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Earthquakes are caused by sudden movements of the rock layers under the Earth's surface along planar structures called fault planes.

The Earth is a dynamic body and heat form the core causes convective movements in Earth's Mantle which shift around the tectonic plates forming Earth's crust. This movement progresses at about the speed your fingernails grow.

In the stiff, brittle rocks near the Earth's surface the movement does not proceed continuously ans the stresses build up and build up over time with the rocks deforming elastically until the stored energy overcomes either the strength of the rock (new fractures form) or the friction across existing fractures (fault planes).

When this happens sudden displacement occurs across the fault plane in one place (the epicentre) and this propagates along the fault plane thereafter. The movement also releases sound energy in the form sets of pressure waves which spread away form the epicentre. There are felt in other locations as a shaking of the ground - an Earthquake!

The amplitude of these determines the magnitude of the earthquake and if great can cause devastation to structures on the Earths surface.

Also if the displacement of the fault alters the topography of the seabed, the earthquake can set off a Tsunami.

Large earthquakes are usually followed by aftershocks as the movement on the first earthquake sets of instabilities across other related fault planes in the vicinity.

The largest earthquakes are usually very deep and related to the subduction of oceanic crust beneath continental crust in destructive plate boundary areas. However destructive earthquakes can also occur at shallower depths where Building are built on unconsolidated ground.

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What comes before during and after and earthquake?

Before an earthquake nothing perceptible to humans happen. Several types of animals act up though. During a earthquake the ground trembles. Depending on the magnitude this might be anything from a light tremble to a violent shaking. Most of the time nothing happens after an earthquake, but sometimes there is an aftershock, which is another earthquake of a lesser magnitude.


Are aftershocks the primary or secondary effects of an earthquake?

The difference between them is that Primary effects happen during the earthquake e.g. Casualties, Damage to parking structures & free ways. But with Secondary effects they happen after an earthquake e.g. Fire, Landslides & Liquefaction


What are earthquake after earthquake?

A small earthquake that happens after a larger one is called an aftershock. Aftershocks happen because the crust in the area where the main earthquake happened is adjusting to the earthquake's effects.


What can happen to wet soil during the shaking from an earthquake?

Wet soil can experience a phenomenon called "liquefaction" during an earthquake, where the soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid. This can lead to sinking, tilting, or lateral spreading of the ground, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, wet soil can also increase the risk of landslides in hilly areas during an earthquake.


Why should you not go in an elevator during an earthquake?

It's safer to avoid elevators during an earthquake because they may malfunction or get stuck, trapping you inside. Additionally, if the power goes out during the earthquake, you could be left stranded in the elevator shaft. It is better to take the stairs if it is safe to do so during an earthquake.