Geography: Faults and Rock Displacement

What occurs along a fault when there is a displacement of one side relative to the other?

Breaks in rock

What is the result of stress on existing faults?

Slipping along old faults

What type of movement occurs along faults when it happens gradually and relatively smoothly?

Creep

What is the primary cause of new faults or breaks in rock?

Stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between stress and faults?

Stress can cause new faults or slipping along old faults Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when there is a sudden displacement and associated stress release during an earthquake?

The rock snap back elastically to their previous dimensions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the behavior of rocks during an earthquake where they snap back to their previous dimensions?

Elastic rebound Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the sudden displacement and associated stress release during an earthquake?

Elastic rebound of the rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying mechanism that allows rocks to snap back to their previous dimensions during an earthquake?

Elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of an earthquake, including the sudden displacement and associated stress release?

Seismic slip Signup and view all the answers

What is creep, also known as aseismic slip, characterized by?

Fault displacement without significant earthquake activity Signup and view all the answers

What prevents rocks from slipping easily along a fault?

Friction between rocks on either side of a fault Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the stress on a rock exceeds its rupture strength?

A sudden movement occurs to release the stress Signup and view all the answers

What happens when rocks under stress are not already fractured?

Elastic deformation will occur before failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of sudden movement along a fault?

Release of stress on the rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of sizes of faults?

From microscopic to thousands of kilometers long Signup and view all the answers

How do the sizes of earthquakes vary?

They range from barely detectable to massively destructive Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the detection of small earthquakes?

They can only be detected by very sensitive instruments Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential impact of a large earthquake?

It can level cities and cause widespread destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic shared by faults and earthquakes?

They come in a wide range of sizes Signup and view all the answers