[Buddha-l] Earthquake

[Ngawang Dorje]

Hi,

 "This great earth, Ananda, is established upon liquid, the liquid upon the 
atmosphere, and the atmosphere upon space. And when, Ananda, mighty atmospheric 
disturbances take place, the liquid is agitated. And with the agitation of the 
liquid, tremors of the earth arise. This is the first reason, the first cause 
for the arising of mighty earthquakes." (Digha Nikaya 16)

How do you understand this passage in light of science?

Thanks a lot,
Rahula