Scientist believe that the earth's crust is made of 8-12 huge pieces called plates. These plates are made of rock. These plates are always moving. The earth is very restless, As the plates move, rocks, slide, crack and the pressure builds up. Rocks can be stretched and pushed out of shape. They may not move for years. A great deal of energy is stored. Finally, the rcks can no longer stand no more. They shake and rumble and causes and earthquake.

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