How Earthquakes Happen
Earthquake is one of the most destroying
natural disasters. Unluckily it often happens in several regions. Recently a
horrible earthquake has shaken West Sumatra. It has brought great damages. Why
did it occur? Do you know how an earthquake happens?
Earthquakes are usually caused when rock
underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes
the seismic waves. It make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two
plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They don't just
slide smoothly. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving.
After a while, the rocks break because of all the pressure that's built up.
When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs.
During the earthquake and afterward, the
plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they get
stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the focus of
the earthquake. The place right above the focus is called the epicenter of the
earthquake
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