What is one of the primary causes of damage from earthquakes?

Ground shaking and displacement are primary causes of damage from earthquakes due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, which generates seismic waves. These waves propagate through the ground and can cause the soil and rock to shake violently. This shaking can lead to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and even loss of life.

Additionally, ground displacement can occur when fault lines slip, which may further exacerbate the destruction of structures. The intensity of ground shaking is influenced by various factors, including the earthquake's magnitude, depth, distance from the epicenter, and the geological conditions of the area. This type of damage is the most direct consequence of seismic activity and is a fundamental consideration in engineering and construction practices in earthquake-prone regions.

The other options relate to factors that, while impactful on their own, do not directly arise from earthquake activity. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events pertain to climate change effects rather than seismic events. Increased urbanization may influence the overall risk to human life and property in the case of an earthquake but is not a cause of damage itself. Thus, the focus on ground shaking and displacement accurately identifies the immediate destructive impacts of an earthquake.