Answer:
b.slow deformation
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of deformation that is experienced by the rocks before an earthquake is a slow deformation. This slow deformation is due to some resistance to the slippage movement along the fault lines. This slippage movement is naturally occurring. The slow deformation starts to take place when their is resistance to this slippage movement and as a result of this resistance, elastic strain energy is created. This build up strain causes this slow deformation and eventually leads to an abrupt release of energy in the form of an earthquake.