Which of the following is TRUE about earthquakes? Select one: Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can only be felt near the epicenter of the quake. Earthquakes can be accurately predicted with scientific monitoring. Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can be felt over large areas. Earthquakes occur randomly all over the planet, so it is impossible to determine where earthquake risk is high
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth’s surface, called fault lines, and can be felt over large areas.
Explanation:
Earthquakes are natural phenomena caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, resulting in seismic waves that cause the ground to shake. This energy release usually occurs along fault lines, which are fractures in the Earth’s crust where tectonic plates meet and move against each other. These faults can be found on land or beneath the ocean and are often associated with plate boundaries.
One of the most well-known fault lines is the San Andreas Fault in California, where the Pacific and North American plates slide past each other. Earthquakes typically occur when stress builds up along these faults due to tectonic movement, and eventually the stress becomes too great, causing the rocks to break and release energy.
While the epicenter—the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the earthquake starts—experiences the strongest shaking, the effects of an earthquake can be felt hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away, depending on the magnitude and depth of the quake. For example, large earthquakes can cause buildings to sway, landslides, and even tsunamis far from the original source.
Contrary to popular belief, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted in terms of the exact time and location they will occur. Scientists can identify areas of high seismic risk based on historical data and geological studies, but precise prediction is not currently possible. However, early warning systems can provide a few seconds to minutes of alert before shaking begins, allowing people to take protective action.
It is also incorrect to say that earthquakes happen randomly all over the planet. They are more common in certain regions, particularly around the edges of tectonic plates, such as the “Ring of Fire” around the Pacific Ocean, which is known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
In conclusion, earthquakes occur along fault lines and can affect large geographic areas, not just the immediate vicinity of the epicenter
