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Misconception 1:
Is it true that earthquakes can only happen on continents?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

No, earthquakes can occur in any location, including the ocean floor. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, it is not true that earthquakes can only happen on continents. Earthquakes can occur in any location, including the ocean floor. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of Earth's crust that fit together like a puzzle. When these plates shift or collide, they can cause earthquakes.

For example, earthquakes often occur along plate boundaries where two plates meet. This can happen both on land and under the ocean. The movement and interaction of tectonic plates cause stress and pressure to build up, which is eventually released as an earthquake.

In fact, some of the most powerful and destructive earthquakes have occurred under the ocean, causing tsunamis that can affect coastal regions. One notable example is the earthquake off the east coast of Japan in 2011, which triggered a tsunami and caused widespread devastation.

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