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The tectonic plates are sitting on molten lava. Due to convection currents the plates are moved around and can crash into each other causing earthquakes.

Convection currents occur because of the core. The core of the earth is really hot. Therefore, it heats the molten rock near it and this rises. As it gets to the top it cools down and therefore sinks. This creates a circular current.

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13y ago
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6mo ago

When tectonic plates collide, the immense pressure and stress build up along the plate boundaries until they suddenly give way, causing an earthquake. This release of stored energy in the form of seismic waves is what we feel as the ground shaking during an earthquake.

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Q: Why do the tectonic plates collide that causes an earthquake?
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Related questions

What really causes an earthquake?

When tectonic plates collide an Earthquake is created.


When tectonic plates collide?

When tectonic plated collide they create an earthquake. It happens by them colliding and shaking each other forming a big movement.


What is the main reason for an earthquake?

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust. When these plates shift or collide, it creates seismic waves that result in an earthquake. This movement can release energy that causes the ground to shake.


What is the major thing that causes earthquake?

tectonic plates


What will happened if tectonic plates separate?

causes of earthquake


What it is call when Tectonic plates collide?

convergence


What is plates when there is an earthquake?

Tectonic plates influence earthquakes because of convection cells that move the plates around. When the plates collide, they cause a shockwave of energy released in the form of a earthquake.


When 2 slabs of rock collide what happens?

An earthquake . . . the tectonic plates are slabs of rock and when thy shift, it creates an earthquake.


What causes colliding plates?

tectonic movement can cause tectonic plates to collide, drift apart, or slide across one another


What were the causes of earthquake?

The plates under the Earth's surface collide together:)


How does the structure of the earth's surface result in an earthquake?

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of built-up energy in the Earth's lithosphere, which consists of tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When these plates shift or collide, stress and pressure build up, leading to a sudden release of energy in the form of seismic waves. This release of energy causes the ground to shake, resulting in an earthquake.


Where is an earthquake formed?

Question worded a little funny though. But they can be formed anywhere, and are caused by the tectonic plates, whenever they collide, wherever they collide.