GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -What is a seismic gap? A segment of an active fault that is locked, building up stress. Why is a seismic gap cause for concern? It is continuously building up stress, when it releases a major earthquake could result.

Detailed explanation-2: -Seismic gaps-A seismic gap is a zone along a tectonically active area where no earthquakes have occurred recently, but it is known that elastic strain is building in the rocks. If a seismic gap can be identified, then it might be an area expected to have a large earthquake in the near future.

Detailed explanation-3: -A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults allow the blocks to move relative to each other. This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake-or may occur slowly, in the form of creep.

Detailed explanation-4: -Most natural earthquakes are caused by sudden slippage along a fault. Faults occur when brittle rocks fracture and there is displacement of one side of the fracture relative to the other side.