Question

questions 1 through 3 refer to the following. diagram of tectonic plates (plate 1, plate 2, plate 3) with labeled sites a, b, c, d
1 mark for review
at which of the following sites is an earthquake most likely to occur as two plates slide sideways past each other?
(a) a
(b) b
(c) c
(d) d

Explanation:

Earthquakes occur at plate boundaries, especially transform boundaries where plates slide sideways (strike - slip motion). Site A is at the boundary of Plate 1 and Plate 2, where the plates seem to have a sideways sliding motion (as per the arrows: Plate 1 moves right, Plate 2 has left - directed internal arrows, and at A, the boundary interaction is likely transform - like). Sites B, C, D are either not at such a sliding boundary (B is a dashed boundary, C is between Plate 2 and 3 with different motion, D is within Plate 1). So the most likely site for a sideways - sliding plate - boundary earthquake is A.

Answer:

A. A