GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Earthquakes originate in Benioff zones, zones that slope downward from the trenches and under the overlying rocks at 30 to 60 degrees. Benioff zones are closely associated with the subduction of a crustal plate below an adjacent plate.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most earthquakes occur at fault zones, where tectonic plates-giant rock slabs that make up the Earth’s upper layer-collide or slide against each other. These impacts are usually gradual and unnoticeable on the surface; however, immense stress can build up between plates.

Detailed explanation-3: -Earthquakes occur along faults, which are fractures between blocks of rock that allow the blocks to move relative to one another. Faults are caused by the bumping and sliding that plates do and are more common near the edges of the plates.

Detailed explanation-4: -Convergent plate boundaries with subduction zones create a particular type of “reverse” fault called a megathrust fault. Megathrust faults cause the most significant magnitude earthquakes and commonly cause tsunamis.