Page 6 - Microsoft PowerPoint - 12.1 INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL DISASTER AND EARTHQUAKE

CAUSE OF EARTHQUAKE

 Earthquakes are caused due to sudden tectonic
movements in the earth’s crust.

 When the tectonic plates slide over one another,
there is a cause of orogeny which results in
earthquakes and volcanoes.

 These disturbances cause vibrations that spread in
all directions.

 As there is a relative motion of these plates, there
is stress built up, which breaks by releasing the
stored energy known as shock waves.

 The point below the Earth’s surface where the
earth quake starts is called as HYPOCENTRE. The
point directly above the hypocentre on the surface
of the Earth is known as the EPICENTRE.

 Generally, the maximum amount of impact is felt at
the epicentre.