An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust that creates seismic waves, often due to the movement along a fault line. Earthquakes can cause significant ground shaking, leading to structural damage, landslides, tsunamis, and other hazards. Understanding earthquakes is essential in seismology, disaster preparedness, and the study of plate tectonics.
Reference: Scholz, C. H. (2002). “The Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting.” Cambridge University Press.