How do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes are a result of the dynamic movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large plates. These plates float on the semi-liquid asthenosphere, driven by convection currents generated by radioactive elements in the Earth's core.
The plates interact in various ways, including:
1. Converging: plates move towards each other
2. Diverging: plates move apart
3. Transforming: plates slide past each other
Additionally, human activities like large-scale oil and gas extraction can cause minor tremors due to lithostatic pressure imbalance.
The frequency and intensity of earthquakes are higher near plate boundaries. Countries like Pakistan, Japan, and others in Asia, North and South America are more prone to earthquakes due to their location. While earthquakes can occur elsewhere, their frequency and intensity decrease with distance from plate boundaries.
A seismological map illustrates global earthquake patterns, highlighting areas of high seismic activity. This activity is consistent with the plate movements and interactions described.
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