When an earthquake occurs, what happens exactly?

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the earth which is caused when the two blocks of rocks or two plates are rubbing against each other or strikes one another in the interior of the earth. It results from the sudden release of energy in the earth’s lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

Due to the striking of the plates trembling is caused on the surface of the earth. Exactly when an earthquake strikes, at the earth’s surface earthquakes manifest themselves by shaking and displacing or disrupting the ground.

When the epicenter of the earthquake is located in the sea, the seabed may be displaced sufficiently to cause a tsunami.