What is an interplate earthquake?

An interplate earthquake is characterized by occurring at the boundary between tectonic plates. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These tectonic plates are constantly moving due to the convection currents in the mantle, and when they interact at their boundaries—whether they are converging, diverging, or sliding past one another—stress builds up. This stress is eventually released in the form of seismic waves, resulting in an earthquake.

The locations of these earthquakes are typically at or near the plate boundaries, where geological activity is highest. This is in contrast to intraplate earthquakes, which occur within the interior of a tectonic plate, often away from any boundaries. Understanding the dynamics of plate boundaries is crucial for assessing the risks and mechanisms behind these earthquakes.

Other potential causes of seismic activity, such as human activities, and earthquakes that are isolated to specific regions, do not define the fundamental nature of interplate earthquakes, which are inherently linked to the geological processes at the boundaries of the tectonic plates.