Definition+of+an+earthquake

 __**WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?**__ ====An earthquake is when there is movement underground causing the earth's surface to shake and viabrate. The movement is usually caused by magma beneath the earths surface. ==== ====Earthquakes usually occur in areas that are on or surrounding the boundaries of tectonic plates. In a burst of energy, the plates move and create an earthquake. The movement of the tectonic plates often causes structures and buildings in the area of the earthquake to crumble and break, often causing loss of life of people in the earthquake. ====

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The creation of an earthquake is similar to the effect observed when a stone is thrown into water. After the stone hits the water a series of waves will move outwards from the stone. ======

**what are tectonic plates?**
tectonic plates are the large pieces of the earths crust that float on the Earth's mantle and are moved by convection currents within the mantle.

**what are fault lines?**
Fault lines are where the plates of the earth meet. the yellow lines in the map above show the fault lines.

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