Question

Ring of Fire Quick Check
Which statement correctly describes why earthquakes happen? (1 point)

Answer 1

Earthquakes happen primarily due to the movement of tectonic plates. As these plates move, they can collide, pull apart, or slide past each other, creating stress along faults in the Earth's crust. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it results in a sudden release of energy, causing vibrations that we feel as earthquakes. This is particularly common in regions like the Ring of Fire, where many tectonic plates meet and interact.