How Do Earthquakes Affect the Biosphere?

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Effects of earthquakes on the biosphere include landslides, tsunamis and liquefying of soil. Earthquakes are thought to release methane gas from oceans into the atmosphere. Extremely strong earthquakes can affect the Earth’s rotation and change the shape of the planet.

The biosphere includes all the ecosystems and living creatures that make up the Earth. Biospheres are considered to be closed systems that regulate themselves.

Earthquakes occur when energy is suddenly released from below the Earth’s surface. The resulting seismic waves cause shaking that damages property and causes loss of life. When a large earthquake is centered in an ocean, it can cause changes in the seabed that trigger a tsunami. Earthquakes can also cause volcanic activity.