Briefly explain elastic rebound theory


Elastic rebound theory explains how energy is released during earthquakes. For example, rocks on opposite sides of an active fault can store energy for long periods of time and begin to bend slightly. Eventually, the strength of the rocks will be exceeded and the rocks will fracture. After fracturing, the rocks on both sides of the fault rebound and "snap back" to their former undeformed shape. The energy stored was released as earthquake waves radiating outward from the break.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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