Earthquakes can simply be defined as a naturally induced shaking of the ground caused by the fracture and sliding of rock within the earth's crust. There are at least 6,000 earthquakes detected throughout the world each year. Many people have heard about or experienced first hand the effects that an earthquake can have. But many people don't understand what causes them and what exactly is happening during an earthquake. In the following paper I will be explaining the causes and effects of earthquakes. There are at least 6,000 earthquakes detected throughout the world each year. Of these 6,000 about 5,500 are either too small or too far away from populated areas to be felt. About 450 of t