What are the reasons for the occurence of earthquakes?

Answer 1

the plates under the ground (continental plates) are pushing on each other all the time, and when an earthquake occurs that's when the plates are rubbing on each other or snapped. an earthquake can not be predicted. the epicenter is the place above the ground where the plates colide.

the plates under the ground (continental plates) are pushing on each other all the time, and when an earthquake occurs that's when the plates are rubbing on each other or snapped. an earthquake can not be predicted. the epicenter is the place above the ground where the plates colide.

Answer 2

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes are recorded with a seismometer, also known as a seismograph. The moment magnitude of an earthquake is conventionally reported, or the related and mostly obsolete Richter magnitude, with magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes being mostly imperceptible and magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas. Intensity of shaking is measured on the modified Mercalli scale.

Answer 3

The surface of the earth is covered with immense solid plates that are all in motion. The movement of these plates called plate tectonics, is caused by the flow of liquid rock that lies beneath them. As they move they rub against each other. In some places (eg. San Andreas Fault) the plates, as they meet each other, sink under one another, whilst in other places (eg. Mid Atlantic Ridge) they spread apart from one another. In these places the plates get 'stuck' at the edges whilst the rest of the plate is still moving. Eventually, pressure builds up to such a degree that the rock at these 'faults' shatters with immense force, resulting in an earthquake.