Earthquakes are caused by the sudden movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. These plates constantly shift and slide against each other, but sometimes they become stuck due to friction. When the stress on the plates becomes too great, they suddenly break free and release energy in the form of seismic waves, which cause the ground to shake. The point where the earthquake starts is called the focus, and the point directly above it on the surface is known as the epicenter.

The strength of an earthquake can vary greatly. Some are so small that people barely feel them, while others can cause massive destruction. Earthquakes are most common along plate boundaries, especially in regions like the Pacific Ring of Fire. Scientists use tools like seismographs to measure and study earthquakes, helping them understand their patterns and potentially warn people in advance to reduce the damage and save lives. Shutdown123