Why do Earthquakes Happen?
When blocks of rock in Earth moves suddenly and releases energy
Epicenter
Directly above the surface on Earth’s surface
Focus
A place within Earth along a fault at which the first motion of an earthquake occurs
Where do Earthquakes Happen
Usually occur near the boundary of two tectonic plates
The movement of the plates breaks Earth’s crust into a series of faults
Then there is a release of energy accompanied by the movement of rock causing an earthquake
Describe what can happen at Earth’s surface during an Earthquake
Deformation could occur
As stress on rock increases, energy stores increases as well
Elastic Deformation occurs/Once stress is released, the rock may return to its original shape
Elastic Rebound
The return of rock to its original state after elastic deformation
How can Earthquakes affect people and structures?
Earthquakes can kill or injure people, destroy or damage structures and buildings
Fires
Gas leaks
Polluted supplies
