You may not think earthquakes and volcanoes can go together, but they are unlikely friends, creating sensations under the earth’s surface. Most earthquakes occur because of the movement of tectonic plates previously described. Sometimes earthquakes happen below a volcano. This happens because magma, which is hot molten rock beneath the earth’s surface, pushes on rock until it breaks the rock and seeps into it. Then, the magma builds more pressure until it leaks more magma into the crack. Little earthquakes happen each time the rock breaks and lets in more magma. These little earthquakes are too small to feel. They are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground.

What does the analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" from the paragraph mean? The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.

The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.

Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.

When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.

3 answers

The analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" means that much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice. This comparison suggests that, similar to how background music can be a continuous and subtle presence, harmonic tremors occur continuously and might not be directly felt or noticed by people above ground.

The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.

The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.

Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.

When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.

The correct interpretation of the analogy is: Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.

This option captures the idea that harmonic tremors occur continuously and subtly, similar to background music that can be present without drawing attention. The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of the analogy.