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Earthquakes are usually caused when  underground rock suddenly breaks along a fault line. This  releases energy that causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake.

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Most earthquakes occur along the sides of the ocean and continental plates.

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How Do We Decide How Powerful An Earth Quake Is?

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How Do We Decide How Powerful An Earth Quake Is?

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As vibrations from seismic waves travel through the earth, the vibrations can be picked up and measured by seismographs.

In 1934, Charles Richter invented the Richter scale, (Pronounced Rick-ter) which is one of the ways that people measure the magnitude of an earthquake. The scale ranges from 1-10. Less than 2 is a micro earthquake. Above 6 is larger and stronger earthquake. Below that is moderate, then minor earthquakes.

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what should people do during an earthquake?

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what should people do during an earthquake?

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- Stay where you are until the quake ends

-move away from tall buildings, houses, and anything that can fall from a tall height.

- If you are out in the open, do not move until the shaking stops.

- If your phone is working, only use it in case of emergency.

- If you are in your house, do not move, because items may fall off of shelves, or out of cupboards.

-Listen to the radio for important information and instructions.

-If you leave your house, leave a message telling friends and family your location

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Most of the time, earth quakes last only a few seconds. They usually last 10-30 seconds

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Earthquakes generate three types of seismic waves. Primary waves,  also called P waves, secondary waves, also called S waves, and surface waves. These waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.