What is an earthquake and what causes an earthquake?
What is an earthquake and what causes an earthquake?
Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They don’t just slide smoothly; the rocks catch on each other.
How does earthquake occur with explanation?
An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane. Scientists can’t tell that an earthquake is a foreshock until the larger earthquake happens. The largest, main earthquake is called the mainshock.
How is elastic rebound related to earthquakes quizlet?
Elastic-rebound theory is the concept that earthquakes happen because stresses build up, causing rock to bend elastically until slip on a fault occurs. Stick-slip behavior describes when earthquakes occur due to slip on a preexisting fault.
What does the elastic rebound theory explain quizlet?
Elastic rebound theory. IT DESCRIBES THE BUILD UP AND RELEASE OF STRESS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE. Rocks on either side of a fault are locked in place by friction. Rocks will slowly deform over time. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rock, the rocks will fault.
What is the meaning of elastic rebound?
In geology, the elastic-rebound theory is an explanation for how energy is released during an earthquake. Then they separate with a rupture along the fault; the sudden movement releases accumulated energy, and the rocks snap back almost to their original shape.
What is released during an earthquake?
When an earthquake occurs, the elastic energy is released and sends out vibrations that travel in all directions throughout the Earth. These vibrations are called seismic waves. The point within the earth where the fault rupture starts is called the focus or hypocenter.
Which country is the most earthquake prone?
China