Earthquakes
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YcBUQjT4WJ58M9ZrTND4gE-320-80.jpg)
Earthquakes are the result of plate tectonics, or shifting plates in the crust of Earth, and quakes occur when the frictional stress of gliding plate boundaries builds and causes failure at a fault line. In an earthquake, elastic strain energy is released and waves radiate, shaking the ground. Scientists can predict where major temblors might occur in a general sense, but research does not yet allow forecasts for specific locations or accurate predictions of timing. Major earthquakes, some generating tsunamis, have leveled entire cities and affected whole countries. Relatively minor earthquakes can also be induced, or caused by human activity, including extraction of minerals from Earth and the collapse of large buildings.
Latest about Earthquakes
![A photo of a snowy mountain range with a Moroccan building in the foreground](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y3KWj9AQG6DNPMmtwFDMBS-320-80.jpg)
'Upwelling' deep in the mantle triggered magnitude 6.8 Morocco earthquake
By Rebecca Owen, Eos.org published
Researchers found the 2023 Morocco earthquake was triggered by movement miles below Earth's surface.
![A wide angle photo of downtown Los Angeles showing a sunset and snowy mountains in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mu8v9evSJCFwgKbVPKfkkg-320-80.jpg)
LA may be spared 'horrifying' fate of the 'Big One' from San Andreas, simulation suggests
By Stephanie Pappas published
A new simulation of the shaking from a magnitude 7.8 south San Andreas earthquake suggests that Los Angeles might avoid a worst-case scenario.
![A photo showing a road torn up by an earthquake](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mfu6SkoPuP6F8TETb8NN4i-320-80.jpg)
Will we have more earthquakes because of climate change?
By Katherine Irving published
Changes in sea level and glacial melt could make earthquakes more likely in the coming years.
![A view of the Ganges Delta close to the Bay of Bengal at sunset.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/am9Zypy7zES7w4VeE6Utyc-320-80.jpg)
Huge earthquake 2,500 years ago rerouted the Ganges River, study suggests
By Sascha Pare published
A new study suggests an earthquake of estimated magnitude 7.5 or 8 shook the Indian subcontinent 2,500 years ago, changing the course of the Ganges.
![A young girl and others stands in the aisle of a grocery store with products strewn across the floor in the aftermath of an earthquake.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PE7sFDxz3jiwRQFfAUGjm-320-80.jpg)
Why do earthquakes happen far away from plate boundaries?
By Alice Sun published
It's well known that earthquakes can rock fault-filled places like the U.S. West Coast. But why do earthquakes happen in the middle of tectonic plates?
![A photograph of an autumn sunset from Barenstein hill above Plauen city in Germany](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KGzSdyBaQm736boYZpnnWc-320-80.jpg)
Odd earthquake swarm in Central Europe hints at magma bubbling below the surface
By Stephanie Pappas published
An odd earthquake swarm has struck the region between the Czech Republic and Germany, far from any tectonic plate boundary.
![A sign posted at the San Andreas Fault, separating the Pacific and the North American tectonic plates near Parkfield, California on July 12, 2019 in a remote part of California.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qvDcR7z3duURJoFyCbAPBE-320-80.jpg)
Part of the San Andreas fault may be gearing up for an earthquake
By Stephanie Pappas published
The Parkfield section of the San Andreas fault is sending mixed messages before a time of expected increased seismic risk.
![Map showing location of New Jersey earthquake marked with a star with shock lines radiating outwards](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mz3LyTrrqgJ45X6gPNjooE-320-80.jpg)
Rare magnitude 4.8 and 3.8 earthquakes rock Northeast, including Greater New York area
By Laura Geggel last updated
Magnitude 4.8 and 3.8 earthquakes struck New Jersey and rocked the Northeast on Friday (April 5).
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