We often see news of earthquakes that destroy cities and even countries. This year, for example, the earthquake in Nepal caused thousands of deaths and shocked the world. But how do these natural disasters happen? Physics explains.

What exactly is an earthquake? How does it happen?

Basically, it happens because the earth’s crust is formed by several tectonic plates, and the area where they meet are called zones of convergence. When the plates collide with each other, they produce an accumulation of pressure and discharge of energy, which are propagated in the form of seismic waves until reaching the earth’s surface in the form of tremors.

Why do earthquakes happen?

The main cause of earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates, however, they can also happen for other reasons. One of them is volcanic activity. With the accumulation of magma in the magma chamber of the volcano, the rocks are compressed, and when the force of this compression is released there may be tremors, which even signal the possible eruption of the volcano.

In addition to the natural causes of earthquakes, seismic shocks can still be caused by human activity, whether direct or indirect. The main examples of this are the tremors caused by the extraction of minerals, fossil fuels and the construction of aquifer channels.

So, did you like to understand more about earthquakes? Follow our blog and check out other physical curiosities.