| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Pacific Ring of Fire | A large area around the Pacific Ocean known for many earthquakes and volcanoes. |
| Tectonic Plates | Massive, slow-moving pieces of Earth’s outer crust that fit together like a puzzle and float on the hotter layer beneath them. |
| Domino Effect | A process where a single initial event triggers a chain reaction of similar events in nearby or connected systems. |
This week, a powerful earthquake shook Colombia, causing concern in Mexico. People worry that Mexico might be next because both countries are in the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is a huge area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanoes occur. However, scientists say the earthquake in Colombia does not mean Mexico will have one soon.
The Colombian earthquake had a magnitude, or strength, of 7.4 and was the strongest in the country this century. More than 200 people lost their lives. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered help to Colombia, saying she would send a team of rescuers and supplies if needed.
Why the earthquake in Colombia is not predictive
Earthquakes occur when massive slabs of Earth’s outer crust, called tectonic plates, slowly move past one another, lock together due to friction and then suddenly snap free.
Mexico and Colombia are on different tectonic plates. Colombia’s earthquake was mainly due to the Nazca and South American plates. On the other hand, Mexico’s earthquakes usually happen because of the Cocos Plate moving beneath the North American Plate. Scientists explain that even though earthquakes happen often in the Pacific Ring of Fire, they do not trigger a domino effect of quakes in nearby countries.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Pacific | Pacífico |
| Seismic | Sísmico |
| Plate | Placa |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think earthquakes happen more often in some areas than others?
- How can countries help each other after natural disasters like earthquakes?
- What are some ways people can stay safe during an earthquake?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Explain what the Pacific Ring of Fire is and why it is important.
- Describe how Mexico is helping Colombia after the earthquake.
