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How an Earthquake Occurs

Earth Science - Middle School

How an Earthquake Occurs

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Table Of Contents: How an Earthquake Occurs

1. Rock Experiences Stress

The Earth's tectonic plates are in motion. This movement creates forces called stress that push and pull the rock within the Earth's crust.

2. Rock Releases Energy

Stress can cause rock to break and release stored energy in the form of seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth and an earthquake occurs.

3. Earthquake Focus and Epicenter

The point where the rock first breaks is called the focus of an earthquake. The point directly above the focus on the Earth's surface is the epicenter.

4. Earthquake Aftershocks

After an earthquake event, smaller earthquakes called aftershocks often occur near the focus of the original earthquake.

How an Earthquake Occurs

Earth Science - Middle School