causes of earthquakes

Cards (4)

  • one way that earthquakes ar caused are by plates moving apart, this is constructive plate boundary
  • constructive plate boundary earthquakes are small
  • another way that earthquakes are caused is destructive plate boundary which is when plates move towards each other, usually a continental and oceanic plate. the oceanic plate are pushed under the continental plate, the point where this happens is called a subduction zone. the build up of friction eventually releases and the oceanic plate jolts causing an earthquake.
  • a final way that earthquakes are caused is called strike slip motion. this is when the plates slide past each other and friction builds up so the 'stick' which leads to a build-up of pressure. eventually the forces become too much and the crustal rocks snap apart. this sudden movement is the earthquake.