Tectonic plates cause earthquakes when the stress built up from their movement becomes too great, and they suddenly slip past one another.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Tectonic plates are constantly moving, albeit very slowly. This movement causes stress to build up along their boundaries. The Earth's lithosphere (the crust and upper mantle) is rigid and brittle, meaning it can crack under enough stress.
When the force from the moving plates exceeds the friction holding them in place, a sudden release of energy occurs. This release causes the rocks to fracture, creating faults (cracks in the Earth's crust). The energy released travels as seismic waves, which we experience as an earthquake.
In simpler terms:
- Constant Movement: Tectonic plates are always moving.
- Stress Buildup: This movement causes stress along plate boundaries.
- Friction: Friction prevents the plates from moving freely.
- Sudden Slip: When stress exceeds friction, the plates suddenly slip.
- Energy Release: This sudden slip releases energy in the form of seismic waves.
- Earthquake: These waves cause the ground to shake, resulting in an earthquake.
Plate boundaries are areas where earthquakes are most common, and they consist of numerous faults. The "Ring of Fire" around the Pacific Ocean is a prime example of a highly active seismic zone due to extensive plate boundaries.
