Earthquakes
An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the crust that sends shock waves from the focus to the epicentre.
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An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the crust that sends shock waves from the focus to the epicentre.
- The Richter or moment scale measures magnitude
- The epicentre is directly above the focus
- Tsunamis can follow undersea earthquakes
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Earthquakes?
Within Geography, which covers maps, landforms, weather, climate, population and settlements: understand how our planet and people connect, this topic explains Earthquakes. Geography explains how places, people and natural processes connect, so each topic here combines a clear definition with a visual model.
Check that you can explain Earthquakes in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Earthquakes helps you explain patterns on maps and in the news, and make reasoned decisions about places and environments.
Earthquakes in detail
An earthquake is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, caused by plates that stick, build up stress and then slip. The point where it starts underground is the focus, and the point directly above on the surface is the epicentre. Seismic waves spread out, shaking the ground.
Magnitude is measured on the moment magnitude scale, with each step about 32 times more energy, and shaking intensity on the Mercalli scale, and instruments called seismographs record waves. Effects include building collapse, fires, tsunamis and landslides. Impacts depend on magnitude, depth, population density, building quality and preparedness.
How the interactive helps you understand Earthquakes
Watch the tectonic plates in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the tectonic plates responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Earthquakes.
Real-life uses and examples
- Support an answer about Earthquakes with a named case study and specific evidence.
- Interpret a graph or map that shows Earthquakes and say what it suggests.
- Describe a real place where Earthquakes can be seen, using a map or photograph.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing general statements without a named place or example.
- Mixing up cause, effect and consequence when you explain Earthquakes.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Earthquakes
What is Earthquakes?
An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the crust that sends shock waves from the focus to the epicentre.
What are the most important points about Earthquakes?
The main points are: The Richter or moment scale measures magnitude; The epicentre is directly above the focus; Tsunamis can follow undersea earthquakes.
Why is Earthquakes useful?
Understanding Earthquakes helps you explain patterns on maps and in the news, and make reasoned decisions about places and environments.
How can I practise Earthquakes?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Earthquakes?
Related topics in Geography include The Rock Cycle, River Processes and Landforms, Flooding.