A natural disaster caused by tectonic movements is an **earthquake**. Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in seismic waves. This energy release typically happens along fault lines, which are fractures in the Earth where tectonic plates interact. The severity of an earthquake can vary, measured on the Richter or moment magnitude scales, with effects ranging from minor tremors to catastrophic shaking that can lead to widespread destruction and loss of life. Earthquakes can also trigger secondary disasters, such as tsunamis and landslides.