Why Do Earthquakes Happen?

Hope (age 11) asked,

“Why do earthquakes happen?”

Thanks for your question!

When God created the world about 6,000 years ago, there were no natural disasters like earthquakes. But after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, disasters entered the world.

The most catastrophic (ka-tuh-STRAW-fik, causing a lot of damage) disaster of all time was the global flood. The flood changed our planet forever. During the flood, the earth’s crust (its outer “skin”) was broken into seven giant pieces called tectonic (tek-TAH-nik) plates, as well as five to seven more minor plates. Originally, these 12–14 plates were connected into one large landmass (large body of land), or supercontinent.

The tectonic plates are not connected now, but they are close together. The edges that touch each other are called faults. The plates are always slowly moving, but sometimes the plates get stuck at the faults. Eventually, the tectonic plates break free from being stuck, and a lot of energy is released. That causes the earth to shake, creating an earthquake.

Earthquakes happen every day, but some of them are too deep within the earth or too weak for us to feel.

Because our world is no longer perfect, disasters like earthquakes will continue to happen until Jesus returns one day. But until that time comes, we can remember the promises in God’s Word: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!