Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of built-up pressure along fault lines in the Earth's crust. They produce three main types of seismic waves - P waves, S waves, and surface waves - that radiate out from the earthquake's focal point or epicenter. P waves travel fastest while surface waves cause the most damage. Earthquake intensity is measured using the Richter scale, with quakes over 5.0 capable of damage. California experiences frequent quakes due to collisions between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.