Understanding Earthquakes and Elastic Rebound Theory

What is the primary cause of earthquakes according to the elastic rebound theory?

• Tidal forces

• Volcanic eruptions

• Sudden release of stress in Earth's crust

• Atmospheric pressure changes

How do tectonic plates interact at fault zones?

• They slide past each other

• They move away from each other

• They collide head-on

• They remain stationary

What happens to rocks at fault zones before an earthquake occurs?

• They melt

• They deform and store energy

• They become magnetic

• They expand

What analogy is used to explain the elastic rebound theory?

• A bouncing ball

• A spinning top

• A stretched rubber band

• A swinging pendulum

How do scientists use elastic rebound theory to predict earthquakes?

• By analyzing historical data of fault zones

• By measuring atmospheric pressure

• By observing animal behavior

• By monitoring ocean currents