Earthquakes as Expressions of Tectonic Activity

Abstract

Earthquakes occur as the natural outcome of the processes that govern a dynamic planet, one that supports plate motions. The internal structure of the Earth that can sustain the convective -ow of the mantle and the presence of a strong, fractured outer shell, the lithosphere that can glide over the underlying asthenosphere are important components of the plate tectonic framework, and therefore, the global distribution of earthquakes. With an introduction to the ideas of plate tectonics and earthquake terminology, this article introduces the significance of the India-Eurasia plate boundary and its seismic productivity. The most active continent-continent collision boundary on the Earth defined by the Himalaya and the Andaman-Sumatra subduction zone are part of this plate boundary. Parts of the Indian continental interior regions are also noted for some destructive earthquakes. This article provides a brief overview of the background processes, terminology, and some highlights on Indian earthquakes studies, and points to academic opportunities in the area of earthquake studies.