Question

What happens to Earth’s plates during an earthquake?

A) Claim 1: Plates move, which can cause earthquakes.
B) Claim 2: Earthquakes cause the plates to move.

Why did you choose this claim? Explain why do you think this claim best describes what happens to Earth's plates during an earthquake.

Answer 1

A) Claim 1: Plates move, which can cause earthquakes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Plate Tectonic Theory proves the claim of plate move, causing earthquakes.

This theory states that the earth’s crust along with the uppermost mantle is formed of several thin but large surfaced rigid patch work of plate-like structures called tectonic plates.

There are about 15 large slabs on the earth’s outer surface and constitutes the lithosphere. Lithosphere of the earth is represented by the oceanic and continental crust layer and the uppermost mantle layer.

These plates move or slide relative with each other. These plates form divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries. Slips or faults along these boundaries forms subduction zones leading to great stress. This prevents normal gliding motion resulting in earthquakes.