Final answer:
Earthquakes are primarily distributed along tectonic plate boundaries. Areas within the stable interior of tectonic plates, such as certain regions of Australia, Brazil, or Canada, are less likely to experience earthquakes due to the lack of plate boundary stresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earthquakes are typically distributed along the boundaries of tectonic plates, and this is evident when analyzing a world map that includes earthquake epicenters. Looking at the US Geological Survey map of recent earthquakes, you can observe that these epicenters are usually found at the boundaries where plates interact. This includes transform boundaries, where plates slide past one another; convergent boundaries, where they collide; and divergent boundaries, where they move apart. When comparing this with a world map, you might note that countries situated in the interior of tectonic plates, such as those in the center of continents like Africa, are less likely to experience earthquakes.
Countries where earthquakes may not happen often include places like Canada's Hudson Bay region, the Brazilian Shield in South America, or the stable cratonic areas of Australia. The lack of seismic activity in these areas is due to their location on the stable interiors of plates, also known as intraplate regions, which do not experience the same intense stress at their boundaries that can cause the Earth's crust to fracture and result in earthquakes.
Earthquakes occur as a result of the movement of tectonic plates and the release of energy that has been built up due to friction or other stresses. The connection between earthquakes and plate tectonics is well-established, and the study of the distribution of earthquakes is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Earth's lithosphere.