The seismograph produces a digital graphic recording of the ground motion that the seismic wave causes. Earthquake Magnitude and the Richter ScaleĪ seismograph is the main instrument used to measure an earthquake. No single earthquake in the sequence has notably higher magnitudes than the others. These are a sequence of earthquakes that strike in a specific area within a short amount of time. When talking about earthquakes it is also important to mention earthquake swarms. If the aftershock is larger than the main earthquake, it is redesignated as the main shock, and the first earthquake is then redesignated as a foreshock. It forms as the crust around the displaced fault plane adjusts to the effects of the main shock. An aftershock in the same area as the main shock is usually of a smaller magnitude. Some aftershocks can occur after an initial earthquake. The area below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is known as the hypocenter and the location directly above it on the earth’s surface is called the epicenter. Explosion earthquakes are caused by underground explosions of nuclear or chemical devices.Īlthough tectonic earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world, about 80% occur at the circum-Pacific seismic belt that is located along the Pacific Ocean’s rim - giving rise to the popular nickname, the "Ring of Fire".Collapse earthquakes are smaller earthquakes that result from the subterranean collapse of caverns or mines.Volcanic earthquakes occur with volcanic activity.This is sometimes called a tectonic earthquake.īesides tectonic earthquakes, there are also three other earthquake types: This releases the pressure in the form of seismic waves. When the force of movement overcomes the friction, sections of the crust break or become displaced. When these edges slide against each other in fault zones, friction can slow them down and pressure can build up over long periods of time. The tectonic plates that make up the earth's crust are moving constantly. To understand what causes earthquakes to happen, it’s important to understand the fundamental characteristics of the earth. What Are the Most Common Causes of Earthquakes? Geological Survey's (USGS) Earthquake Information Center, every state in the U.S. This is not to say that a quake couldn’t happen anywhere. Earthquakesĭifferent parts of the country are more prone to earthquakes because of their locations. We’ll also share information on how an earthquake is measured. earthquakes and the most powerful ones through the years, we’re also going to examine what states have the highest risk of significant earthquakes as well as some common causes. Many of the most powerful earthquakes have occurred in the same part of the country, although earthquakes can happen across the country at any given time.Īs we look at U.S. Over the years, there have been several very powerful quakes that have rocked different parts of the United States. Earthquakes are powerful forces of nature that can cause great damage and destruction.
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