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Earthquakes are tremors or vibrations in the Earth's crust that are caused by the build up or accumulation of pressure (more correctly termed stress).
This accumulation of stress causes the rocks that make up the crust to deform elastically. This is very similar to what happens when you squash or stretch a spring and causes a form of energy to be stored in the rocks of the crust - technically described as elastic potential energy.
When this stress gets to large, it exceeds the strength of the rocks in the crust and causes a brittle failure. Brittle failures are failures where fractures form through the material.
This sudden brittle failure causes all of the elastic potential energy to be released at one time in the form of seismic waves, just as if a spring or elastic band that was being stretched suddenly snapped.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIt would be Tectonic theory, although I don't think that it is a theory any more, meaning that it is not disputed, so it is just Tectonics.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe elastic rebound theory and the theory of plate tectonics.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agothe elastic-rebound theory
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoplate tectonics
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoReid Elastic Rebound theory
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What theory explains the movement of pieces of earths surface?
theory of plate tectonics
What does the theory of plate tectonics help explain?
The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain how earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Theory which explains volcanic and earthquake activity in terms of plate movements?
Plate tectonics explain earthquakes and volcanoes so does the theory of continental drift.
What theory makes the occurrence of Pangaea possible?
The theory of continental drift.
Which theory best explains how you perceive low pitched sounds?
place theory
What is the theory that explains why you have earthquakes?
Due to the disturbances in tectonic plates
What theory explains how rocks in the earth store energy and release it to cause earthquakes?
The theory of plate tectonics
What explains the theory of plate tectonics?
the theory explains how Earth's plates form and move. it also explains how plates interact ,producing volcanoes,mountain range ,earthquakes,and featurs of the ocean floor
What theory explains the movement of pieces of earths surface?
theory of plate tectonics
What does the theory of plate tectonics help explain?
The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain how earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Theory which explains volcanic and earthquake activity in terms of plate movements?
Plate tectonics explain earthquakes and volcanoes so does the theory of continental drift.
What is Chromosomal Theory?
DNA is stored on chromosomes, and chromosomes are passed through generations.
What was the purpose of Romanias theory on earthquakes?
Romania hasn't a special theory on earthquakes.
Do mountains prevent earthquake shocks?
Mountains do not prevent earthquakes, in fact mountains were created by the occurrence of earthquakes.
Is an earthquake a natural occurrence?
Yes, earthquakes are naturally occurring.
How does ring of fire related to frequent occurrence of earthquakes?
i dont no the answer..!
Is England far away from Earthquakes?
Although England is not a hot spot for earthquakes, there could possibly be the occurrence of one there.
