what is earth quake?is it drestructive?

Answer 1

The shock waves generated by continental plates moving at fault lines. Depends on how far the plate moves.

Answer 2

Although the earth you are standing on seems solid it is in reality composed of islands of material called "plates". These plates float on the part of the earth called the mantle. The mantle is like a very sticky liquid and the plates move on the mantle very slowly. (about 5-7cm/yr). These plates sometimes run into each other and because the movement isn't smooth pressure builds up over time and from time to time there is a rapid movement of the two plates. Geologists call this a rupture. This sudden rupture is what you know as an Earthquake. If the earthquake occurs in an area of buildings and bridges the shaking that occurs can damage these structures.

Answer 3

An earthquake happens when waves of force move through the land near where big plates of the earth are bumping into or rubbing along each other. Periodically the pressure builds up enough to cause one to slip a little bit further along, and this lurch of land sends ripples of force outward from that spot. Throw a stone in some water to see the ripple effect. When the ripples pass by, the land bounces slightly. This is not so good for things that are designed to sit quietly, like buildings. To get an idea of what happens, build a tower on a bed, with blocks, and then bounce on the bed. What happens to your tower? That's what happens in a big earthquake to buildings if they're not very carefully built. Think about what happens to the people inside the buildings. Some earthquakes can actually 'rip' the land and produce gaps or places where part of the land has dropped a few inches or more from the rest. Like a small cliff. If an earthquake happens underwater, it can stir up ripples in the ocean like that stone you threw in the water. When those ripples get near shore, they can build up into large waves of immense power that sweep away whatever is not anchored firmly. These are called 'tsunamis'.

Answer 4

It is unpredictable and destructive.Caused by the sudden release of accumulated pressure developed in tectonic plate boundaries over several years.