Question

What happens when when the stress and strain of elastic deformation along tectonic plates reaches the breaking point? Select one of the options below as your answer:

a. A volcano is created.
b. An earthquake occurs.
c. Both plates are uplifted.
d. A subduction zone forms

Answer 1

The correct answer is b. An earthquake occurs. Basically, the earth's crust can't deal with the stress and strain so an earthquake occurs. That's why earthquakes are common where tectonic plates are unstable like the pacific area and the Western part of US. Places like Japan and San Francisco are famous for having earthquakes.