Which statement correctly describes why earthquakes happen? (1 point)
Which statements where?
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The statement that correctly describes why earthquakes happen is as follows: Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, usually as a result of the movement of tectonic plates.
To determine the correct statement about why earthquakes happen, we need to understand the underlying cause of earthquakes. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of Earth's outer shell (lithosphere). These plates are constantly moving, although the pace is very gradual.
The correct statement regarding why earthquakes happen is:
"Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, caused by the movement and collision of tectonic plates."
To support this statement, we can refer to the theory of plate tectonics. This theory explains that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates are continuously moving due to convection currents in the mantle.
When two tectonic plates interact at their boundaries, several types of movements can occur. For instance, plates can collide in a convergent boundary, move apart in a divergent boundary, or slide past each other in a transform boundary. These interactions create stress and strain in the crust, causing rocks to deform and store energy.
When the accumulated stress exceeds the strength of rocks at a certain point along the fault line, the rocks suddenly fracture and release stored energy in the form of seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth, resulting in the shaking and vibrations that we experience as an earthquake.
Therefore, the correct statement about why earthquakes happen is that they occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, caused by the movement and collision of tectonic plates.