As a geologist with a focus on seismology, I can explain why shallow earthquakes tend to cause the most damage. Shallow earthquakes are particularly damaging because they occur closer to the Earth's surface, which means the energy they release is transmitted more directly to the surface and the structures built upon it. The depth of an earthquake is a critical factor in determining its impact. Here's a breakdown of the key points: 1. Depth: Shallow earthquakes, which are those that occur less than 70 kilometers below the surface, can cause more damage because the seismic waves reach the surface with minimal loss of energy. In contrast, deeper earthquakes, which occur at depths greater than 300 kilometers, have their energy significantly reduced by the time they reach the surface. 2. Proximity to Population Centers: Earthquakes that occur near populated areas are more likely to cause damage due to the concentration of people and infrastructure. Shallow earthquakes are more likely to be in these areas because the tectonic processes that create them are often associated with the Earth's crust, which is where we find most of our cities and towns. 3. Ground Amplification: The type of soil and rock near the surface can amplify the seismic waves. Shallow earthquakes allow for more of this ground amplification to occur, which can significantly increase the intensity of shaking experienced at the surface. 4. Duration of Shaking: Shallow earthquakes often have longer durations of shaking because the energy has less distance to travel through the Earth's layers, allowing the seismic waves to maintain their intensity for a longer period. 5. Aftershocks: Shallow earthquakes are also more likely to be followed by aftershocks, which can continue to cause damage and make rescue and recovery efforts more challenging. In summary, the destructiveness of an earthquake is not solely determined by its magnitude but also by its depth. Shallow earthquakes are more damaging because they allow the seismic energy to reach the surface with greater intensity and for a longer duration, and they are more likely to occur near populated areas with less time for the energy to dissipate. read more >>

How can a larger jolt cause far less damage? A quake's destructive power depends not only on its strength, but also on location, distance from the epicenter and depth. Quakes can strike near the surface or deep within the Earth. Most quakes occur at shallow depths, according to the US Geological Survey.read more >>