As a geologist with a focus on seismology, I can explain that earthquakes are categorized based on the type of tectonic plate movements that cause them. There are three primary types of earthquakes, which are associated with different geological processes:
1.
Transform Earthquakes: These occur at
transform faults, where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The friction between the plates can cause stress to build up until it is released in the form of an earthquake.
2.
Convergent Earthquakes: These happen at
convergent boundaries, where two tectonic plates are moving towards each other. One plate is typically forced under the other in a process known as subduction, which can also lead to volcanic activity.
3.
Divergent Earthquakes: They take place at
divergent boundaries, where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other. This can happen both on the ocean floor, where new crust is formed, and on continents, leading to the creation of rift valleys.
read more >>