Question

Applying ideas in earthquakes that cause the most damage, at what depth would movement along a fault most likely occur?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Earthquakes occur at various depths and also, the depth at which earthquakes occur determines it's severity. Earthquakes can occur at a range of about 800 km which is approximately 500 miles. This can be in the crust or upper mantle.

Movement along a fault is most likely to occur at shallow depths, the strength of this movement diminishes with increasing depth.

Research has however shown that movement along a fault is most likely to occur at a depth less than 70 km, this is because over 90% of earthquakes occur at depth less than 70 km.

Answer 2

About 90% of all earthquakes have depths < 100 km. Earthquakes can be grouped into three categories based on the depth of their foci:

Shallow focus - Foci are less than 70 km depth. Most destructive earthquakes.
Intermediate focus - Foci are between 70 and 300 km depth.
Deep focus - Foci are greater than 300 km.