Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural hazards. There are around 100 earthquakes each year of a size that could cause serious damage.

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves. The seismograph records the seismic waves generated by earthquakes, allowing the seismologist to determine where, and how deep, a particular earthquake is. Also, the seismic waves from earthquakes can be used to image the deep interior of the Earth, providing vital clues to the internal structure of our planet.

Movements within the Earth’s crust cause stress to build up at points of weakness, and rocks to deform. When the stress finally exceeds the strength of the rock, the rock fractures along a fault, often at a zone of existing weakness within the rock. The stored energy is suddenly released as an earthquake.