Earthquakes occur nearly every day in Washington. Most are too small to be felt or cause damage. However, the state has the second-highest risk in the U.S. of having large and damaging ones because of its geologic setting.

Large earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, bridges, utilities and more. Read more below to learn about how and where earthquakes occur, how to be prepared for one, and what scientists are doing to study them.

Three things to do during an earthquake
What is earthquake insurance and do you need it?
Earthquakes by the numbers: What does magnitude mean?
Earthquake safety: Preparing for 'The Big One'