The higher the number on the Richter Scale, the more intense the earthquake is. Small earthquakes occur frequently but are not felt by citizens. A Seismograph is an instrument that detects earthquakes. A Seismometer is the buried sensor of the seismograph. Earthquakes are pinpointed by using a process known as Triangulation.
Earthquakes can cause a tsunami.
Earthquakes may cause fissures of cracks in the Earth's surface. More damage is caused from earthquakes in larger cities. Earthquakes can rupture gas, water, and sewage lines causing fires, flooding, and contamination of water supplies. Every state in the United States in vulnerable to having an Earthquake. Earthquakes usually last less than a minute.