Final answer:
A locked fault builds up stress over time and releases it suddenly in an earthquake, unlike a creeping fault, which moves steadily and doesn't accumulate large amounts of stress. San Andreas Fault demonstrates both behaviors in different segments. Understanding fault types and movements is vital for earthquake prediction and preparedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
A locked fault is a fault that does not exhibit significant movement over a period due to frictional resistance; it accumulates stress until it's suddenly released in an earthquake. In contrast, a creeping fault slowly and steadily slips over time, relieving stress without causing violent earthquakes. The differences between these fault types can be illustrated by the San Andreas Fault, where some segments are locked and build up stress over time, such as the region near Los Angeles, while other segments, like near Parkfield, show creeping movement.
Strike-slip faults, normal faults, reverse faults, and thrust faults are various types of faults based on their movement and orientation. Strike-slip faults have horizontal displacement. Normal faults occur during crustal extension with the hanging wall moving down, while reverse and thrust faults form during compression with the hanging wall moving up. Thrust faults have a gentler dip and involve the allochthonous block being thrust over the autochthonous block. Measurements of fault motion and stress release are crucial for understanding earthquake risks.