Earth quakes happen when a sudden release of energy is created in the earths crust and sends shock waves through the plates. These waves cause earth’s plates to overlap or bump together forcing the surface of earth shake and move; which sometimes causes the earth to form faults, landslides, and tsunamis.

INTERESTING FACT TIME!!! The Plates usually move at about the same speed that your fingernails grow.

Where do these catastrophes happen? These problems occur at plate boundaries along the continental or oceanic crusts. Plate boundaries are the areas where two plates come together. When they cross paths it causes earthquakes, landslides, and other natural disasters that cause mass destruction.

Japan Earthquake! As many people know, a extremely powerful destructive earthquake hit the North Eastern coast of Japan Friday March 11 th. It has already created a death total of over 11,000 and counting and caused unbelievable land and property damage. The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.

Help/Rescue efforts being made... The red cross has been applying efforts towards saving the lands and people left stranded and damage in Japan. Many people are donating their time and money to special charities that are contributing to the rescue efforts, through places such as the red cross.

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