Understanding Earthquakes
Plain-English explainers on how earthquakes work, what the numbers mean, and how to stay safe — written to pair with the live tracker.
Start with what an earthquake actually is if the plate-tectonics basics are fuzzy, then move to the types of earthquakes and seismic waves and subduction to see why some quakes strike far from any obvious fault. Aftershocks explained covers what happens in the hours and days after a mainshock, and earthquake safety and response turns all of it into what to actually do when the ground starts moving. Recent major earthquakes closes with real examples so the magnitude numbers and fault types have something concrete to attach to. Every article links back to the live tracker and the magnitude scale, so you can check current events against what you just read.
What Is an Earthquake?
Why the ground shakes: tectonic plates, faults, stress and elastic rebound — the basics in a few minutes.
Read ExplainerThe Types of Earthquakes
Tectonic, volcanic, collapse and human-induced quakes — and the strike-slip, normal and thrust faults behind them.
Read ExplainerSeismic Waves & Subduction
P-waves, S-waves and surface waves, how they propagate, and why subduction zones produce the biggest quakes.
Read SafetyEarthquake Safety & Response
Drop, Cover, Hold On — what to do in the seconds of shaking and the hours after, plus a simple readiness checklist.
Read ExplainerAftershocks Explained
Foreshocks, mainshock and aftershocks (replicas): why they happen, how long they last, and how the risk fades.
Read HistoryRecent Major Earthquakes
A look at notable recent quakes — location, magnitude and what made each one significant.
Read