Scientists Make Small Earthquakes in Switzerland

May 11, 2026, 06:51
EuropeScience

Introduction

Scientists from Zurich and Europe made small earthquakes under the ground. They want to learn how to keep people safe.

Main Body

The scientists worked in a tunnel deep under the mountains. They put a lot of water into the ground. This water moved the rocks and made small earthquakes. They made about 8,000 very small earthquakes. These earthquakes were not strong. People on the surface did not feel them. The scientists worked from a different city to stay safe. Some companies put water in the ground for work. Sometimes this causes big, dangerous earthquakes. The scientists want to stop this from happening. They want to make new safety rules.

Conclusion

The test worked well. The scientists have a lot of new information. They will do more tests in June.

Learning

πŸ” Focus: The 'Action' Words (Past Tense)

In this story, everything already happened. To tell a story about the past, we often add -ed to the end of the word.

How it works: Now β†’\rightarrow Worked \nNow\nNow \rightarrowMovedMoved Now β†’\rightarrow Worked

Examples from the text:

  • Worked (They did the job)
  • Moved (The rocks changed place)

πŸ’‘ Word Alert: 'Small' vs 'Big'

These are opposite words used to describe size.

  • Small β†’\rightarrow Not big (The earthquakes were tiny).
  • Big β†’\rightarrow Not small (Dangerous earthquakes are large).

πŸ›  Quick Pattern: "Want to" + Action

When you have a goal or a wish, use this pattern:

Want to β†’\rightarrow Learn (Their goal: knowledge) Want to β†’\rightarrow Stop (Their goal: safety) Want to β†’\rightarrow Make (Their goal: rules)

Vocabulary Learning

scientist
A person who studies science.
Example:The scientists studied how to make small earthquakes.
earthquake
A sudden shaking of the ground.
Example:The earthquake shook the building.
ground
The earth's surface.
Example:They put water into the ground.
water
A clear liquid that people drink.
Example:They added a lot of water to the tunnel.
rocks
Hard pieces of stone.
Example:The rocks moved when the water was added.
city
A large town where many people live.
Example:The scientists worked from a different city.
company
A business that makes or sells goods.
Example:Some companies put water in the ground.
dangerous
Able to cause harm or injury.
Example:These earthquakes can be dangerous.
stop
To bring to an end.
Example:The scientists want to stop this from happening.
rules
Guidelines that tell people what to do.
Example:They will make new safety rules.
test
An experiment to learn something.
Example:The test worked well.
information
Facts or knowledge about something.
Example:They have a lot of new information.
June
The sixth month of the year.
Example:They will do more tests in June.