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  • Tectonic vs. Volcanic Earthquakes: Understanding the Difference
    Tectonic earthquakes are far more common than volcanic earthquakes.

    Tectonic earthquakes are caused by the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. These plates are constantly in motion, and when they collide, slide past each other, or pull apart, they can cause earthquakes. This type of earthquake accounts for the vast majority of seismic activity on Earth.

    Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's surface. As magma rises towards the surface, it can cause the ground to shake. These earthquakes are typically smaller and less frequent than tectonic earthquakes.

    Here's a comparison:

    | Feature | Tectonic Earthquakes | Volcanic Earthquakes |

    |---|---|---|

    | Cause | Plate movement | Magma movement |

    | Frequency | Very common | Less common |

    | Magnitude | Can range from small to very large | Generally smaller |

    | Location | Along plate boundaries | Near volcanoes |

    In summary:

    * Tectonic earthquakes are caused by plate movement and are the most common type of earthquake.

    * Volcanic earthquakes are caused by magma movement and are less common.

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