How It Works

When disaster strikes!

by · 03/12/2009

A shocking video demonstrating the devastating effects of earthquakes

The terrifying effects of the sudden, dramatic ground shaking that takes place during an earthquake is caught on film, revealing the massive strength and energy of one of the planet’s most destructive phenomena. Earthquakes occur when stress builds up along the fault lines of the Earth’s tectonic plates, causing the Earth’s crust to move suddenly. For an in-depth explanation of what causes earthquakes, How It Works is running a feature on the Earth’s tectonic plates in issue 3, which goes on sale 31 December – check it out!