What causes earthquakes according to experts?

Earthquakes are primarily caused by shifts in tectonic plates. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates are constantly moving, although very slowly. When the stress on the edges of tectonic plates builds up beyond their ability to withstand it, they can fracture or slip, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. This sudden release of energy is what we feel as an earthquake.

The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for most of the largest and most destructive earthquakes. When two plates collide, pull apart, or slide past each other, they can trigger a significant release of energy. This process occurs along fault lines, which are fractures in the Earth's crust where the movement of plates occurs.

Although volcanic eruptions can also produce seismic activity and cause earthquakes, they are not the primary cause of most earthquakes. Tsunami waves, on the other hand, are a result of underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and flooding does not cause seismic activity. Understanding the role of tectonic plates is fundamental to grasping the nature of earthquakes and their mechanics.