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Tons of great resources for learning about the science of earthquakes.
The Science of Earthquakes
What is an earthquake? What causes earthquakes and where do they happen? Why do they make the earth shake? How are they recorded? How do scientists measure the size of earthquakes? How can scientists tell where an earthquake happened? And more...
How many earthquakes occur every year? What is the largest earthquake in the U.S.? What is a sieche? Which 4 states have the fewest earthquakes? Can humans hear earthquakes? What is the earliest recorded evidence of an earthquake? And more...
P-wave and S-wave paths through the earth. Scientists discovered that Earth's outer core is liquid by observing seismic waves. P waves travel through solid and liquid, but S waves do not travel through liquid. (Public domain.)
FAQs by Category
Frequently Asked Questions about earthquakes by category. Seriously, check here first.
EarthquakesFor Kids
Fun and educational resources including Science Fair ideas and earthquake science you can understand.
Science for Everyone
Science briefs about new earthquake research written for non-scientists.
Earthquake Topics
Learn about a variety of earthquake topics. USGS resources and links to outside educational resources. Browse or search.
Today in Earthquake History
What earthquakes happened on this same day in past years? What about on your birthday?
Earthquake Summary Posters
For significant earthquakes: ppicentral area, plate tectonic environment, earthquake history, and generalized seismic hazard of the region.
Photos, Videos, and Podcasts
Selected lists of earthquake damage, faults, and effects photos, videos, and podcasts.