Question

Constraining bends in large strike-slip faults commonly "lock up"; thus, movements there tend to be _______.

a) Frequent and gradual
b) Rare and sudden
c) Vertical and thrust
d) Horizontal and slow

Answer 1

Constraining bends in large strike-slip faults commonly "lock up" and movements there tend to be b. rare and sudden.

Step-by-step explanation:

Large strike-slip faults commonly "lock up" in constraining bends, resulting in movements that are b. rare and sudden.

The creeping motion of the plates against each other builds up stresses in the crust that are released in sudden, violent slippages that generate earthquakes. The longer the interval between earthquakes, the greater the stress and the more energy released when the surface finally moves.