What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is the rapid movement of the ground, usually back and forth and up and down in a wave motion. It is caused by the rapid release of energy as the tectonic plates move. Friction between the plates must be overcome before they can move. When the force is great enough, the plates suddenly move as friction can no longer hold them.
This sudden movement sends out waves of energy through the rock and the water. The ground and water then shake as the waves of energy pass through them.
An earthquake is the rapid movement of the ground, usually back and forth and up and down in a wave motion. It is caused by the rapid release of energy as the tectonic plates move. Friction between the plates must be overcome before they can move. When the force is great enough, the plates suddenly move as friction can no longer hold them.
This sudden movement sends out waves of energy through the rock and the water. The ground and water then shake as the waves of energy pass through them.