1.2.16

What is an Earthquake?

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What is an Earthquake?

When plates move past each other, waves (vibrations) are created. There are different aspects of an earthquake:

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Epicentre

  • The epicentre is the point on the Earth's crust that is directly above the centre of the earthquake.
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Focus

  • The focus is where the pressure is released underground and where the energy radiates out from.
  • This is the place with the strongest waves that cause the most destruction.
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Shock (seismic) waves

  • Energy is released from the focus in shock waves (called seismic waves).
  • The most damage will occur at the places where the shock waves are strongest (closest to the epicentre).

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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