Question 1

What is an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

An earthquake is when the ground shakes because of movements deep below Earth's surface. It's like when you shake a table and everything on it rattles.

Question 2

What causes earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes happen because of shifts in giant plates under Earth's surface. These plates move and sometimes get stuck, building up pressure until they snap free, causing the ground to shake.

Question 3

Where do most earthquakes happen?

Accepted Answer

Most earthquakes happen around the edges of large plates that make up Earth’s surface, especially around the Pacific Ocean. This area is called the 'Ring of Fire' because there are lots of earthquakes and volcanoes there.

Question 4

How do scientists measure earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use a special tool called a seismometer to measure how much the ground shakes. They also use a scale called the Richter scale to tell us how strong an earthquake is.

Question 5

Can people predict earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Right now, scientists can’t predict exactly when or where an earthquake will happen. They can only say that some areas are more likely to have earthquakes than others.

Question 6

What’s a fault line?

Accepted Answer

A fault line is a crack in Earth's surface where two pieces of land are moving. When these pieces slide past each other suddenly, it can cause an earthquake.

Question 7

Why do buildings fall in earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Buildings fall because they aren’t strong enough to handle the shaking ground. Engineers try to design buildings that can move and sway with the shaking to avoid falling.

Question 8

What should you do if you're in an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

If you’re inside during an earthquake, get under a sturdy table and hold on until the shaking stops. If you’re outside, move to an open area where nothing can fall on you.

Question 9

What’s after an earthquake stops?

Accepted Answer

After the shaking stops, it’s important to check if everyone is okay and see if there’s any damage. You should also be ready for aftershocks, which are smaller quakes that happen after the big one.

Question 10

What’s an aftershock?

Accepted Answer

An aftershock is a little earthquake that happens after the main big earthquake. It can happen minutes or weeks after the main quake and can still be strong.

Question 11

Can animals sense earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Some people think animals might feel earthquakes before people do because they can sense the tiniest ground movements. However, it’s not proven that animals can predict earthquakes.

Question 12

What’s a tsunami and how is it related to earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

A tsunami is a huge wave caused by an earthquake under the sea. When the ocean floor shakes, it can push a lot of water up and make a big wave that travels across the ocean.

Question 13

Are all earthquakes dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not all earthquakes are dangerous. Many are too small to feel and don't cause any damage. It’s the big and strong ones near cities that can cause problems.

Question 14

What’s the biggest earthquake ever recorded?

Accepted Answer

The biggest earthquake ever recorded happened in Chile in 1960. It was a magnitude 9.5, which means it was very strong and caused a lot of damage.

Question 15

Why do earthquakes happen more in some places than others?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes happen more in places where tectonic plates meet. These areas are more active and likely to have the plates bumping into or sliding past each other.

Question 16

How do earthquakes affect nature?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes can cause landslides and destroy natural habitats. They can also make rivers change course or cause trees to fall down.

Question 17

How do earthquakes affect people?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, which can hurt people and even make them lose their homes. They can also disrupt electricity and water supplies, causing problems for everyone.

Question 18

What are tectonic plates?

Accepted Answer

Tectonic plates are huge pieces of rock that float on the very hot, soft layer of Earth below the surface. They are always moving, but we usually don’t feel it unless they cause an earthquake.

Question 19

Can we prevent earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

We can't stop earthquakes from happening because they are natural events. However, we can build stronger buildings and have good plans to keep people safe when they do happen.

Question 20

What is the safest place during an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

The safest place during an earthquake is under something sturdy, like a table, where you can protect yourself from falling stuff. Stay away from windows and heavy things that might fall.

The Science of Earthquakes: How They Happen and Their Impact on Society - 20 FAQs Explained Simply