An earthquake is a sudden shaking or vibration of the Earth's crust due to the release of energy from tectonic plates. The Earth's crust is made up of large slabs of rock called tectonic plates which constantly move and collide with one another. When two plates rub against each other and get stuck, pressure builds up and is eventually released in the form of seismic waves, causing an earthquake. Earthquakes can range in size and intensity, from small tremors to major disasters that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life.
