How do faults create earthquakes?
Quick Answer
Stress builds up as rocks on either side of a fault are locked together. When the rocks suddenly slip, the stored energy is released as seismic waves.
The Full Story
Faults are fractures in Earth’s crust where blocks of rock move relative to each other. Tectonic forces slowly load the fault with stress, but friction can keep it locked for years or centuries. When the stress exceeds the strength of the fault zone, the rocks slip abruptly in an earthquake. The rupture starts at a focus below ground and radiates seismic waves that shake the surface. This elastic rebound model, developed from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, remains a cornerstone of earthquake science.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"A fault can stay locked for decades—then slip in seconds."
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