An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and shifting of large sections of Earth's rocky outer shell. Earthquakes are among the most powerful events on earth, and their results can be terrifying. A severe earthquake may release energy 10,000 times as great as that of the first atomic bomb. Rock movements during an earthquake can make rivers change their course. Earthquakes can trigger landslides that cause great damage and loss of life. Large earthquakes beneath the ocean can create a series of huge, destructive waves called tsunamis (pronounced tsoo NAH meez) that flood coasts for many miles.

Earthquakes almost never kill people directly. Instead, many deaths and injuries in earthquakes result from falling objects and the collapse of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Fire resulting from broken gas or power lines is another major danger during a quake. Spills of hazardous chemicals are also a concern during an earthquake.



The force of an earthquake depends on how much rock breaks and how far it shifts. Powerful earthquakes can shake firm ground violently for great distances. During minor earthquakes, the vibration may be no greater than the vibration caused by a passing truck.



On average, a powerful earthquake occurs less than once every two years. At least 40 moderate earthquakes cause damage somewhere in the world each year. About 40,000 to 50,000 small earthquakes--large enough to be felt but not damaging--occur annually.





附带翻译:地震是震动地面由突然打破和转移地球的岩石外壳的大部分造成。地震是在最强有力的事件之中在地球上, 并且他们的结果可能是恐怖的。一次严厉地震也许发布能量10,000 倍伟大象那第一原子弹。岩石运动在地震期间能做河改变他们的路线。地震可能触发导致巨大损伤和丧生的山崩。大地震在海洋之下可能创造一系列的巨大, 破坏性的波浪叫做海啸 那次洪水沿海许多英里。

地震几乎从未杀害人直接。反而, 许多死亡和伤害在地震起因于下落的对象和大厦、桥梁, 和其它结构的崩溃。火起因于残破的气体或输电线是其它主要危险在地震期间。危害化学制品溢出并且是关心在地震期间。



地震的力量依靠多少岩石断裂和多远它转移。强有力的地震可能猛烈地震动牢固的地面为了不起的距离。在较小地震期间, 振动也许没有大于振动由一辆通过的卡车造成。 平均, 一次强有力的地震发生较不比一次每二年。至少40 次轻度地震每年造成损伤某处在世界。大约40,000 次到50,000 次小地震-- 足够大感觉但不损坏-- 年年发生。
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