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Earthquakes are among the most devastating and utterly unpredictable of all the natural disasters that befall the Earth. The sudden tremors of the surface of the Earth cause devastation over a wide area, loss of life, and destruction of facilities. In this blog, we will explore earthquake science as a natural disaster: Why do earthquakes happen? What is the worst earthquake in history? and how effective ways people can guard their lives against these types of disasters.

What is an Earthquake?

Thus, this shaking or tremor is said to take place between the lithosphere and the Earth. It is caused by the sudden release of energy. Through the lithosphere, the energy is released as seismic waves. Their travel generates the shaking effect of the Earth's surface. The shock may range from a small jolt that can barely be noticed to a long-lasting bombardment that can destroy a city. The point on the surface above the focus or hypocenter is known as the epicentre.

The word "earthquake" refers to the vibration caused by the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere. This energy is released in the form of seismic waves travelling through the earth, causing shaking of the ground. Earthquakes may

be minor, so small as to be hardly felt by humans, or very large, where the shaking could destroy cities. The place where the earthquake starts or originates below the Earth's surface is called the "focus or hypocenter," while the point on the surface will be directly above it and called the "epicentre."

How Do Earthquakes Occur?

Earthquakes are a result of tectonic plate movements found beneath the crust of the Earth. Several large and small tectonic plates reflect the lithosphere of the Earth and float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle below. Even though these plates are in constant motion, their movement is remarkably slow. Occasionally, the movements of two tectonic plates against each other can lead to collision, sliding past each other, or movement apart from each other.

The phenomenon of earthquakes is caused by the movement of tectonic plates under the Earth's surface. The lithosphere of the Earth comprises several large and small tectonic plates that float on a semi-fluid layer of the mantle just beneath them. These plates are in constant motion, though it might seem that they move at an extremely slow pace. Under certain conditions, two tectonic plates may match against each other for collision, sliding past each other, or moving away.

Tectonic action causes earthquakes. Beneath the crux of Mother Earth lie the moved tectonic plates. There are a colossal number of very small and big tectonic plates whose lithosphere is part of Mother Earth. They float atop a semi-fluid layer of the mantle just below them. They are moving, though extremely slow. When brought together, the combined action of two tectonic plates can be that they collide or slide past each other or before spherical differences move apart from each other.

Earthquakes are the result of movements in tectonic plates that are under the Earth's surface. There are different kinds of tectonic plates under the lithosphere such as large and small floating on a semi-fluid layer of mantle below them. These plates are in constant movement, but it may take very long for them to get moved. Sometimes、 two tectonic plates move against each other either colliding, sliding past, or moving apart.

bThere are three primary types of plate boundaries where earthquakes commonly occur:

Convergent boundaries: Arise when two tectonic plates collide with each other; then one can cause subduction, which means invading above the other. Pressure develops to yield an earthquake.

Divergent boundaries: At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other. As they separate, magma from the mantle can rise to fill the gap, creating a new crust. The stress caused by the plates pulling apart can result in an earthquake.

Transform Boundaries: They are where tectonic plates slide horizontally. As friction builds up between the locked plates, it can suddenly release itself and cause an earthquake.

Earthquake occurs not only due to tectonic movement but also due to magma eruptions from active volcanoes or by human activities such as mining or drilling and even through falling under large underground voids.

Why Do Earthquakes Happen?

Tectonic plate movement is the primary cause of earthquakes, taking into account that the actual reason behind the movement rest deep inside Earth's structure. Earth is made up of some internal layers—core, mantle, and crust. The core comprises iron and nickel in a hot state, while this heat drives the semi-called mantle to undergo the process of motion in a convection cycle, which directs the movement of the tectonic plates above it.

The crust of the Earth is, however, not a solid continuous sheet but broken into pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly shifting apart, colliding, or drifting at other times. The movement of these plates creates stress at the plate boundaries, which can accumulate over a long time. When that stress finally exceeds the strength of the rocks holding the plates together, it releases a burst of energy in the form of seismic waves earthquake.

The Most Dangerous Earthquake in History

The most calamitous earthquake in the history of humankind took place on January 23, 1556, in Shaanxi, China. Jiajing Earthquake, as it is called, is assumed to have had a magnitude of 8.0. The base part, which was most populous, fared far worse as the death toll soared. The earthquake caused the collapse of many homes and buildings. Thousands of people are believed to have died trapped under rubble. It is said that over 830,000 people died as a result of the earthquake, most due to buildings collapsing due to poor construction.

The next big earthquake happened on December 26, 2004, in the Indian Ocean. It measures about 9.1-9.3 on the Richter scale. It caused the most tremendous tsunami, which hit the coastlines of the following countries: Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. According to estimates, more than 230,000 persons died during the incident, while millions are displaced. It is known as one of the deadliest natural calamities of the 21st century when an earthquake occurred and then a tsunami struck.

How to Prevent and Protect Yourself from Earthquakes

You cannot stop an earthquake, but there are various safety measures that can be instituted to reduce the risk of a quake or to stay safe during an earthquake.

Building Codes and Infrastructure: Seismic-resistant building construction is very vital in an earthquake-prone region. Structures must be designed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy to avoid collapse. Most countries have formulated building codes that enforce earthquake-resistant new buildings.

Earthquake-Resistant Design: In high seismic-prone regions, retrofitting the existing structures with earthquake design concepts would mitigate the disaster. The reinforcement of walls, foundations, and roofs can help reduce structural failure.

Early Warning Systems: Many countries have early warning systems that can detect the first seismic waves of an earthquake and then send alerts to the population seconds before the stronger waves strike. This time gives crucial seconds to seek cover or evict buildings.

Preparedness plans: Awareness creation on earthquake effects and preparing for the arrival of an earthquake is equally crucial for individual communities. Each family should have emergency kits, exit routes, and communication strategies in the event of an emergency. Practice drills could assist in creating an awareness of the reaction that helps one take in an earthquake

Avoiding High-risk Areas: People are more susceptible to earthquakes. However, some regions are high-jacked from this because their soils are weak and their locality has well-pronounced fault lines. Not building in these regions will make losses much less during an earthquake event.

Conclusion

An inevitable phenomenon in nature originates from the dynamic geological processes of the Earth, and that is earthquakes. These inevitable occurrences result from tectonic movements, and they may incur losses through destruction or death. Most of the time, these natural disasters cannot be avoided in advance. Nevertheless, with new technologies, refining construction methods makes it possible to mitigate risk exposure related to earthquakes. Direct involvement in readiness, early warning systems, and resilience-building may significantly lessen the damage caused to humanity and infrastructure by earthquakes. Deep-rooted information and preparedness for action on the part of communities living in places where earthquakes are likely to occur will enable them to act effectively and with safety as soon as the risky natural event begins shaking the ground.