Final answer:
The chances of an earthquake increase over time since the last one because built-up stress in the Earth's crust is not released, leading to a stronger earthquake. Structures with vast roofs are more susceptible due to resonance with earthquake frequencies. Wave interference also plays a role in the destruction pattern during earthquakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why the chances of an earthquake increase as time passes since the last earthquake is due to how stress accumulates along fault zones. The constant motion of tectonic plates causes stress to build up in the Earth's crust over time. This stress increases as it is not relieved by smaller movements, leading to a larger and more powerful release of energy when an earthquake does occur. As the time since the last earthquake lengthens, the stress and potential energy build, making a future earthquake more likely to happen and potentially more severe.
This principle also explains why certain structures, such as gymnasiums and churches with larger roofs, might fail more during an earthquake. Their large surface area resonates at the frequencies of earthquakes more easily compared to smaller residential homes, which can lead to more destruction. Additionally, the destructive effects of an earthquake can be influenced by constructive and destructive interference as seismic waves travel across the Earth's surface and interact with different geological features.