Question

Because plates are constantly moving, they are always stressed. When this stress builds to the

maximum or static stress value for a particular fault, then slip will occur. Once movement on
the fault has been initiated what happens to the stress, i.e., does it fall or rise?

Answer 1

Once movement on a fault has been initiated, the stress falls because the accumulated strain has been released.

Step-by-step explanation:

When stress builds up along a fault line due to tectonic forces, it can eventually reach a point where the fault slips and movement occurs. This slip releases the accumulated strain and reduces the stress on the fault. This is because the movement on the fault redistributes the stress and strain energy that had been building up, causing the stress to decrease.

Think of it like a rubber band that is being stretched. As the rubber band is stretched more and more, the stress on it increases. But once you release the tension by letting go of one end, the stress on the rubber band decreases. Similarly, when a fault slips, the accumulated strain is released, resulting in a reduction in stress.

This phenomenon is important in understanding how earthquakes occur. The buildup and release of stress along faults are what ultimately lead to seismic activity. It is through the movement and release of strain energy that earthquakes are generated. So, once movement on a fault is initiated and strain is released, the stress on the fault falls.