Earthquakes, especially when severe, are some of the most potent and destructive phenomena found on our planet. Caused by the abrupt release of strain that has accumulated over a period of time along a fault in the interior of the Earth, earthquakes and their aftereffects can have devastating consequences, causing extensive damage and leading to massive loss of life. Throughout human history, earthquakes have had huge societal and economic impacts. As such, and also due to their ever-present nature and unpredictability, earthquakes continue to be studied and feared. This Spotlight feature seeks to provide factual information about the physical aspects of earthquakes as well as to highlight engineering and seismic risk investigations that can be used to limit or prevent their calamitous effects.
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