An earthquake is what

happens when two blocks of

the earth suddenly slip past
one another. The surface
where they slip is called the
fault or fault plane.

Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault.
This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake.
When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little.
When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs.

There are four different types of earthquakes: Tectonic, volcanic,

collapse and explosion.

1. A tectonic earthquake is one that occurs when the earth's crust breaks due to
geological forces on rocks and adjoining plates that cause physical and
chemical changes.
2. A volcanic earthquake is any earthquake that results from tectonic forces
which occur in conjunction with volcanic activity.
3. A collapse earthquake are small earthquakes in underground caverns and
mines that are caused by seismic waves produced from the explosion of rock
on the surface.
4. An explosion earthquake is an earthquake that is the result of the detonation
of a nuclear and/or chemical device.

There are three different types of faults: Normal, Reverse, and

Transcurrent (Strike-Slip).

1. Normal faults form when the hanging wall drops down. The forces that
create normal faults are pulling the sides apart, or extensional.
2. Reverse faults form when the hanging wall moves up. The forces creating
reverse faults are compressional, pushing the sides together.
3. Transcurrent or Strike-slip faults have walls that move sideways, not up or
down.

CAN WE PREDICT EARTHQUAKE?

No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major
earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the
foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a
significant earthquake will occur in a specific area within a certain number of years.
Polangui South Central Elementary School

“Research about Earthquake”

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