Large earthquakes are among the most energetic phenomena observed on Earth, surpassing the biggest nuclear explosions by orders of magnitude. The family of earthquakes is very diverse. It includes natural events that occur within seconds along the boundaries of tectonic plates, slow earthquakes that last for days or weeks, swarms of thousands of little earthquakes beneath volcanoes, and clusters of earthquakes induced by industrial activity. Though individual earthquakes cannot be predicted with current methods, long-term seismic hazard can be estimated in order to inform building codes and to prepare the population. Seismic waves emitted by earthquakes travel through the Earth, thereby acquiring information about its internal structure. Seismic tomography based on earthquake recordings draws the image of a very dynamic planet, featuring cold lithospheric slabs that descend deep into the mantle, and narrow plumes that transport hot material toward the surface.
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