Final answer:
An earthquake is a natural disaster caused by tectonic activity and the movement of the Earth's plates. It is not caused by the actions of people and technology. Efforts are being made to predict and mitigate the impacts of earthquakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An earthquake is a natural disaster that occurs when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, causing the ground to shake. It is not precipitated by the actions of people and technology, but rather by tectonic activity and the movement of the Earth's plates. Earthquakes can have devastating effects, such as damage to buildings, infrastructure, and loss of life.
The destructive power of earthquakes can be seen in examples such as the earthquake that occurred off the east coast of Japan in 2011, which caused a tsunami and resulted in the destruction of nuclear energy facilities. Efforts are being made by engineers and scientists to predict and mitigate the impacts of earthquakes, but their occurrence is ultimately a natural phenomenon.