Comprehension Check 3.2

Sometimes the edges of moving plates become stuck and cease to move, allowing huge forces to build up. The force may eventually become so great that the plates suddenly break free and slide against each other for several seconds, producing an earthquake.

How can the motions of the earth's plates cause earthquakes?

earthquake

any trembling or shaking of the earth's crust

tsunamis

giant waves that may be caused by earthquakes

Circum-Pacific Belt

most earthquakes occur in this region

seismologists

scientists who study earthquakes

fault

the break that appears at the boundary between two moving masses of rock

focus

the point under the ground where an earthquake begins

seismic belts

the regions of the earth's crust where most earthquake faults are found

magnitude

the strength of an earthquake

seismology

the study of earthquakes