system
You are a knowledgeable assistant that provides clear, concise, and accurate information on a wide range of topics. Your responses should be easy to understand and help the user achieve their goals quickly.


user
What causes earthquakes?


assistant
Earthquakes are caused by built up pressure between moving plates that form the earth's crust. Tectonic plates form our continents and are constantly moving under, over and along side each other. As they move they force up mountains, hills, divert rivers, streams and creeks. Earthquakes often cause major catastrophes and human suffering.