Earthquakes are the result of plate tectonics, or shifting plates in the crust of Earth, and quakes occur when the frictional stress of gliding plate boundaries builds and causes failure at a fault line. In an earthquake, elastic strain energy is released and waves radiate, shaking the ground. Scientists can predict where major temblors might occur in a general sense, but research does not yet allow forecasts for specific locations or accurate predictions of timing. Major earthquakes, some generating tsunamis, have leveled entire cities and affected whole countries. Relatively minor earthquakes can also be induced, or caused by human activity, including extraction of minerals from Earth and the collapse of large buildings.
Latest about Earthquakes
'Upwelling' deep in the mantle triggered magnitude 6.8 Morocco earthquake
Researchers found the 2023 Morocco earthquake was triggered by movement miles below Earth's surface.
LA may be spared 'horrifying' fate of the 'Big One' from San Andreas, simulation suggests
A new simulation of the shaking from a magnitude 7.8 south San Andreas earthquake suggests that Los Angeles might avoid a worst-case scenario.
Will we have more earthquakes because of climate change?
Changes in sea level and glacial melt could make earthquakes more likely in the coming years.
Huge earthquake 2,500 years ago rerouted the Ganges River, study suggests
A new study suggests an earthquake of estimated magnitude 7.5 or 8 shook the Indian subcontinent 2,500 years ago, changing the course of the Ganges.
Why do earthquakes happen far away from plate boundaries?
It's well known that earthquakes can rock fault-filled places like the U.S. West Coast. But why do earthquakes happen in the middle of tectonic plates?
Odd earthquake swarm in Central Europe hints at magma bubbling below the surface
An odd earthquake swarm has struck the region between the Czech Republic and Germany, far from any tectonic plate boundary.
Part of the San Andreas fault may be gearing up for an earthquake
The Parkfield section of the San Andreas fault is sending mixed messages before a time of expected increased seismic risk.
Rare magnitude 4.8 and 3.8 earthquakes rock Northeast, including Greater New York area
Magnitude 4.8 and 3.8 earthquakes struck New Jersey and rocked the Northeast on Friday (April 5).
