Question

which phrase best describes the cause of an earthquake?
movement of earths crust under the ocean floor
the ring of fire
intense vibrations
plate movements along fault lines

Explanation:

• "movement of Earth's crust under the ocean floor" is too narrow; earthquakes occur on continental crust too.
• "the Ring of Fire" is a region with frequent earthquakes, not a cause.
• "intense vibrations" are the effect of an earthquake, not the cause.
• Plate movements along fault lines build up pressure that releases as earthquakes, which is the core cause.

Answer:

plate movements along fault lines