Why And How Do Earthquakes Occur?
Earthquakes happen due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface
The Earth has a thin outer shell called the crust. This crust is broken into large pieces known as tectonic plates. These plates fit together like a puzzle, but they are not fixed. They slowly move on a hot, flowing layer below them called the mantle.
Even though tectonic plates move very slowly, their movement has a big impact on our planet. It helps form oceans, continents, and mountains. It also explains why earthquakes happen and why volcanoes erupt.
Earthquakes mostly occur at the edges of tectonic plates, called fault lines. These are places where two plates meet. Sometimes, the edges of the plates get stuck while trying to move. When this happens, pressure builds up over time. Once the pressure becomes too strong, the plates suddenly slip. This sudden movement causes an earthquake.
Scientists cannot predict the exact date or time of an earthquake. However, they can identify areas that are more likely to experience earthquakes.
In India, high-risk earthquake zones include Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and North-East India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Parts of Delhi also fall under higher-risk zones. Plains like Punjab may feel mild earthquakes but are generally lower-risk.
Earthquake strength is measured using magnitude scales like the Moment-Magnitude Scale. Earthquakes below 3.0 are usually not felt. Stronger earthquakes can cause serious damage. Underwater earthquakes can also create tsunamis.
While earthquakes cannot be prevented, safety steps like Drop, Cover, and Hold On can protect lives. Being prepared is always better
