Why do earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid mantle layer below. The Earth's crust is divided into several tectonic plates, and these plates are constantly moving, albeit very slowly.

When two tectonic plates interact, they can either move apart, slide past each other, or collide. The boundaries where these interactions occur are known as fault lines. Most earthquakes happen along fault lines.

There are three main types of plate boundaries where earthquakes occur:

1. Convergent Boundaries:

When two plates collide, one plate is forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. The friction and pressure between the plates can cause them to become locked, and when the stress becomes too great, it is released in the form of an earthquake.

2. Divergent Boundaries:

When two plates move apart, magma rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. The movement of the plates can cause the crust to crack and create earthquakes.

3. Transform Boundaries:

When two plates slide past each other horizontally, they can become locked due to friction. As the stress builds up, it is eventually released in the form of an earthquake.

The release of energy during an earthquake causes seismic waves to propagate through the Earth, shaking the ground and causing the characteristic shaking and destruction associated with earthquakes.

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