Earthquakes: Why are they dangerous?

(KSLA) - There is no exact science to predicting earthquakes. What we can study is where tectonic plates are located on the Earth's surface.

Tectonic plates are different rocky layers around the world.

When the plates collide or slip past each other, it starts to cause friction. Once there is enough friction, a rock will eventually break. This is what causes an earthquake.

The hypocenter is then created within the Earth's surface. The corresponding point at the surface is where the epicenter of the earthquake is.

An earthquake recently formed 120 miles outside of New Orleans, in the Gulf of Mexico. This was considered a light quake by the National Weather Surface.

A more major earthquake struck in Hawaii with a magnitude of 6.9. That earthquake was felt all over the island and created instability, which then caused a very active volcano to erupt.

Earthquakes themselves can be quite destructive. But when one causes a chain reaction, it can be deadly for the people who live in the area.

After the Hawaiian volcano erupted, seismic activity continued in the area, triggering more earthquakes.

To stay safe during one of these events, you should go into an area of your home where nothing is likely to fall on you.

Once you feel shaking, you should take cover and hold on until the earthquake is over.

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