Why are earthquakes so destructive?

Earthquakes are one of the most destructive forces on earth. These are some of the countries that are most likely to be hit.

West Coast USA

Japan

New Zealand

The earths crust is divided into enormous slabs of rock called tectonic plates. It is because of these that the continents have their shape. When the tectonic plates collide it causes an earthquake. Scientists have created a type of instrument that can actually record an earthquake. This is called a seismometer.

Earthquakes usually last up to a minute. However, some of the most destructive have lasted up to four minutes long. An earthquakes destructive process can destroy whole buildings, cars, bridges, houses and even take lives.

By William.