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Humanities/Arts Exam  >  Humanities/Arts Questions  >  What is the primary cause of an earthquake?a)... Start Learning for Free
What is the primary cause of an earthquake?
  • a)
    Movement of tectonic plates
  • b)
    Release of energy along a fault line
  • c)
    Displacement of ocean water
  • d)
    Volcanic eruptions
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Verified Answer
What is the primary cause of an earthquake?a)Movement of tectonic plat...
Earthquakes are primarily caused by the release of energy along a fault line. This release of energy leads to the generation of seismic waves that travel through the Earth, resulting in the shaking of the ground. Fault lines are areas where rocks have broken and move against each other due to various forces within the Earth's crust. When the accumulated stress along a fault line overcomes the friction holding the rocks together, they suddenly move, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves that propagate in all directions, causing an earthquake.
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What is the primary cause of an earthquake?a)Movement of tectonic plat...
Release of energy along a fault line
An earthquake is primarily caused by the release of energy along a fault line. This energy release occurs due to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates.

Movement of tectonic plates
The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates are constantly moving due to the heat generated from the Earth's core. When these plates move past each other, they can get stuck at their edges due to friction.

Build-up of stress
As the plates continue to move, the stress at the edges where they are stuck increases. Eventually, the stress overcomes the friction, causing the plates to suddenly slip past each other. This sudden release of energy creates seismic waves that we feel as an earthquake.

Seismic waves
The seismic waves travel through the Earth's crust, causing the ground to shake. The intensity of the shaking depends on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake and the distance from the epicenter.

Impact
Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, leading to loss of life and property. They can also trigger other natural disasters such as tsunamis and landslides.
In conclusion, the primary cause of an earthquake is the release of energy along a fault line due to the movement of tectonic plates. Understanding this process is crucial for predicting and preparing for earthquakes to minimize their impact on human lives and infrastructure.
Community Answer
What is the primary cause of an earthquake?a)Movement of tectonic plat...
Release of energy is the primary reason
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What is the primary cause of an earthquake?a)Movement of tectonic platesb)Release of energy along a fault linec)Displacement of ocean waterd)Volcanic eruptionsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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