Earthquakes

Earthquakes

Vibrations or tremors in the earth’s crust

Earthquakes are caused by

Release of energy along a crack due to movements of tectonic plates

Focus

The point inside the earth’s crust where the earthquake starts. Shockwaves or tremors travel out from the focus

Epicentre

Place on the earth’s surface directly above the focus. Most damage is done here.

Faltline

When the plates move the rock breaks and slips along a crack called the fault line

Aftershocks

The shaken crust tries to move to its original state

LEDC

Least economically developed country

MEDC

Most economically developed country

Earthquake damage

Damage buildings making some collapse, crack roads,

Seismometer

Detects and measures earthquakes

Predict earthquakes

Satellite images to monitor ground deformation

Early warning systems

Public announcements, earthquake drills, elevators and escalators stop