Almost 98% of earthquakes occur at the boundary of tectonic plates when they slide against one another. Despite this, Indiana still has seismic zones that experience increased seismic activity. This is particularly heavy in the Wabash Valley Fault zone in the southwest corner of the state. How do you explain how seismic activity is felt in this area?

Question

Responses

A The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is part of the Pacific plate boundary.The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is part of the Pacific plate boundary.

B The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is close to the center of the North American Plate which is where the majority of earthquakes occur.The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is close to the center of the North American Plate which is where the majority of earthquakes occur.

C The Wabash Valley Fault zone is an interplate seismic zone, meaning that it lies directly on the boundary of a major tectonic plate.The Wabash Valley Fault zone is an interplate seismic zone, meaning that it lies directly on the boundary of a major tectonic plate.

D The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is an intraplate seismic zone which means that seismic activity is felt on the interior of a major tectonic plate.

Answer 1

The correct explanation for the seismic activity experienced in the Wabash Valley Fault Zone is:

D The Wabash Valley Fault Zone is an intraplate seismic zone, which means that seismic activity is felt on the interior of a major tectonic plate.

This explanation accurately describes how seismic activity can occur within the interior of tectonic plates, rather than solely at their boundaries.