Question

which statement describes earthquakes? they release energy. they are caused by reduced stress in rocks. they begin at the epicenter. they result from movement on earths surface.

Explanation:

• Earthquakes occur when built-up stress in subsurface rocks is released, generating seismic energy.
• They start at the hypocenter (not epicenter, which is the surface point above the hypocenter).
• They are caused by increased (not reduced) stress in rocks that leads to fault rupture.
• They originate from subsurface rock movement, not just surface movement.

Answer:

A. They release energy.