688
QuizMultiple Choice

Cumulative Exam — Cumulative exam

Question 688 • Career Explorations A

Which statement describes earthquakes?

Answer
A
They release energy.
B
They are caused by reduced stress in rocks.
C
They begin at the epicenter.
D
They result from movement on Earth’s surface.

Explanation

Earthquakes occur when rocks suddenly slip or break, releasing energy that travels through Earth as seismic waves. They begin below the surface at the focus, not at the epicenter, which is the point directly above the focus. The slip happens along a fault underground, and stress builds up before the earthquake rather than being its cause as a reduction in stress.

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