chapter 8: section 8.1 what is an earthquake?

seismic wave

energy that radiates in all directions from the earthquake origin

elastic rebound

hypothesis states that when rocks are deformed, they bend and then break, releasing stored energy

San Andreas Fault

is one of the most studied fault systems in the world

fault

large fracture in earth's crust and mantle

focus

location inside earth where energy is released in an earthquake

what causes most earthquakes?

rapid release of elastic energy stored in rocks that have been subjected to great forces

what is fault creep?

slow, gradual, smooth fault movement

epicenter

spot on the surface of earth directly above focus

earthquake

vibration of earth due to release of pressure