Geography

Earthquakes are sudden releases of energy from Earth’s crust that create seismic waves, typically occurring along fault lines. These geological events are classified into five main types: tectonic, volcanic, collapse, explosion, and reservoir-induced earthquakes. Understanding earthquake mechanics, measurement scales (Richter and Mercalli), and global distribution patterns is essential for comprehending their impact on human society and infrastructure. This comprehensive guide explores earthquake science, from crustal dynamics to safety preparedness.

The theory of plate tectonics explains how Earth’s outer shell is divided into large, moving pieces called lithospheric plates. These rigid plates float on the partially molten mantle beneath them, constantly moving at rates of 2-15 cm per year. The theory, developed in the 1960s by McKenzie, Parker, and Morgan, describes how new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges while old crust is destroyed at subduction zones, creating earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges.