Earthquakes
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
2,000 earthquakes in 1 day off Canada coast suggest the ocean floor is ripping apart, scientists say
By Stephanie Pappas published
Record earthquake activity off the coast of Vancouver Island hints at the birth of new oceanic crust.
Nearly 75% of the US is at risk from damaging earthquakes, new map reveals
By Ben Turner published
A new, ultra-detailed map shows that 75% of U.S. states are at risk of damaging earthquakes, but some are at far more risk than others.
Japan's coastline moved over 800 feet after the devastating Jan 1. earthquake
By Samantha Mathewson published
Satellite images captured striking changes in the coastline of Japan's Noto Peninsula following a massive earthquake on New Year's Day.
Balanced boulders on San Andreas fault suggest the 'Big One' won't be as destructive as once thought
By Kiley Price published
A cluster of precariously balanced rocks in California hold secret clues to future earthquakes near Los Angeles.
Aftershocks from devastating 1886 Charleston earthquake may still be hitting the US today
By Patrick Pester published
Researchers have found evidence that aftershocks may continue for centuries after a major earthquake — though the finding is still open for debate.
Simultaneous rupture of faults triggered massive earthquake in Seattle area 1,100 years ago — and it could happen again
By Harry Baker published
Fossilized tree analysis finds a single massive earthquake may have rocked what is now Seattle around 1,100 years ago rather than several smaller quakes, and that another equally powerful one could hit the city in the future.
Here's why Morocco's quake was so deadly — and what we can do for the next one
By José A. Peláez Montilla published
More than 2,500 people died when a powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco on Sept. 8.
Deadly swarm of earthquakes in Japan caused by magma moving through extinct volcano
By Stephanie Pappas published
Over 10,000 earthquakes have hit the Noto Peninsula over the last three years. They are believed to be emanating from an long-dead volcano, with fluids pushing through the collapsed system.
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