Global earthquakes map. World map showing the location of earthquakes (red dots) around the world. The earthquakes are concentrated along the boundaries (yellow lines) of the tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust. The continents (black), oceans (blue) and continental shelves (light blue) are also shown. Tectonic plates move over the molten rock below them, colliding with and moving past, under and over each other. Immense pressures can build up, which are released during an earthquake.