunami:
    https://www.slideshare.net/esteeseetoh/eq-and-tsunamis-46517353

  • Answer:

    The release of tension built up in Earth's crust.

    Explanation:

    An earthquake occurs when energy is suddenly released in the earth's lithosphere: the surface of the earth shakes because of this energy. When this energy is released, it creates seismic waves.

    https://www.factmonster.com/dk/encyclopedia/earth/earthquakes

    Earthquakes can occur anywhere within Earth's crust, but most commonly occur along active plate boundaries. Earthquakes that occur intraplate (within plates) are usually caused by the reactivation of very old fault systems. Earthquakes can even be caused by human activities such as nuclear testing.

    Diagram of intraplate earthquake occurrence:
    https://www.e-education.psu.edu/earth520/node/1792

    Diagram of plate boundary earthquake occurrence:
    http://montessorimuddle.org/2011/03/11/plate-tectonics-and-the-earthquake-in-japan/

Questions