earthquakes

Earthquakes

Considered as one of the most common natural disasters, they can be induced by geological states, landslides, or human activities like mine blasts or nuclear experimentation.

Tectonic earthquakes

The most common type, caused by the breaking of rocks in the earth's crust due to geological forces from the movement of tectonic plates.

Volcanic earthquakes

Occur in conjunction with volcanic activity.

Collapse earthquakes

Small earthquakes happening in underground caverns and mines.

Inter plate earthquake

Occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates, the most common form.

Intra plate earthquakes

Happen within a tectonic plate away from plate boundaries.

Focus

The point within the earth where an earthquake starts.

Epicentre

The point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Seismic wave

Energy released during an earthquake that propagates in all directions from the focus.

Richter scale

A scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Anthropogenic activities

Human activities like underground nuclear testing or impoundment of large quantities of water that may enhance the frequency of earthquakes.