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Frequency
Large earthquakes occur about once a year. Smaller earthquakes, such as magnitude 2 earthquakes, occur several hundred times a day.
Damage
The destruction an earthquake causes depends on its magnitude and duration, or the amount of shaking that occurs. The size varies from small shaking to large shocks felt over thousands of kilometers. Earthquakes can deform the ground, make buildings and other structures collapse, and create tsunamis (large sea waves). Lives may be lost in the resulting destruction.
Prediction
Scientists predict earthquakes by watching for lowering ground water levels, tilts, and bulges in the earth's surface. Changes in the velocity and propagation of P and S waves, increased concentration of rare gases in well water, changes in the earth's magnetic field, and geoelectric phenomena have all been considered.
Recommendations
If I had the choice between living near an earthquake or a volcano I'd live near a high volcano with gradually sloping sides. I would live hear because the lava won't flow as fast so you can pack your things and leave. It might even dry before it even reaches you. But on the other hand, earthquakes can occur in a split second without warning. So even though I'm doing the report on earthquakes, I'd still live next to a volcano.
Sources:
http://www.iris.edu/
http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu/ics/understanding/globe/globe.html
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