EigoPro 2級 読解 — Understanding Earthquakes

Understanding Earthquakes To us, the ground beneath our feet feels perfectly solid and still. In reality, the surface of the Earth is broken into enormous pieces, called plates, that float on hot, soft rock far below. These plates are always moving, though usually far too slowly for us to notice. It is this slow, restless movement that lies behind one of nature's most frightening events: the earthquake. The plates do not slide past one another smoothly. Instead, their rough edges often lock together, while the rest of the plate keeps pushing. Pressure builds up over many years, like a spring being slowly squeezed. Finally, the rock can take no more, and the plates suddenly jerk into a new position. This sudden release of energy travels through the ground as waves, shaking everything on the surface. Most earthquakes happen near the edges of the plates, which is why some parts of the world experience them far more often than others. A large earthquake can be terribly destructive, especially in crowded cities. Falling buildings, fires, and giant ocean waves called tsunamis can take many lives in moments. Unlike storms, which can be seen coming, earthquakes still cannot be predicted with any accuracy. Scientists can say which areas are at risk over long periods, but they cannot yet warn people of the exact day or hour that an earthquake will strike. Because we cannot prevent or predict them, the best protection is preparation. In countries where earthquakes are common, buildings are now designed to sway gently rather than break, and children practise what to do when the ground starts to shake. Simple steps, such as keeping water and supplies ready at home, can save lives. We may never be able to control the restless Earth, but we can learn to live more safely upon it.

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