Earthquakes are tremors in the ground caused by the sudden release of tension. This tension has built up in the crust of the earth over a long period of time and is caused by the constant movement of tectonic plates. In addition to tectonic processes, earthquakes can also be triggered by volcanoes or human activities (e.g., mining).
Earthquakes can have catastrophic consequences, with the extent depending on the magnitude and depth of the earthquake, the proximity to the epicenter, and the soil condition. In addition to damage to infrastructure and buildings, there is also a risk of personal injury and damage to property due to the effects of the tremors. Earthquakes can also trigger tsunamis and landslides, for example.
K.A.R.L.® uses publicly available earthquake catalogs to analyze the earthquake risk. To estimate local intensities, we also use a digital elevation model.