Types of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are classified into two types: tectonic and volcanic.
Tectonic Earthquake
An earthquake is referred to as tectonic earthquake if a sudden displacement of the earth’s crust occurs along a fault, or break in the rocks. The movement of the crust is the result of the rapid release of great amounts of energy from its source called the focus or hypocenter. This area may be as far as 700 km beneath the earth’s surface. The point on the surface directly above the focus is called the epicenter.

Volcanic Earthquake
Most earthquakes occur along faults. However, earthquakes may also occur in places where many active volcanoes are located, that is, along the margins of the deep ocean floors. When an earthquake originates from a volcanic activity, it is called volcanic earthquake.

Areas in the circum-Pacific belt or Ring of Fire, such as the Philippines, are more likely to experience shaking or sliding of the ground. In these areas, the Pacific Plate comes in contact with the boundaries of other plates. Many active volcanoes are located along the margins of deep floor oceans in the Ring of Fire, which makes these areas prone to earthquake.