Earthquakes

An earthquake is when the ground shakes. Most earthquakes are small and hard to feel. Some are very big and can knock down buildings. Earthquakes happen when huge pieces of rock under the ground move and slide past each other.

What Causes Them

The Earth's top layer is broken into big pieces called plates. These plates move very slowly, but sometimes they get stuck. When they suddenly slip, the ground shakes. This is an earthquake. The spot where it starts is called the epicenter.

Staying Safe

People who live in earthquake areas learn how to stay safe. They practice drills like Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Some buildings are made to bend a little so they do not fall. Scientists use special tools to measure how strong an earthquake is.

Fun Facts

• There are millions of earthquakes every year.
• Most earthquakes happen around the Pacific Ocean.
• Some animals act strange before a big earthquake.

Did You Know?

The biggest earthquake ever recorded happened in Chile in 1960 and shook the ground all around the world.