Earthquakes: A Devastating Force
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters. They can cause widespread damage and loss of life, and can have a lasting impact on the environment and economy of a region. In recent years, there have been several major earthquakes that have caused significant damage and loss of life. In 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, killing over 9,000 people and injuring over 23,000. In 2016, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Ecuador, killing over 670 people and injuring over 16,000. And in 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Mexico, killing over 360 people and injuring over 6,000.
The Causes of Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy below the Earth's surface. This energy is typically caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of the Earth's crust. When two tectonic plates move past each other, they can cause the ground to shake. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. The larger the number, the more powerful the earthquake.
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