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Scientists sometimes compare the earth to a living organism and earthquakes to the planet's growing pains. While earth's inhabitants like to feel that they are always on solid ground, sometimes the earth awakens to let us know exactly where we stand!

Around the world earthquakes are constant, but only occasionally are they forceful enough to make themselves felt on the surface.

Earthquakes happen when the earth's crust - made up of tectonic plates - shift enough to cause the ground to rock 'n roll in seismic waves. Depending on their strength, they may occur unnoticed or at other times result in catastrophic damage. The San Francisco earthquake, for example, was the most destructive in U.S. history and caused the deaths of some 3,000 people and $400 million in damages in 1906.

When they erupt offshore, earthquakes may also cause the ocean to violently sway and pitch, resulting in the massive Indian Ocean tsunami that decimated entire communities in 2004.

Around the Web, find out more at top sites offering kids resources, photos & images, information on plate tectonics and measuring earthquakes, along with more on thier ground shaking causes and effects ...

Earthquakes - Online publication from the U.S. Geological Survey covering where and how earthquakes happen, famous earthquakes occurences and historical data, plate tectonics and earthquake measurement & predictions, related illustrations & photos.

SF Gate: Earthquakes - Extensive guide from the San Francisco Chronicle with safety and preparedness advice, retrofitting tips for those in earthqauke-prone areas, earthquake photos, videos, seisomograph images, charts & maps, and a complete history of the 1906 quake with related resources.

Savage Earth: Restless Planet - Earthquakes - Companion site to the PBS special including photos & animations, facts on quake predictions, guides to building earthquake-proof buildings, and more on the effects of volcanoes and tsunamis.

What causes an earthquake? - Good factsheet on the topic with a discussion on earthquake terminology, plate tectonics, seismic shockwaves, and a comparison between tectonic and volcanic earthquakes.

Earthquake Country - The complete handbook to earthquake safety with related facts, Q&A, photos & educational videos.

Earthquakes for Kids - Fascinating and entertaining look at the power of nature with related photos, science fair project ideas, cool earthquake facts, animations and interactive games & puzzles with related resources.

Understanding Earthquakes - Fun facts and interesting history on display in Java animations and illustrations, with an interactive quiz and related resources.

also see -> Earthquake Insurance | US Earthquake History