Current:Home > StocksWhat causes an earthquake? Here are the different types of earthquakes, and why they occur-InfoLens
What causes an earthquake? Here are the different types of earthquakes, and why they occur
View Date:2024-12-23 18:34:27
Each year, National Earthquake Information Center locates approximately 20,000 earthquakes around the world. That is about 55 earthquakes per day. By some estimates, there may be even more.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is an estimated 500,000 detectable earthquakes each year – "100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage."
You may remember learning about earthquakes in science class or seeing the devastating impacts in the news. But an earthquake is more than the Earth shaking. Read on to learn what causes earthquakes.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake occurs when parts of the Earth's crust move past one another, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. When these blocks shift, it creates an intense shaking motion known as an earthquake.
Earthquakes begin underits Earth's surface in the epicenter. They can occur without warning and can lead to other natural disasters, such as fires, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches, according to National Geographic.
Earthquakes are measured in magnitude, which determines their size. The greater the number, the larger and more powerful the earthquake.
Types of earthquakes
There are four types of earthquakes, according to the United Nations:
- Tectonic earthquakes
- Volcanic earthquakes
- Collapse earthquakes
- Explosion earthquakes
What causes earthquakes?
The Earth has four layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle and crust. The crust and top of the mantle make up another area called the "lithosphere," which acts like a skin surrounding the Earth's surface.
The lithosphere, however, is not in one piece and exists like a puzzle or series of fragments, according to the USGS. These parts of the lithosphere are not stationary and move slowly. These are called "tectonic plates."
As the tectonic plates move and shift past one another, they occasionally bump or collide. This places stress on the plates' edges. When the stress becomes too great, it creates cracks called "faults." The point where these faults move against each other is called the "fault line."
When there is too much friction between the fault lines, energy is released suddenly, triggering seismic waves which lead to an earthquake.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How hot is lava?" to "What is the biggest shark?" to "How do solar panels work?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (59)
Related
- A list of mass killings in the United States this year
- Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo and Judy Greer reunite as '13 Going on 30' turns 20
- Why the military withdrawal from Niger is a devastating blow to the U.S., and likely a win for Russia
- Kate Middleton Just Got a New Royal Title From King Charles III
- Armie Hammer Says His Mom Gifted Him a Vasectomy for His 38th Birthday
- Douglas DC-4 plane crashes in Alaska, officials say
- 'Extraordinary': George Washington's 250-year-old cherries found buried at Mount Vernon
- Fast-food businesses hiking prices because of higher minimum wage sound like Gordon Gekko
- Timothée Chalamet Details How He Transformed Into Bob Dylan for Movie
- Aaron Carter's twin sister Angel to release late singer's posthumous album: 'Learn from our story'
Ranking
- Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally
- Jill Biden praises her husband’s advocacy for the military as wounded vets begin annual bike ride
- USPS commits to rerouting Reno-area mail despite bipartisan pushback and mail ballot concerns
- Columbia extends deadline for accord with pro-Palestinian protesters
- Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
- European Union official von der Leyen visits the Finland-Russia border to assess security situation
- 'Extraordinary': George Washington's 250-year-old cherries found buried at Mount Vernon
- Burglars made off with $30 million in historic California heist. Weeks later, no one's been caught.
Recommendation
-
It's about to be Red Cup Day at Starbucks. When is it and how to get the free coffee swag?
-
Pregnant Jenna Dewan Shares the Most Valuable Lesson Her Kids Have Taught Her
-
USDA updates rules for school meals that limit added sugars for the first time
-
New FAFSA rules opened up a 'grandparent loophole' that boosts 529 plans
-
Round 2 in the Trump-vs-Mexico matchup looks ominous for Mexico
-
Grand jury indicts man for murder in shooting death of Texas girl during ATM robbery
-
Minnesota senator charged with burglary says she was retrieving late father's ashes
-
Finding a financial advisor can be daunting. We rank the top firms.