• Skip to main content
• Low Graphics
• Access keys help

CBBC

CBBC Newsround

• Reports
• Chat
• Vote
• Quiz
• Games

• Home
• Clips
• Pictures
• UK
• World
• Sport
• Showbiz
• Animals
• Extra Stuff
• Reviews
• The Team
• Contact Us
• Help
• Teachers

Last Updated: Wednesday December 29 2004 12:39 GMT

Why do they happen?

An earthquake

Although the ground we walk on seems solid, the earth is actually made up of huge pieces of flat rock called tectonic plates.

These move very slowly, and where they meet is called a fault.

When the plates rub together, the movement forces waves of energy to come to the earth's surface.

This causes tremors and shakes - and this is what causes earthquakes.

Guide to Earthquakes

• Why do they happen?
• Are they dangerous?
• How often do they happen?
• Have there been serious ones recently?
• Why is it dangerous after a quake?
• Earthquakes: animated guide
• Tsunami: animated guide

MOST POPULAR STORIES

1. Fears that flooding may return
2. In pictures: American Music Awards 2009
3. In pictures: Inside super-jumbo A380

• BBC Copyright Notice MMIX
• Back to top ^^

BBC Home

Change Text Only Settings