This year is a dry one and I wonder if having less moisture in the soil sets us up for earthquakes? Are earthquakes always caused by plates moving? or are there other factors?
2007-05-29 18:43:54 · 5 answers · asked by Cordelia 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Rain has no effect on earthquakes. Earthquakes happen far below the earth's surface. Most are caused by plate movement (Plate Tectonics), however, other causes can trigger earthquakes as well, such as volcanism and stress within each plate (such as earthquakes within the Great Basin).
2007-05-29 18:51:01 · answer #1 · answered by Shel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...
Earthquakes are always caused by plates moving, and the moisture from rain will never get that far down into the earth's crust. Thus, a lack of rain should have no bearing on this season's earthquake activity.
2007-05-29 18:49:42 · answer #2 · answered by anonymous_20003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As stated the techtonic plates move on their own causing earthquakes. However, surface conditions like rainfall can influence the amount of surface damage done.
2007-05-29 19:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think so. Earth quakes happen sometimes many many miles underground. Too deep for atmospheric conditions to effect or cause them. They are caused by tectonic plate movement. Which occures below the earths crust..
2007-05-29 19:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by Chris B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
They occur due to movement of tectonic movements or movements of platelets of the earth. These include volcanic activities too.
The rocks apply tensional or compressible forces on each other which causes faulting and folding which result in rising and sinking of earth's crust.
2007-05-30 00:06:52 · answer #5 · answered by MOST INTELLIGENT BOY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋