Earthquakes: Causes, Impact, and Recent Events

Earthquakes are among the most powerful natural phenomena, capable of reshaping landscapes and impacting millions of lives. They occur due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. This blog explores the science behind earthquakes, the role of tectonic plates, the countries most affected, and a recent earthquake in Myanmar 2025.

What Are Earthquakes?

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the release of energy stored in the Earth’s crust. This energy is released when tectonic plates—large slabs of the Earth’s lithosphere—move, collide, or slide past each other. The point where the earthquake originates is called the focus, and the point directly above it on the surface is the epicenter.

Tectonic Plate Movements: The Driving Force Behind Earthquakes

The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These plates are constantly in motion due to convection currents in the mantle. Their interactions at plate boundaries are the primary cause of earthquakes. There are three main types of plate boundaries:

1. Divergent Boundaries: Plates move apart, creating new crust (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
2. Convergent Boundaries: Plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation (e.g., Himalayas).
3. Transform Boundaries: Plates slide past each other, causing friction and stress (e.g., San Andreas Fault).

Important Tectonic Plates and Their Impact

The Earth has seven major tectonic plates and several minor ones. Here are the key plates and their significance:

1. Pacific Plate: The largest plate, responsible for the “Ring of Fire,” a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
2. North American Plate: Includes parts of North America and the Atlantic Ocean; interacts with the Pacific Plate along the San Andreas Fault.
3. Eurasian Plate: Covers Europe and Asia; its collision with the Indian Plate forms the Himalayas.
4. Indian Plate: Subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate, causing seismic activity in South Asia.
5. African Plate: Includes the African continent; its divergence from the Arabian Plate forms the Red Sea.
6. South American Plate: Interacts with the Nazca Plate, creating the Andes Mountains.
7. Antarctic Plate: Covers Antarctica and its surrounding oceans.

Countries Highly Impacted by Tectonic Plates 

Certain regions are more prone to earthquakes due to their location near active plate boundaries:

1. Japan: Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it experiences frequent and severe earthquakes.
2. Indonesia: Lies at the convergence of the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indo-Australian Plates.
3. United States: Particularly California, due to the San Andreas Fault.
4. India and Nepal: Vulnerable due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates.
5. Turkey: Situated on the Anatolian Fault, a highly active seismic zone.
6. Chile: Experiences frequent earthquakes due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.

Pros and Cons of Living Near Plate Boundaries

Living near tectonic plate boundaries has its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Fertile soil due to volcanic activity.
• Geothermal energy resources.
• Scenic landscapes and tourism opportunities.

Cons:

• High risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Loss of life and property.
• Economic disruptions.

Recent Earthquake in Myanmar

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7. The epicenter was near Mandalay, and the quake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary where the Indian and Eurasian Plates slide past each other. This strike-slip fault movement caused intense seismic activity, as the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. The shallow depth amplified the shaking, leading to widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and infrastructure. Over 2,900 lives were lost, and thousands were injured. The Sagaing Fault’s history of seismic activity highlights the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

Conclusion

Earthquakes are a stark reminder of the Earth’s dynamic nature. Understanding tectonic plate movements and their impact is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation. While living near plate boundaries offers certain benefits, the risks cannot be ignored. The recent earthquake in Myanmar underscores the importance of building resilient infrastructure and fostering international cooperation to minimize the impact of such natural disasters.

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Gyaanology Team