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Lesson 174 of 500 · Extra Passages
⭐ 30 XPEarthquakes Part 3
📖Story Brief #174
Earthquakes are sudden shaking events caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.
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Earthquakes are sudden shaking events caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The Earth’s outer layer, called the lithosphere, is divided into several large sections known as tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving, but sometimes they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes this friction, an earthquake occurs, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. This shaking can be strong, causing buildings to collapse and creating cracks in the ground. A well-known example is the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which caused massive destruction and fires in the city. Earthquakes can also trigger tsunamis, which are large ocean waves that can flood coastal areas. Scientists use tools like seismographs to measure the strength and duration of earthquakes, helping us understand and prepare for these powerful natural events.
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1 of 2What causes earthquakes?
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