Earthquakes — sudden, often powerful shifts in the Earth’s crust — are natural phenomena caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These movements release energy, creating seismic waves that can lead to significant destruction, including collapsed buildings, landslides and tsunamis. Earthquakes pose a threat to communities around the world, especially those located near fault lines. Current scientific research focuses on improving early warning systems, understanding earthquake triggers, and exploring the connections between seismic activity and human actions like fracking and groundwater extraction. Preparing for earthquakes requires robust infrastructure and community preparedness to minimize the loss of life and property.
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