Elastic Rebound Theory

The video explains how stress builds up in Earth's crust and is released as earthquakes, using the elastic rebound theory. This theory describes how energy is stored in rocks and released, causing ground movement. Earth's crust consists of plates that slide past each other, creating friction and stress. When the stress exceeds the rocks' capacity, energy is released as seismic waves. The San Andreas Fault is highlighted as a case study, showing how accumulated strain can predict future earthquakes.

What is the primary cause of earthquakes according to the elastic rebound theory?

• Tidal forces

• Sudden release of stress in Earth's crust

• Volcanic eruptions

• Atmospheric pressure changes

How do tectonic plates interact at fault zones?

• They dissolve into the mantle

• They merge to form larger plates

• They grind against each other, causing deformation

• They move freely without any resistance

What analogy is used to describe the buildup and release of stress in rocks?

• A spinning top

• A boiling pot

• A stretched rubber band

• A flowing river

What happens to rocks when the stress exceeds their capacity?

• They become magnetic

• They melt

• They expand slowly

• They release stored energy suddenly

How does elastic rebound theory assist scientists in earthquake prediction?

• By providing a model to forecast earthquake probability and severity

• By preventing earthquakes from occurring

• By eliminating the need for historical data

• By predicting the exact time of an earthquake