Earthquakes occur when the earth's tectonic plates shift, bumping into one another and rubbing against up against the other plate's surface. As the bumping continues it causes shaking deep down in the planet's core, which results in seismic waves. As these waves come to the surface, people feel the strong effects of the original bumping. All this seismic activity causes pressure to build up and the release of this pressure becomes necessary for the overall survival of the planet at the core level.
Scientists and environmentalists benefit from the effects of earthquakes in numerous ways. Both during and after the event has occurred, they can watch, study, analyze and compare multiple aspects of the earthquake. All the plate shifting and resulting seismic waves offer an opportunity for individuals to learn what new elements lie beneath the original surface. By studying the dirt on the surface that is loosened as a result of the shaking, scientists can also learn about the planet's general history and predict future activity.
Literally scientifically labeled as a "constructive force," earthquakes are given that title due to their influence in enabling new land to appear and evolve. As pressure builds, forcing extensive shaking and creating a pattern of seismic waves, the earth's surface opens up and land previously located beneath the surface gets pushed out and to the top. This new land offers a variety of research opportunities to scientists and environmentalists.
The reality of earthquakes requires engineers, land developers and construction teams to constantly be looking for ways to improve the construction of buildings. New materials that are sturdier and offer better support are continuously being introduced into the marketplace. The invention, assembly and distribution of these materials employs thousands of people. Once a construction company lands a contract, the general contractor and his workers also benefit from the new materials as they enjoy daily employment until the job is completed.