Earthquakes

Another consequence of plate movements is earthquakes. Predominantly earthquakes occur at transform boundaries, however earthquake activities are also present at the other boundaries. An earthquake is a sudden violent vibration in the earth’s crust caused by a rapid release of pressure built up as the plates get locked or stuck together. Earthquakes usually trigger movement along a crack or fault in the earth’s crust. Here where the earthquake originates is called the focus. The shaking on the ground is felt by seismic waves that radiates from the focus outwards. The ground immediately above the focus is called the epicentre. This is where the most vibrant shaking is felt and damage on the ground occurs.