|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
| We take the stability of the earth for granted, but in reality, the ground we walk across and build structures on is constantly shifting. The motions of the planet's crust usually happen too slowly for us to notice. But sometimes the ground seems to take a jump, setting in motion events that topple buildings, send oceans lurching, and change the landscape. How does it happen? | |
| PLATE TECTONICS | |
| You may feel like you're on solid ground, but the land beneath your feet floats on rock as sturdy as...taffy. | |
| FAULTS | |
| Each tectonic plate is drifting its own way. When they meet, some friction is bound to arise. | |
| WAVES | |
| S, P, Love, and Rayleigh. | |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Richter and beyond. And by the way, where does your driving register on the Richter scale? |
Live Eye • Great Shakes • Quake Basics • Damage Control • Active Zone