Earthquake Causes: The point below the surface of the earth where rocks break due to tension is called the epicentre or hypocentre of the earthquake. This is where energy comes out in the form of waves. Due to which earthquake tremors are felt.

Earthquake in India: Earthquake struck Delhi-NCR once again and shook the earth once again. The intensity of this earthquake that struck early Monday morning was measured at 4.0 on the Richter scale, the epicenter of which was at a depth of 5 kilometers near Delhi. Due to the strong tremors, people came out of their homes in fear. However, no major damage has been reported. But have you ever wondered why earthquakes occur repeatedly? Let us know the scientific reason behind this and also know about the most earthquake-prone areas in India.

Causes of earthquakes

Actually, the main cause of earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates. The earth rests on 12 tectonic plates which keep moving at a slow speed. When these plates collide or slip, energy is released which causes earthquake tremors. According to scientists, these plates change their position by about 4 to 5 millimeters every year. Sometimes they get stuck after colliding and when the energy is suddenly released, an earthquake occurs.

Earthquake areas in India

Most of the earthquakes in the world occur in the 'Ring of Fire' region. This includes Indonesia, Japan, and some parts of America. In India too, the incidence of earthquakes has increased in recent years. On the basis of this danger, India has been divided into seismic zones.

Classification of seismic zones in India:

India is divided into 5 zones according to seismic risk:

Zone-5 is most dangerous: It includes Northeast India, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kutch region of Gujarat, North Bihar and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Earthquakes keep happening here frequently.

Zone-4 High Risk: Rest of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Sikkim, northern parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra.

Zone-3 Moderate Risk: It includes Kerala, Bihar, Western Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Zone-2: Low risk:

It includes Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Haryana.

Zone-1 Minimal Risk: It includes western Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, eastern Maharashtra and parts of Odisha.

What is the epicentre of an earthquake?

The point beneath the surface of the earth where rocks break due to tension is called the epicentre or hypocentre. This is where energy comes out in the form of waves. This causes earthquake tremors.

Earthquake situation in Delhi-NCR

In recent years, earthquake tremors have been felt frequently in Delhi-NCR. Experts believe that this is a matter of concern and continuous research is being done on it. Scientists are also studying wheter the movement of tectonic plates is affected by any external activity.