Final answer:
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates and are related to plate tectonics. Earthquake magnitude and intensity are distinct measures that assess energy release and shaking effects, respectively. Buildings and infrastructure can be destroyed by shaking, fires, slope failures, liquefaction, and tsunamis caused by earthquakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These plates make up the Earth's crust and are constantly in motion. When two plates collide, slide past each other, or pull apart, it can create stress and pressure which can be released as an earthquake. The theory of plate tectonics explains how these movements occur and how they relate to earthquakes.
Earthquake magnitude refers to the amount of energy released by an earthquake, while intensity refers to the level of shaking and damage caused by an earthquake. Magnitude is typically measured using instruments like seismographs, whereas intensity is assessed based on observations of the effects on structures and human experiences. The Richter scale and the Moment Magnitude Scale are two common ways of estimating earthquake magnitude.
Earthquakes can lead to the destruction of buildings and infrastructure through shaking, which can cause structures to collapse. Fires can also be sparked by ruptured gas lines or electrical systems. Slope failures occur when the shaking causes the ground to become unstable, leading to landslides. Liquefaction can happen in areas with loose, water-saturated soils, where the shaking causes the soil to lose its strength and behave like a liquid. Tsunamis can be triggered by undersea earthquakes and can cause massive waves that can inundate coastal areas.