When some plates(板块)of the Earth move suddenly, an earthquake happens. Many earthquakes begin under the sea. Earthquakes may happen anywhere on the Earth. They often happen near the mountains.

    During an earthquake, the shakings make rocks rise suddenly and even crack(断裂) open. Houses fall down. People are killed or hurt, and sometimes the whole villages or cities aredestroyed.

    Can we do something to keep ourselves safe from earthquakes? Scientists have studied earthquakes and made maps that show the “earthquake belt（带）”. In area of these belts, it's possible for earthquakes to happen. In these areas we should build strong houses to fight against earthquakes.

    In the future, Scientists will be able to tell when and where an earthquake will attack before it happens. They can also tell people what to do and how to deal with it.