earthquake

Everyday

An earthquake is a sudden, violent shaking of the ground caused by movement of the rocks deep inside the Earth. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science, the Earth's crust is made of huge plates; when they slip past each other, the ground shakes. Earthquakes are common in places like California, Japan, New Zealand and around the Pacific "Ring of Fire". Their strength is measured on a scale; a big one can damage buildings and cause tsunamis. Safety: Drop, Cover and Hold On — get under a strong table, away from windows. Phrases: a strong earthquake, earthquake drill, aftershock, tremor.

Examples

• The earthquake shook the whole city. tree →
• During an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on. tree →
• New Zealand has many earthquakes. tree →
• Earthquakes happen where tectonic plates meet. tree →
• Some buildings are built to survive earthquakes. tree →
• An earthquake under the sea can cause a tsunami. tree →
• We practised an earthquake drill at school. tree →
• For many hours the king walked, and at length he reached a high rock, which was rent into two by a great earthquake. tree →

Note

"An earthquake", with "an" because it starts with a vowel sound. Small earthquakes are called tremors; ones that follow a big quake are aftershocks. After an earthquake near the coast, move to high ground in case of a tsunami. Running outside during shaking is dangerous because things fall.

In Jewish tradition

A shaking of the ground; in the Prophets it often comes with God's power or judgment.

Interpretation. On Mount Horeb Elijah finds that God is not in the earthquake but in the still small voice, which tradition reads as God working quietly rather than through force.

Examples

• and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (Prophets 1KI.19.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• There shall be a visitation from the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire. (Prophets ISA.29.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

"An earthquake", with "an" because it starts with a vowel sound. Small earthquakes are called tremors; ones that follow a big quake are aftershocks. After an earthquake near the coast, move to high ground in case of a tsunami. Running outside during shaking is dangerous because things fall.