Earthquake Mechanics

Earthquakes occur when stress builds up between tectonic plates, leading to a sudden release of energy at a fault. This process generates seismic waves that radiate outward, causing tremors felt far beyond the epicenter. After an initial quake, aftershocks may follow as the crust adjusts to a new equilibrium. The elastic rebound theory explains how different types of stress—compression, tension, and shear—contribute to the formation of these geological events.