The document summarizes how earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's crust. Specifically, it explains that the Earth's crust is broken into huge plates that slowly move around, sometimes rubbing against each other. When enough pressure builds up from the plates moving in opposite directions, they break loose causing an earthquake. It also briefly describes some of the effects earthquakes can have, such as buildings collapsing, cracks in the earth opening up, landslides, and tsunamis being triggered.

2. Remember
the earth’s
crust has
huge cracks
or faults in it.
As a result,
the crust is
broken up
into huge
pieces of rock
called plates.

3. Although very slowly, these plates do move
around as they float on the top of the liquid
rock in the mantle called magma.

4. Sometimes when these plates move in opposite
directions they rub against one another .
The rough edges
where the plates
come together get
caught and prevent
the huge slabs of
rock from going
anywhere.
But when enough pressure builds up, the
plates break loose with a jolt—an earthquake.

5. It would be Once
like a force enough
pulling one pressure
half of a builds
cracked up, what
pencil one would
way and happen?
another force
pulling the
other half of
the pencil the Yes,thepencil
opposite way. would break.

7. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/animations/
animation.php?flash_title=Elastic+Rebound+Fl
ash+Animation&flash_width=300&flash_heigh
t=350&flash_file=elasticrebound

8. But what happens to people and things
on the Earth’s surface when an
earthquake occurs?
The huge jolt causes everything to move
and shake violently.

9. Ground shaking as the result of an
earthquakes can cause buildings, walls and
bridges to collapse.

11. Cracks in the earth can open up as the
result of an earthquake.

12. Rock slides and/or landslides on mountains and
hillsides. During an earthquake, large rocks and
portions of earth high up in the hills can become
dislodged and rapidly roll or slide down into the
valleys.

13. Tsunamis can occur.
A tsunami is a large
sea wave or series of
waves that is caused
by earthquakes and
can destroy towns
along the seashore.

14. In Texas, kids in school practice what to do if a
tornado were to strike.

15. In other parts of the world, kids have
earthquake drills.