What is the earthquake that results from the movement of plates?

All earthquakes are caused by the movements of plates (called tectonic plates). Sometimes two or more plates will get caught on each other while they are moving. When they stop being caught on each other, the resulting motion is what people call an earthquake. Some places (like the California area) more than others (most of the Midwest) are susceptible to frequent earthquakes.

*Fun Fact: more people are killed after the earthquake (by fire and ruptured gas lines) than from the actual earthquake! - "The Janus List," NUMB3RS