What Is an Earthquake?
Shaking, Rattling, and Rolling!
Have you ever felt the ground shake or seen videos where buildings wobble and objects fall over? That might have been an earthquake! An earthquake is when the ground suddenly moves, usually because of something happening deep underground.
Why Do Earthquakes Happen?
The Earth is made of big pieces, like puzzle parts, called tectonic plates. These plates slowly move around. Sometimes they get stuck, and when they finally slip, the energy causes the ground to shake—this is an earthquake!
Where Do Earthquakes Happen?
Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere, but they are more common near the edges of tectonic plates. Places like Japan, California, and Chile have lots of earthquakes.
How Do We Measure Earthquakes?
Scientists use a tool called a seismograph to measure how strong an earthquake is. They use a scale called the Richter scale. The higher the number, the stronger the quake!
- A small quake (under 3) might feel like a rumble.
- A big one (over 7) can shake buildings!
Staying Safe During an Earthquake
If you ever feel an earthquake:
- Drop to the ground.
- Cover your head and neck under a table.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
It’s always good to be prepared, just in case!
Fun Facts!
- The largest earthquake ever recorded was in Chile in 1960—it measured 9.5 on the Richter scale!
- Earthquakes can also happen under the ocean and cause giant waves called tsunamis.
Earthquakes may sound scary, but learning about them helps us stay safe and smart. Keep exploring, Tiny Champion—you’re shaking up the world with your knowledge!
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Before you go, we’d like to share a little surprise with you. At the end of this article, you’ll find a fun quiz designed just for your Tiny Champions! It’s a great way to see how much you’ve learned. Don’t worry if you get a few answers wrong—mistakes are a natural part of learning. Here’s a tiny tip: all the answers can be found in the article. Feel free to read through it as many times as you like!
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