WHAT'S AN EARTHQUAKE?
Earthquakes are the results of tectonic plates in the Earth's crusts colliding with one another.
Tectonic plates are constantly moving, however the speed at which they move is so minuscule that human beings cannot naturally detect it. On the other hand, when tectonic plates collide with each other over time the resulting pressure buildup is eventually released in the form of an earthquake, which can be felt quite well!
The areas where the two tectonic plates collide with one another are known as fault lines
Tectonic plates are constantly moving, however the speed at which they move is so minuscule that human beings cannot naturally detect it. On the other hand, when tectonic plates collide with each other over time the resulting pressure buildup is eventually released in the form of an earthquake, which can be felt quite well!
The areas where the two tectonic plates collide with one another are known as fault lines
This diagram shows one of the possible interactions that may occur between two tectonic plates that can lead to an earthquake (the release of seismic waves). Another interaction between tectonic plates is one where two separate plates collide into one another, causing one plate to shift upwards and the other downwards. A third interaction is one where one plate is shifting upwards and one is shifting downwards and both plates are shifting away.
TSUNAMIS
Earthquakes are often associated with Tsunamis, the enormous sea or ocean waves that are caused by earthquakes.
Tsunamis are the result of underwater tectonic plates colliding, similar to regular land Earthquakes. The large displacement in land is transferred to water, resulting in water waves with large amplitudes. The process is illustrated below in the following graphic:
Earthquakes are often associated with Tsunamis, the enormous sea or ocean waves that are caused by earthquakes.
Tsunamis are the result of underwater tectonic plates colliding, similar to regular land Earthquakes. The large displacement in land is transferred to water, resulting in water waves with large amplitudes. The process is illustrated below in the following graphic: